Thank you so much for all your support and feedback on my new app, Organize!, designed by Roaming Hill. I also thank you for your patience as there have been a few glitches which are being worked on and will be fixed in the first upgrade happening soon. Please bear with us as we get all the kinks worked out. All upgrades are free by the way which is awesome especially when the menu planning/shopping list features are introduced.
How To Best Use The Organize! App:
After downloading the app I would suggest starting out by clicking on the red All Tasks bucket and entering in your running list of things to do. This is your master list and of course will be different for everyone. Once you have your All Tasks list set up you’ll be able to go to the Top 3 Daily Tasks and 52 Weeks sections and simply “add” items from your just created All Tasks master list.
The reason the Top 3 list exists is because it can be overwhelming for people to have to look at such a long master list and not feel defeated by all there is to do. So what I recommend is each morning start your day by selecting 3 tasks from your master list that are your first priority based on the time you have available that day. Then when you’ve accomplished those 3 tasks you can easily add some more if you want. If you don’t accomplish all 3 they will just carry forward to the next day. I kept the number to 3 as I find that to be a manageable number for most people and can be terrific motivation to continue when those 3 are completed.
Below are a few more answers to some of the questions left for me that I have asked developer, Jeromy of Roaming Hill, to answer for us.
Questions/Answers:
1. Is the app available for the iPod Touch? Can I get/use the app without having a data package?
Yes it works on the iPod Touch and it works without a data package. It is good, however, (and necessary for those running old versions of the iOS on their device) to update to the latest version. They can see what version they are on by going to Settings -> General -> About and looking at the Version section. If it is 3.2 or lower than they need to update for sure.
2. Are there supposed to be tasks under the 52 Weeks tab? I don’t see any pre-populated, and there doesn’t seem to be a way to enter my own.
Simply add your tasks to the All Tasks basket first and then you can easily add those tasks into the 52 week basket.
Note from Laura: I did think about pre-populating tasks in the 52 weeks section but everyone’s list will be so dramatically different with what needs to be done. One idea is to check out the 5 min and 30 min task lists and use some of those to complete your list. Another suggestion would be to simply walk around your home with your phone and add to the All Tasks list as you see things you would like to get organized. Once you have your All Tasks list completed it is easy to populate your top 3 and 52 weeks sections.
3. Is there a way to populate the 52 Weeks tab with the blog entries so we can follow along and not have to manually enter what we get in the blog feed?
No there isn’t.
Note from Laura: As mentioned above what everyone will be organizing each week is very individual depending on time. You’ll notice that many of my 52 Week’s posts on my blog each week are more organizing principles rather than set organizing tasks to be completed. This is intentional as I don’t want to stress anyone out by saying you must do this or that each week. I hope that makes sense.
4. Are there any plans to do a desktop version to have the app sync to? Are there any plans to create just a desktop version?
No, not at this time.
5. Will the 52 Weeks section be updated with 2012 dates when 2011 ends?
Yes with the first upgrade to be available shortly.
6. When can we expect the Android version of the app?
We are working on it now. Not sure exactly how long it will take quite yet but we will let you know as soon as it’s ready.
7. Is there a way to set up my Top 3 Tasks prior to the day they need to be done? I’d like to set up my tasks ahead of time to plan out my week.
No. You see, today when you don’t finish a task in top 3 it stays around to the next day. If you are able to setup your entire week, then we won’t be able to do that as the top 3 would already be setup. So if you don’t finish one task, suddenly your entire week is messed up. Like Laura said above from what I have seen with productivity and tasks, is that if you setup a lot then you get overwhelmed and the task list becomes a depressing thing instead of a helpful thing.
8. Is there a way to get daily regular alerts to remind me to do my Top 3 Daily Tasks?
This is probably possible, but we will need to look into it further. It wouldn’t be something we would be able to add in the next quick release that we are targeting, but perhaps in a later release.
9. Any plans for a Windows version for a Windows 7 phone?
No, not at this time
10. Are there plans to create a BlackBerry version?
No, not at this time.
11. Is there a way to add my own tasks to the 5 min and 30 min area?
Not at this time, but that is scheduled for a future release (not this upcoming release).
12. There is a clitch with the timer….I had a hard time getting it to reset to 15 minutes and once I pressed the start button- it started counting down at 2 minutes. The second time I reset it- it started at 7 minutes (even though I had it set for 15), can this be fixed?
Make sure your device is updated to the latest version. See #1.
13. Help please!! I was using the Organize! app and was viewing your blog. I exited the blog, and now all I have is a black screen. Any thoughts on how to get back to the app. I am so excited to use it, but right now I cannot. Any help is greatly appreciated.
We are looking into a fix for it. Here is what I found fixed the problem: If you kill the app (meaning you push the home button twice, a list of apps comes up in the bottom section, press and hold the organize app until the minus sign appears, press the minus sign on the Organize! app, then press the home button twice again) then launch it again it should work.
Thanks again everyone! And please keep the questions coming if you have them 🙂
Kathy says
Hi Laura
Should ‘Please BARE with us as we get all the kinks worked out.’ be ‘Please BEAR with us as we get all the kinks worked out.’?
Take care
Kathy
Esther says
Do you think that you could create bins for daily tasks and another one for weekly tasks instead of just a big list of tasks especially since there are so many things that need to be done daily and it helps to be able to check them off and not be all mixed in with ones that don’t need to be done as often. I have more than 3 things to each day, if I want to stay somewhat organized.
Laura says
Hi Esther, each time you complete your top 3 tasks, add another 3 and continue to do that as you get things done. Knowing you only have to concentrate on three at a time will keep you from getting overwhelmed.
Sandra says
I am having problems with the Timer as well and I definitely have the latest version (5.0.1). When I try to set the timer, both Hours and Minutes columns seem to have a mind of their own and move to a number other than what I am selecting.
Emilie says
I am also having this problem with the timer. I have the latest version as well. I tried to put 40 min but the timer insisted I meant 33.
Rachel says
Me, too- timer moves itself a few minutes after I set it… Weird and super annoying!!
Kandi says
I too am having trouble with timer. Just downloaded app on my iPad and when i tap the timer bin, it takes me out of the app.
Cathy Tibbles says
Love this app! I have to know – how did you get this made? Who did it for you?? Curious people want to know! 🙂
Liz says
Congratulations, Laura! Fantastic app!
Most ‘to do list’ systems , whether paper or electronic, make organizing your list more time consuming than performing the tasks. I love the simplicity of this app. It actually works!
Tip that works for me: I like to break down my projects in small tasks so I can make progress even when I have only a few minutes. My master list quickly became overwhelming and made it hard to find a task quickly to add to my Top 3. So, I edited all my tasks into ‘projects’ by beginning them with a category.
For example, ‘Ship pkg. to Aunt Gertrude’ became ‘Christmas: ship pkg. to Aunt Gertrude’. I also have ‘Christmas: make cookies for neighbors’ and ‘Christmas: pick up more tape’ and, well, you get the idea. This is especially helpful for a project such as creating a craft closet since there are hundreds of small tasks. They all begin with Closet: now. And. the punch list for getting the house ready to sell (House:)
This makes individual tasks much easier and quicker to find. Organizational systems are supposed to make me more productive and not suck up more time. You have hit it spot on! Thank you.
Jenny says
Thanks for much for creating this app. It’s the electronic version of what I’ve been doing with paper and I absolutely love it!
I used it for about a week and last night it “went dark” on my iPad. All the other apps show up when touch them. I was even willing to buy it again and re-download but because it says “installed” I’m not able to. It’s on my desktop but doesn’t show up when touch it. Just black. Any thoughts?
Jenny says
It’s me again. I went by the Apple store – they closed the app and reopened it. It works fine now,
A couple of suggestions for future versions: the ability to use it horizontally on the iPad. When I turn the pad it doesn’t turn. And I’d like to be able to schedule the 3 things for future days — not just the day I’m on right now.
Again thank you. It is fantastic!
Jenny says
I see that most of my questions were addressed in FAQs that I hadn’t yet seen above. Sorry!
Diane says
Would like the iPhone version and the iPad version to sync to each other. Kinda defeats the idea if being organized if you have to enter your organization stuff on two different devices.
Laura says
I will definitely pass this on to my designer, thank you!
Shannon says
I concur. Not being able to sync my iPad and my iPhone is definitely a deficiency. Apps should always sync. Probably wouldn’t have bought it had I know that from the beginning.
Linda says
I bought the app and clicked on the red bucket and started adding tasks, then decided to look around at the other buckets. When I click on the red bucket now, a list does not come up. How do I get the master list to show up again?
Laura says
Hmmm that’s strange Linda, you should be able to click on the red bucket at any time for all your tasks. Is it working now?
Linda says
I just have the five tasks I added to the red bucket.
Laura says
Oh I see what you mean now. There are no pre-populated tasks but only the ones you add yourself.
Jane says
When I purchased this app months ago I was under the impression that the “COMIING SOON” meant coming soon. When will the 2bins on the bottom left be updated?
Laura says
Sorry Jane, the developers are currently working on making it available for Android and have run into problems with that so it’s taking longer than they thought it would. I’m sorry I can’t give you a definite date 🙁
Pam says
I just got this app today. My question is what do you do with task when you have completed them? I completed all three but didn’t get the fireworks.
Laura says
Did you add the three tasks to the top 2 to do section? That is where you’ll see the fireworks after those three are checked off.
Laura says
I was wondering if there was a way to disable the alphabetizing of All Tasks. I’d rather see them in the order in which I added them.
Thank you!
Stacey says
Just purchased today and definitely would like app to be horizontal if possible and would LOVE the menu planner bucket. I see it was asked about in March just wondering if there is any developments now it’s June? cheers and thanks for the app so far!
Sarah L says
Just a shameless hint… I’d LOVE to get this for my Amazon Kindle Fire!!!
Debby says
How do i mark task as completed? Im using an ipad and i dont see an option.
Laura says
If you tap on the little chalkboard beside each task a check mark will appear showing it as done.
Thanks for your question!
Anne says
I just got this app and it looks like there is still not a way to sync iPad and iPhone. Please do tell me if there is something I need to do to make this happen. I just entered a bunch of stuff on my iPad (much easier to enter on the bigger device), but my phone can’t see it. Please advise! I’m excited about getting started with Organize!
Laura says
Good question, I’m looking into for you.
Linn says
I just bought the App. How do I get it to start on this week & not on January 1st 2012.
Laura says
I wish that I had known when purchasing that the 52 weeks of organization was blank. I purchased the app specifically for the guidance of specific tasks to do each week.
I already have a task list app that I currently use and like. It would help to add a note in the app description so that people know what they’re getting.
Kandi says
I too wish I had known it was empty. I wouldn’t have bought the app if I had know if it was blank. Was really excited about the 52 week part that was going to get me organized. Those of us needing organizing help, need guidance, ie tasks on what to do. If we knew what to do to get organized, we’d be organized, we’d be doing it. We need help in breaking down in steps so we are not overwhelmed & don’t know where to start. I realize each person is different, but there could at least be a list of tasks to choose from, etc! Really bummed & disappointed.
Jaehee says
Dear Laura and App Developer/Designer (Roaming Hill Team members)
I am writing because I am not able to use some of the organizer boxes anymore after updating from iOS 5.0 to iOS 6.0 : Top 3 daily task box and Tidy manner box. I hope these issues are fixed in a timely manner and hopefully menu planner box is updated soon as well.
P.S This is my favorite app, and I wrote a customer review with 5 stars today. It doesn’t appear yet but looks like I am the first one commented in customer review. Please keep up the good works! Thank you.
Peace,
Jaehee Jin
Laura says
Thank you for your kind words and review! This happened to me as well. I’ve got an email into the developers and hopefully it will get fixed up soon. Thank you for your patience!
Laura says
Should be fixed in about a week and a half.
Star says
I’m not able to open up the top 3daily task after the update. Appears I’m not the only one so i will look later to see if this has been addressed. New to this app. And loving it as much as your blog.
Laura says
Thank you! Yes this has happened to me as well. I’ve got an email into the developers and hopefully it will get fixed up soon. Thank you for your patience!
Laura says
Yes should be updated in about a week and a half. Thanks!
sheryl says
I purchased this app, but have yet to put it to use. Not only does the timer button not work, but the top 3 button is faulty also. When I push it, it takes me back to my home screen on my iphone. I bought the latest version and was wondering if there was anything I could do about this?
Laura says
Hi Sheryl, sorry you are experiencing problems. Unfortunately the app is not currently compatible with iOS6. The developers are hard at work on an upgrade and it will hopefully be ready soon. Thank you for your patience.
Laura
Marianne says
Just bought the app and I’m very disappointed. Empty lists are not much of help if you don’t know where to start!
Liz says
I was thinking this same thing. I want to follow the 52 weeks on here and I’m disappointed that I need to add everything myself. I understand everyone’s needs are different, but I need extra guidance when it comes to organization. I think this app would be better if the 52 weeks were included..Lehigh is what I thought I was paying for.
Rodney says
Is it possible that in the next update we can delete all the pre populated lists on 5 and 30 minutes or less categories. I would prefer to add my own as we do a lot of that stuff on a daily basis anyway. Thanks!
Maria Welke says
Any idea when the Menu Planning/Shopping List feature might roll out???
Laura says
No I’m sorry, I don’t at this time.
Michele Amodei says
Hi,
I downloaded the app last night and will start using it today. For some reason, I am unable to enter my 3rd task. I had no issue entering tasks 1 and 2. When I try to enter task 3, the screen will not allow me to enter any info.
Can you assist?
Thank you!
Michele
[email protected]
Michele Amodei says
I noticed that I am able to add Task 3 by selecting the All Tasks icon. Thank you!
Laura says
Oh good I’m glad you were able to figure it out. Hope you like it and it helps you get organized!
Heather N says
Is there anyway of syncing my tasks between iPhone and iPad? Both iOS 7 versions
Michelle says
Any idea yet when the Android version will be available please?!!
Laura says
I’m sorry I don’t know. I’m at the mercy of my designers and they haven’t provided me with any answers at this time. My apologies.
Rebecca says
This app is great! I enjoyed it all thru 2013.
I would love a 2014 update to include the ability for separate lists or ways to categorize. You know how list people are! I don’t want to move last year’s 52 week tasks, but I have this year’s tasks to add and don’t want to add so many more tasks with an “alphabetizer” in front, just a task list for the 52-weeks bin would be perfect.
Thanks!
Stacia says
In the directions it says if you complete the first 3 tasks you can add more, I don’tseeaway toads more tasks. I was hoping it would allow metro look back & see which days I am more productive.
Laura says
Hi Stacia, you have to go into the 3 Daily Tasks bucket again and re-add another 3 tasks from your All Tasks bucket. If you’ve run out of things to do in your All Tasks bucket, add them there first. Items stay in your All Tasks bucket until you remove them so you can look back at all your tasks there. Hope that helps!
Ann says
Hi.
I bought the app and downloaded to both phone and ipad. I thought they would syncronize? Can I gået the 2 to syncronize?
Laura says
Hi there, currently there isn’t a way to sync but my developers are looking into it for future updates. Thanks!
Yvette says
Ditto what Ann said… Any way to sync them yet? 🙂
Laura says
Hi there, currently there isn’t a way to sync but my developers are looking into it for future updates. Thanks!
Yvette says
Helloooooo??
Maria says
Do you type a specific task under one heading ? what if you wanted to list a few subcategories; is there a way to list them in a list format?
Joann says
I recently came across a problem with the app. As my all tasks list has grown, I now have a problem choosing a task for my top three tasks. When I hit add to 3 and it takes me to the all tasks page it seems the all tasks list is too long and won’t let me pick something at the end of the list. I can scroll enough to see the item but it won’t stay visible long enough to choose it. It rolls back off the screen. This is on my iPad.
Jean Norton says
Is the app still available? I have not been able to locate it iphone app store.
Kat says
I second this. Was really interested in trying it and can’t find it for my ipod. 🙁
Laura Wittman says
I’m sorry that it’s no longer available. My developers took it down and my hands are tied. So sad.