One Big Thing app pares down the to-do list
Kevin Yarr | CBC News | Posted: May 9, 2016 11:25 AM | Last Updated: May 9, 2016
App aims to cut down on the distractions of longer to-do lists
A new, free productivity app is aimed at refocusing people's attention on the most important thing on their to-do list.
One Big Thing pares down the to-do list to the single most important thing that needs to get done that day, with the option of adding just a few smaller things.
The idea of One Big Thing is very simple. You have one big task to do today. - Nick Burka
App developer Nick Burka, a P.E.I. man working in Montreal, said the idea came from a designer at Google ventures who created his to-do lists in a similar way, but on a sticky pad. Burka spent evenings and weekends turning it into something people could use on their devices.
"The whole idea of this app was to not overbuild it," said Burka.
"This isn't some insane start up idea that we're hoping to monetize it for some crazy growth scheme or something. It's just, make an app that's as simple as sticky pad, doesn't get crumpled in your pocket, is there when you need it."
Burka said the problem with longer to-do lists is you can get distracted by tasks that aren't that important.
"The idea of One Big Thing is very simple. You have one big task to do today," he said.
"You might have three other small things and you have a few other things you might do later on. But the one big thing is the focus for the day."
Burka said since it first launched a few weeks ago, the app has been downloaded more than 15,000 times. The app is free, but people can purchase scenes and stickers to go with it.
One Big Thing has been featured in Time magazine online.
- MORE P.E.I. NEWS|Beef prices could start falling by summer's end
- MORE P.E.I. NEWS|Charlottetown students create song inspired by school's anti-bullying motto