This week I conducted an interview with my boyfriend using questions I will ask for potential users for the application in my case study. In the future I think I should find someone with a less personal relationship to collect better and more unbiased data. Although I think practicing with someone you are close to helps troubleshoot some issues that may come up when conducting interviews with more general candidates. Somethings that I learned were to be clear in my questioning, I had to rephrase to get the best information and the data I was looking for. When interviewing strangers, I worry that I will come off as invasive but I guess if they are willing volunteer this shouldn’t be a concern. Another thought I have is that to collect the best data, you need a large pool of users but to gain such a base one must have incentive. I see a lot of posts on social-media or through listservs requesting survey completion or participation in a research interview however usually these posts are accompanied by some sort of compensation — usually a giftcard for a nominal fee. Though I am sure some kind strangers would provide their insight out of the kindness of their heart, I am still brainstorming ways to fuel engagement in my research towards my case study from people outside of my inner-circle. Anyway, here is the transcript of my interview:

1. Can you describe your current method of managing tasks and to-do lists?

Depending on the tasks, and the time of day, I approach task management differently. One element I do keep consistent is to not make an extremely a long list of tasks to complete in one day. Some days are just very busy, of course, and even if the project requires extensive time and effort— I do my best to not overwhelm myself, and so far, it’s worked for me.

2. What are the biggest challenges you face when it comes to task management?

The early planning stages. Recognizing what you must accomplish can be thrilling sometimes but, when I see a list of responsibilities anxiety usually follows. However, once you start, you don’t want to stop! I think the initial uncomforting feeling, actual helps me feel more rewarded in the end.

3. How do you prioritize tasks in your daily or weekly routine?

4. If I have a schedule of tasks to complete that all have a similar deadline; I prefer to do easier tasks first. Most people would disagree but! This method allows me to think about the more “difficult tasks” longer and how I intend on approaching them so, when its time to complete one for example, I confident in my ability to succeed.

4. Do you work individually or as part of a team? How do you currently collaborate on tasks with others?

I like to collaborate with others if it feels productive. Otherwise, often too many conflicting ideas, opinions, and egos can ruin the project. If everyone has a specific role on the team then it can be fun to connect, but ideally working alone and then presenting my work to a team is my favorite way of working with people; especially in creative environments.

5. What features do you consider essential in a task management application?

Accessibility and simplicity. The iPhone, for example, became very popular because of its simplicity. Of course, it still was efficient and original in design, but great applications sometimes try to be too complex, and it hurts user’s the experience. If a child and an older woman can feel a similar amount of comfort using an application, than shows its universal, which in turn, will most likely lead to great success.

6. How important is it for you to have reminders and notifications for upcoming tasks or deadlines?

Not at all. Unfortunately, my memory is great with deadlines. I wear them like clothing, honestly, I feel them on me, always on my mind. But possibly as I get older, I’ll need more help remembering things so it’s a good problem to have as a young man.

7. Have you used any task management applications in the past? If so, what did you like or dislike about them? No, I not. Unless you count writing to do lists on paper.

8. What devices do you typically use for task management (e.g., smartphone, computer, tablet)? How important is cross-platform compatibility for you?

Personally, my spelling is awful so, my phone is how I hide my odd embarrassment. I just use my notes app, which I don’t like very much. And to your second question- I love it! It just hasn’t been useful for me regarding task management.

9. How do you track your progress on tasks and projects? Do you use any metrics or analytics to evaluate your productivity?

That’s an excellent question; I can’t say I do. Nothing psychical like a timer or an alarm at least. I tend to just rely on my intuition and energy to gauge if my productivity is shrinking. It’s easy to tell when, for myself at least, I’m not performing as well as I may have been earlier. The body never lies.

10. Are there any specific integrations or third-party tools you would like to see integrated into a task management application?

No. I imagined social media planning apps when you asked that question, which may be completely way off of what you meant but, I think distinct, direct, and purposeful apps may be what society needs. Especially regarding tasks management.

11. How do you handle recurring tasks or tasks with dependencies?

I suppose better with time until they become redundant. It’s difficult for me to think of an example in this moment unfortunately.

12. How do you manage long-term goals or projects alongside your daily tasks?

In the past not well. My immaturity allowed me to believe those long-term goals would figure themselves out while I handle my daily duties. That changed drastically though as I got older- possibly because of how I view time now. It can move so quickly, those long-term projects become late projects or no projects. Basically, today I focus more on the long-term goals because, in my experience, those are more significant in life. Balance is still very important.

13. Can you walk me through a typical day or week in terms of how you manage and complete your tasks? I wake up, pray, and relax. Ideally, I like to ease into my day. After an hour or so, I make a to do list. And I can’t remember a day I don’t complete it either. I take my time with most things, tasks, projects, everything. It works for me. That’s all I can say.

14. What would a perfect task management application look like for you? What improvements or additional features would you like to see in existing task management tools?

A task management app that encouraged you to do tasks that you might enjoy. Essentially, it it’s not just a planner, it’s a computer studying your habits even when you’re not busy.

Finally, how likely are you to recommend a task management application to your colleagues or friends, and why?

Very likely. The attention span of people is shrinking so I think, if done right, it would be very helpful to people who can’t stay on task but stay on their phone.