Task Database (Recurring task list / Task templates)
in progress
J
Joe
I'm on the fence for adopting this app. One thing that would really seal the deal for me is the ability to create a database of tasks with updating time allotments. So, for example, let's say you have a task called 'Clean House' and you know you'll want to use that task again. The actual time function would update the estimated time on that task. But the task itself would sit in a list of tasks that are ready to dragged and dropped at any time. So it would be sort of like a Brain Dump but when you drag the item it doesn't disappear from the list. It basically copies it. And the time allotment is updated based on your most recent actual time entry.
I've used Chat GPT 4 to hunt around for any task management program that does this and it appears there isn't any. I think it would be a very powerful and attractive feature. If you're timeboxing, having a static list of items you can draw from at any time would be very useful.
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Chris
in progress
This is happening, i think i figured out a good way to do it
Calling it "Task templates" and it will live in the sidebar on desktop and you will be able to drag tasks from this template list into the Kanban or calendar to generate new tasks :)
(will come to mobile shortly after)
M
Miles
Chris Amazing! Can't wait, any clue to timeframe? Change log hasn't been updated in some time, have there been updates to the app?
Chris
Miles: ah there have been updates, im just very very very bad at updated it 😅
latest update is Ellie AI assistant (off by default but can be enabled as a power feature) that was released last month
timeframe for beta is actually going to be next week at this rate 👀 lmk if you want to test
M
Miles
Chris Got it! Yes, I'd love to test!
E
Eoin
Chris happy to test. Could we pleaseeeee get the release calendar / new features tab updated regularly with known bugs and fixes / feature releases. We know you doing the hard work so let’s hear about it ❤️❤
S
Stacy Braiuca
Chris you just keep making Ellie BETTER and BETTER!!!
L
Lennart
I really like both the idea for a template list and a list for repeating tasks. The template list would be useful for stuff that you do somewhat often but not in a repeating pattern. It could be a task to workout or a packing checklist. It could also be for tasks you need to complete whenever when they occur.
The repeating task list could be used for singular repeating tasks or chores around the house. Having a good implementation of repeating tasks is essential for every task manager. Ideally I think there should be several options how you set the tasks up. Maybe a task need to complete every x days/weeks/months, x number of days from completion date or every last monday in the month.
The other thought I have is that repeating tasks could clutter up the today view if they are not completed on time. Also some tasks is more important to get done on a fixed date and you want them visible in the today view. For example you want to be reminded to call a friend on their birthday every year or take out the garbage bin every x days or the sanitary company don’t take your bin.
For other tasks you might prefer to see the tasks status just in the repeating list and that they don’t show up in today view unless you plan to complete them that day. These tasks is less time sensitive. For example vacuum the apartment. These type of tasks you want to complete on a fixed schedule but they are not tied to particular day. It would therefore be helpful to be able to control this.
I can see the repeating list be a separate list just as tasks with due dates.
M
Miles
Just discovered Ellie today and I love what I see so far, it's 90% of what I've been looking for, but I agree this is lacking functionality that I would need to make this a slam dunk. There are a lot of tasks that are repeatable but not on a fixed schedule or time basis, but that I want to be able to assign to my day/week on a frequent basis (clean bathroom, read a book, go for a walk etc). I don't want to add these tasks each time, that defeats the point. I want a list of repeatable tasks to pull from.
Chris
Been watching this one closely and honestly starting to understand the need for it a bit more 👀
Still need to think through some details like how it would work on mobile, but I'm getting closer to building this
Y
Yese
Chris this is exciting! I would be open to being a tester for this. 😌
M
Miles
Yese Yup, me too!
N
No name
This is a make or break functionality for what I need in a planner. My work schedule is inconsistent, therefore all my other routine time blocks in a given day also shift based on when I work. Everything else I've seen in Ellie so far is perfect, once this feature is added I'd be eager to subscribe!
N
No name
Amazing Marvin does this… it handles it as pinned tasks. And it is helpful.
V
Varun
I love this idea as well! I’ve tried to mimic this idea in different to do apps, but I think Ellie’s layout would be a perfect fit for this idea.
I think my biggest use case for this would be to plan out my hobbies during the week, which don’t fit neatly as recurring tasks. Quickly dragging “Practice Piano” or “Edit Photos” to different days of the week, while those tasks remain in the “Template” list would be great!
M
Miles
Varun Yes, exactly. This is what I am hoping Ellie can help me with. Hobbies is a prime use case where I often need to carve out time to spend on them but I need a foolproof way to see a list that i can choose from and drag to my schedule. Having to enter a hobby as a task each time is too cumbersome and defeats the point.
B
Brad
This sounds perfect!
L
Lauren Gray
like a task template for a work item
Chris
Lauren Gray: Yes I think this is the right word "template"
Edited the title of this post to reflect that!
If this feature makes it to the app, would likely be called "Task templates" and be separate from the recurring task feature
M
Miles
Chris Yeah, it's different from recurring tasks as those are one that reoccur on a fixed schedule. These are repeatable tasks.
Chris
under review
Starting to explore this one
I'm really liking the idea of having a special lists where when you drag tasks from it they don't disappear and basically just "copy"
Just need to make sure to avoid any confusion with recurring tasks for new users
Would love to hear more thoughts!
M
Mike
Chris: I LOVE this idea. I'm a bit stressed seeing all of the recurring tasks pre-populated. I would love to have special lists where you can drag individual tasks or the entire list into the timebox or into a day's tasks. Would make daily planning efficient and keep things looking tidy.
E
Erin
Chris Yes I would love this feature! Especially for tasks with many subtasks that you can't complete in a day. Right now I duplicate the task and add the duplicate to the timebox but I would love to just drag and drop. I am working on a dissertation so I have a task for my literature review with about 60 sub tasks, so having it be a task template that doesn't go away until I delete it would be amazing.
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