Project-based To-Do Lists
The problem I have with with to-do lists is that often you end up with big tasks that are very difficult to cross-off. It’s frustrating and demotivating. If only I had a way of tracking effort against a set of longer-term goals…and thus, the Task Progress Tracker (or TPT) was born.
The TPT can be thought of as a “project-based to-do list” that tracks effort in terms of time. It encourages breaking tasks down into their constituent parts, and because it tracks effort you feel like you’re making progress while keeping your overall project in context. The original post describes each design feature in greater detail.
The 2011 edition is a complete redraw of the two original 2005 forms. I’ve dropped the “power user” edition because the new standard version supplants it. For the first time, the forms are available in color for both US Letter and (new) International A4 paper sizes.
Who uses it
I’ve heard rumors that the Task Progress Tracker is used by engineering teams to break down and assign tasks; this isn’t surprising, because the methodology in the form is influenced by my own development mindset. The TPT is useful when you’re trying to accomplish a complex task with several subtasks over a period of days. If you’re trying to handle many smaller tasks on a daily basis, the TPT probably isn’t going to be as useful.
The second version of the form, the Destruct-o-Matic, was designed for younger users who wanted to treat their task list like an enemy to be destroyed. Instead of bubbles, it uses miniature bullet holes. I’ve heard it’s been used by students in elementary and high school on their own.
Instruction Booklet
- Coming soon
In the meantime, the original post describes each design feature in greater detail. Enjoy!
Download Task Progress Tracker Forms
Tip: To download the PDFs to your computer, right-click (control-click on Macs) the links and choose “Save Link As…”
Note: Some Macs have trouble displaying the colors in the PDF using the native PDF Viewer, but the forms should print correctly. If you install Adobe Acrobat Reader, the issue goes away.
TPT01 Standard Color
Designed to look good on a basic color inkjet printer.
Download US Letter PDF
Download A4 PDF
TPT01 Standard Black and White
Designed for monochrome laser printers. Uses finer lines and tonal values to work well with most 600DPI+ printers.
Download US Letter PDF
Download A4 PDF
TPT02 Destruct-o-Matic (available only in color)
For a more light-hearted and war-like take on task tracking. Should work well on any color inkjet printer.
Download US Letter PDF
Download A4 PDF
Enjoy!
