AutoScheduler

Peter WakefieldAnthony Onwuasoanya

Overview

● What is AutoScheduler?● Existing Software● Distinguishing Features● Development Priorities● Future Possibilities

What is AutoScheduler? (Part 1)

● Time management add-on for Firefox● Allocate & track time use rather than simply

storing a list/calendar created by the user● Assumes nothing about organizational skills● Can take responsibility for managing time entirely● Doesn't require an account on a third party server

○ Convenience○ Privacy

What is AutoScheduler? (Part 2)

● Tracks as much or as little as the user wishes● Builds time management skills through feedback

○ Estimated time vs. actual○ "Fun" interspersed with "work" -> Anti-

procrastination behavioral modification● Customizable scheduling and UI behaviors● "Organizer for the Disorganized"● Integrates with the browser to combat and

harness aimless browsing / Internet addiction

So much time management software...

● Toodledo - Requires third party account● ReminderFox - Lacks flexibility, time management, and

browsing control integration● TimeTracker - Simple, outdated Firefox browsing timer...

with 800k downloads ● MeeTimer - Browsing type timer only; also out of date● Tracks - Former RCOS project, requires server setup● Many more ...

...so many drawbacks.

Life Balance: Very similar idea, but more abstract

Life Balance

● Goal-oriented● Tree view for goals and subtasks● Manages tasks and aims for good ratios of time utilization● Generates a ToDo list based on locations and deadlines

ReminderFox: Simple. Effective. Different purpose.

ReminderFox

● Good Firefox add-on...for simple notifications ● Tracks ToDo and Reminder entries● Useful, straightforward, but somewhat rigid interface● Similar yet different purpose● More of a memory aid than time management

LeechBlock: Blocks time-wasting sites

LeechBlock

● Blocks access to distracting sites● Up to 6 groups of sites with shared blocking properties● Restricts access to groups

○ During scheduled times○ After X% of Y time spent on distraction

What Makes AutoScheduler Unique?● More than just a

memory aid● Serves as a time

management application built into your browser

● Uses knowledge of tasks and time allocation to regulate browsing

AutoScheduler Task Representation

Categories|

Goals|

Projects|

Tasks|

Subtasks

All aliases for the same structure of entries, simply with different

relationships and used properties.

Restricting Conditions

● Start time● End time● Interruptibility● Prerequisite tasks● Required time● Etc.

Properties● Creation time● Priority● Recurrence● Misc. Etc. (customized on a

task-type basis)

Interface Ideas

● Minimal impact on screen space: Button(s) on existing toolbar

● Expanding tree view similar to Life Balance● Simple text field for entry creation● Keywords for quick type selection ● Property fields visible based on type of entry

Development Priorities

● Create database schema and storage methods○ Using Firefox's built-in SQLite

● Interface for adding and managing tasks● Automated scheduling● Expand interface to allow browser control ● Browser context switching (Panorama?)● Future possibilities as able

Future Possibilities

● Integration with other organizers, e.g. Google Calendar● Gamification● Mobile version

○ Different UI requirements○ Could use Firefox Sync

● Multiple person/shared scheduling

Gamification

Extend and improve the educational aspect:● Track user statistics

○ Tasks completed○ Time spent on tasks○ Time spent on play

● Achievements and bonuses for completing tasks● Automatically assign rewards● Prompt the user to switch between work and play ● Motivate user to become organized● Train user to become more productive

Questions?