Conclusion

The ToDo list application fulfils a need for time management. In my own opinion and the opinion of the people I polled it would aid in peoples time management as a useful tool. I think the final product meets my expectations and is something I will actually use. In order for me to use it I will develop a user login section so it is not open to abuse. 

The strongest aspects of my final production are:
1. The overall design – This received great praise from the people I polled and was considered a great aspect of the website.
2. Easy to use – This was also a very strong point of the final production. The people I polled rated this another strong point.
3. Tells you when you last updated – I found that this was a feature that was more valuable than first perceived.
4. Available on any web based device – This feature was the main idea I strived to accomplish as part of today's need for cross platform functionality.

Evaluation

What I would do next time:

1. I would firstly add a security feature to keep the contents safe from hackers and miscreants. 
2. I would also add an edit task feature which is somewhat important.
3. I would also add a feature so that it would be easy to add, remove and edit the different categories.

What is good?

• The over all design
• The coloured categories
• Tasks are ordered by date so the most important ones are first
• Easy to use
• Tells you when it was last updated
• Available on any web based device
• Quick to add a task
• Server can make backups
• Easy to maintain

What is bad?

• Cannot edit a task – Must delete and submit again
• Must have an internet ready device
• Cannot order by custom priority
• Cannot easily add or remove a category
• No security – Could have a login feature

Final Questionnaire

I asked the same sample of 10 people the following questions:

1. Is the final application intuitive?
2. Please rate the design from 1-10 (10 being highest).
3. On testing; did you find it worked on the devices you tested it on?
4. Please rate the amount/quality of features from 1-10 (10 being highest).
5. Please rate the usability factor for your use from 1-10 (10 being highest).
6. Please rate the security of the To-Do List from 1-10 (10 being highest)
7. Would you use the application?
8. What are the strengths of the application?
9. What are the weaknesses of the application?

The average results are as follows:

1. Is the final application intuitive? Yes 100%
2. Please rate the design from 1-10 (10 being highest). 9
3. On testing; did you find it worked on the devices you tested it on? Yes (100%)
4. Please rate the amount/quality of features from 1-10 (10 being highest). 7
5. Please rate the usability factor for your use from 1-10 (10 being highest). 8
6. Please rate the security of the To-Do List from 1-10 (10 being highest) 2
7. Would you use the application? Yes (80%)
8. What are the strengths of the application? Design, easy to use and cross platform compatibility
9. What are the weaknesses of the application? Cannot edit a task and easy to hack.

Conclusion:

The results of the questionnaire are very pleasing and show what I have made is usable, works and adheres to the specification I set. I would however change the fact it has no security as it got such a low score.

Testing

I have commenced testing on all popular web browsers. It worked perfectly on Firefox, Safari, Opera and Google Chrome. I did however have some trouble with Internet Explorer v8 which was solved with a simple line of code. After reading about the new browser from Microsoft I found that it does not conform to the old standards of HTML which is why lots of websites have issues. It does have a compatibility mode but this did not work in my case and I wouldn't expect the users to have to use this. I however fixed the bug for Internet Explorer 8 users. I also tested the website on two PDA's, iPhone and Sony Playstation 3 and it worked flawlessly. Here are two screenshots of the testing:

Firefox v3:


Internet Explorer v8:


Safari (Mac OSx):

On the agenda

The following still needs to be done:

Testing - Test the compatibility on different web browsers such as Firefox and Internet Explorer.
Questionnaire - I will commence another questionnaire to get some feedback on what I have created. I will use the same people and sample size as last time.
Evaluation - What could I change if I were to do it again?
Conclusion - Does it meet the needs of the users? Have I strayed from the original specification?

Put together

All the files have now been put into the main website which I created. It is now functioning as it should.

Here is a screenshot of the final completed program:


(please click to enlarge)

Overdue date code

Below is the code which tells the browser how to output a ToDo List item which is overdue:



It tells the browser to check the time, compare it with the time in the database and display any overdue items with a red font. It will also display the category in brackets next to the item as the text is red which takes away from the colour recognition.

Time coding

The following coding is used to display the date and last modified time:


(please click to enlarge)

It returns the time of the last modification of the ToDo List. The value returned is a Unix timestamp, suitable for feeding to date(). It returns FALSE on error. It would write to the todo.list file like this:

5||Feed Tarantulas|6|1247436000

The number "1247436000" translates to "10/08/09". This website will convert the Unix timestamp for you: www.unixtimestamp.com/index.php
This is one slight diviation from my original plan to just have the coding output the actual date not a timestamp. I found when writing the code that the timestamp was a better option.

Time function

One very important aspect of the ToDo List would be a time and date view which would assist in the users time management. It would also be very useful to show the user when they last amended their ToDo List. This is one of the best advantages over a paper based ToDo List. Below is a copy and paste of what the user would see:

Last Updated: April 12 2009 13:43:42, ~ 63 minutes ago

The "~ 63 minutes ago" part means roughly 63 minutes ago because there is no easy way to implement a seconds timer. There would also be no benefit for the user knowing the seconds since they last updated so I have stuck with the units most useful to the user.

Remove and complete function

Now that the adding function is completed the complete and remove function has been implemented. These are vital components of any ToDo List. Below is a screenshot of the buttons which the user can control:

The remove button will remove a ToDo List entry and the complete button will put a strike through the ToDo List entry to symbolise that it is complete. The toggle all checkbox selects all the entries to save the user time selecting all the entries by hand. The advanced feature removes all visibility of the category and date information. This saves the user from entering in a date and category for fast input. This would be useful with an ongoing reminder such as buying milk.

Add function

Below is a screenshot of the adding function:


The user enters their ToDo item in the entry bar, selects a category and date the ToDo item must be done by and then must click "Add". This then adds the content to the todo.list file where the data is stored. The add function is working correctly and will append to the database file.

Categories output

The output file now reads from the categories.list to show the unique category and colour using colour codes. The output looks like this:



The different colours are used for easy recognition of the categories. The human mind sees colour and associates it quicker than reading text.

Ouput status

The output file now presents the data from the .list file. Here is a screenshot from the output file:



The checkboxes do not function at the moment, but they will do upon initialisation.

Database

I am keeping the information in a database in a .list format which is easy to read and write from. I could have used an Access or Oracle database but they would be to slow due to the abundance of features that I would not use. I need a very simple format to hold the actual ToDo List data, defining number, category number and the date.

An entry would look something like this:
5||Feed Tarantulas|6|20122009
The first number is the defining number, the text after the || is the actual ToDo List item, the third number after the ToDo List item is the category code which gives it a colour. The colour is bought up from a Categories .list file. The numbers after the category number is the date.

The categories .list file will look like this:

0|#0000FF|Business
1|#00FF00|Financial
2|#FF00FF|Education
3|#CC6600|Recreation
5|#9900FF|Shopping
6|#666600|Chores
7|#009999|Other

I have chosen eight categories which would cover any common type of ToDo List entry.

This is the simplest form of a database and is very easy to view, maintain and update without any third-party software.

Next on the agenda

The graphics are now in a completed state and placed in layers to form a website. This will be hosted on a server as the coding will be PHP based which is a server side language. Next on the agenda would be to start the programming and a method for storing the actual ToDo List items.

Final website design

Here is a picture of the final website without the main PHP program installed:


(please click for a bigger view)

Final features specification

What the program will have:
Colour coded categories. Example:Business Financial Education Recreation
Listed by date due not date entered
Show the user when the ToDo List was last updated
Toggle all function so the user doesn't have to click all the entries to apply a single action
Remove and complete task buttons
Able to run in all browsers - Meticulous testing will be implemented

Optional extras:
The ability to login to keep the ToDo List private
The ability to add a new category

Graphics production sceenshots

Here are some screenshots of the header and footer production using Fireworks CS4:

Banner:




Footer:

Footer Banner Design

Here is a picture of the footer banner which will be used in the website:

Title Banner Design

Here is a picture of the title banner which will be used in the website:

PHP

I have decided to use PHP as the main form of programming due to the pros outweighing the cons unlike C#. I like the idea that you can view and amend the ToDo List from anywhere in the world on any device with the server it's being hosted on keeping backups.

Two highly likely scenarios where a PHP based ToDo List would be best:

1. If the computer/device the ToDo List program was stored on failed the whole program would be lost. A web based server side PHP ToDo List would be intensively backed up to ensure maximum uptime and integrity.

2. If the program was on a PDA and the battery depleted then no more entries or viewings could commence. The web based server side PHP method will work on any internet ready device so that if one were to fail another device could be adopted.

Production research

I am still researching different production ideas and methods so that it is not rushed into. I will be commencing the production on the 6th April over the Easter holidays. I feel I will have done sufficient research and combined all my findings to aid the development process. At this moment in time I am favouring the PHP route as it will open up new possibilities as far as web development and ease of use.

C# Vs PHP

My two options for the final product production would be C# and PHP. Here are the Pros and Cons:

C# Pros-
Fast
Easy to use
Does not rely on the internet
Easy to create a backup procedure
Better security

C# Cons-
Windows only
Relies on a single computer


PHP Pros-
Cross-platform compatibility (can be updated using any internet ready device)
Potentially fast - Dependant on internet connection speed
Internet/server based
Easy to manage
Can be accessed all over the world
If the server is regularly backed up and has a RAID drive configuration then the chance of data loss or downtime is minimal.

PHP Cons-
Must be connected to the internet
Relies on a server and stable internet connection
Relies on an internet browser
Potential security hacking problems

Questionnaire results findings

The results of the questionnaire were quite surprising and will be a great aid in creating something useable and worthwhile. I will be following the needs and wants of the users closely so that it would be a valuable finished product. From the results I have come to the conclusion that privacy is very important; so a login feature could be implemented. Also the application must be intuitive so they do not have to relearn to use something they need to use quickly.

I also found that people already using To-Do Lists consider themselves to have reasonably good memory. I personally thought it would be the other way around. This could be due to their use of time management software which is boosting their memory as they are physically writing it down opposed to trying to remember it from thought alone. This however would be a long psychological study by itself.

Questionnaire results

The results of the questionnaire have been processed and they are as follows:

The results show the average score:

1. How important is it for the application to be intuitive? 7/10
2. How important is the design and look? 5/10
3. How important is the cross-platform compatibility? 6/10
4. How important is the flexibility? 6/10
5. How important are the amount of features? 8/10
6. How good is your memory? 7/10
7. How important is privacy for your To-Do List? 9/10


1. If you were to purchase a To-Do List application what would you look for? Alerts, able to view anywhere, clear and concise, easy to use and a calendar.
2. Are you using an existing To-Do List application? If so please state. Only five out of 10 applicants use an existing T0-Do List application. They were generally built-in to their device or Outlook 2007.
3. What device would you use to manage the To-Do List? Computer, iPhone and Pocket PC

To-Do List questionnaire

I will be running this questionnaire over the next week and will publish the results once computed. It will be vital in order to achieve a well produced piece of software.

On a scale of 1-10 where 1 is the lowest and 10 is the highest please rate the following questions:

1. How important is it for the application to be intuitive?
2. How important is the design and look?
3. How important is the cross-platform compatibility?
4. How important is the flexibility?
5. How important are the amount of features?
6. How good is your memory?
7. How important is privacy for your To-Do List?

Please answer the following questions is as much detail as possible:

1. If you were to purchase a To-Do List application what would you look for?
2. Are you using an existing To-Do List application? If so please state.
3. What device would you use to manage the To-Do List?
   

Outlook To-Do List Video

This video shows how Microsoft Outlook 2007 uses a To-Do List feature.

What others are there?

Here are some example websites of companies who have created a similar application to what I will be producing:

http://www.todolistsoft.com/
http://www.dextronet.com/swift-to-do-list.php
http://www.effexis.com/achieve/to-do-list-software.htm
http://www.smarttodolist.com/

I will be evaluating and inspecting each application for strengths and weaknesses to that I may incorporate the best aspects of each application. I will also conduct a short questionnaire with a poll of 10 people to see what average users would look for in a time management program.

What aspect of memory is this idea based on?

My idea is based on the working memory model, short-term memory and long-term memory. We are given a task to complete which would pass into our working memory and can sometimes not pass into the long-term memory. This means that the task is not remembered or very minute details are remembered. This can lead to decreased productivity, loss of money and stress. Situations where the task would not be passed into the long-term memory are when multiple tasks are presented, the tasks are presented at a stressful time, the person needed to remember the task is tired or ill and concentration is not instated so that the task is not even passed into the short term memory.

Techniques for setting priorities

ABC analysis

A technique that has been used in business management for a long time is the categorization of large data into groups. These groups are often marked A, B, and C—hence the name. Activities are ranked upon these general criteria:

* A – Tasks that are perceived as being urgent and important.
* B – Tasks that are important but not urgent.
* C – Tasks that are neither urgent nor important.

Each group is then rank-ordered in priority. To further refine priority, some individuals choose to then force-rank all "B" items as either "A" or "C". ABC analysis can incorporate more than three groups. ABC analysis is frequently combined with Pareto analysis.

POSEC method

POSEC is an acronym for Prioritize by Organizing, Streamlining, Economizing and Contributing.
The method dictates a template which emphasises an average individual's immediate sense of emotional and monetary security. It suggests that by attending to one's personal responsibilities first, an individual is better positioned to shoulder collective responsibilities.

Inherent in the acronym is a hierarchy of self-realization which mirrors Abraham Maslow's "Hierarchy of needs".

1. PRIORITIZE-Your time and define your life by goals.
2. ORGANIZING-Things you have to accomplish regularly to be successful. (Family and Finances)
3. STREAMLINING-Things you may not like to do, but must do. (Work and Chores)
4. ECONOMIZING-Things you should do or may even like to do, but they're not pressingly urgent. (Pastimes and Socializing)
5. CONTRIBUTING-By paying attention to the few remaining things that make a difference. (Social Obligations)

What is a To-Do List?

To-Do Lists are prioritized lists of all the tasks that you need to carry out. They list everything that you have to do, with the most important tasks at the top of the list, and the least important tasks at the bottom. Hand written paper based To-Do Lists have a downside that they cannot be listed via priority, but by the first remembered first written method. This can be detrimental to creating a successful To-Do List. Also paper based versions can become messy when tasks are completed and are scribbled out or ticks/crosses all over the page.

While this sounds a simple thing to do, it's when people start to use To-Do Lists properly that they often make their first personal productivity / time management breakthrough, and start to make a real success of their life and careers.

By keeping a To-Do List, you make sure that you capture all of the tasks you have to complete in one place. This is essential if you're not going to forget things. By prioritizing work, you plan the order in which you'll do things, so you can tell what needs your immediate attention, and what you can quietly forget about until much, much later. This is essential if you're going to beat work overload. Without To-Do Lists, you'll appear unfocused and unreliable to the people around you. This is vital in commercial and academic situations where others rely on you and your time management skills.

Final Idea

For my final idea I have chosen to create a To-Do List application. I will be adapting the mobile development idea due to time constraints. The final project will be made using C# or PHP. The C# application would be a standalone program which the user has on their computer. The PHP based application would be hosted on the internet with a login feature so that the user can update their list. The advantage of this is that it can be viewed anywhere in the world on any internet ready device.

Project Keywords

Here are some keywords for my project:

• Memory
• Lists
• Events
• Organisation
• Structure
• Long-term
• Management

Third idea - Mobile development

My third idea is centered around mobile development. I own a Windows mobile 6.1 and a Windows mobile 5.0 device so I will be developing towards that platform. My two proposed ideas are:

CD/DVD Database program - Used to keep records and search records of your CD/DVD collection.
Student ToDoList program - Used to keep track of assignments, priority and the stage of completion. This would have an advantage being on a handheld device because it will potentially be with the student at all times.

These would be created using Visual studio using an XML or Access database to store the users data.

Second idea - Interactive study aid

My second idea is for an interactive study aid aimed at arachnologists. They have many scientific names to remember along with pictures and other relevant information. It would have a feature to help break down long scientific names such as "chromatopelma cyaneopubescens" to make them easier to remember and pronounce. It would also have a quiz to help identify species based on body parts, names and other features based on what they have learnt.

First idea - Card game

My first idea would be a card based game where the user clicks a card to show it's face and has to remember its place on the board. The object of the game would be for the user to match the pairs of cards. This would require the user having a good memory. There would be four level settings which the user can choose from:

Easy: 4x4 grid
Medium: 6x6 grid
Hard: 8x8 grid
Extreme: 16x16 grid

Initial Ideas

I have come to the conclusion that I would like to produce an interactive website, game or study aid.

The website would be produced using HTML and flash.
The game would be produced using Flash, C#, Java, Visual basic or HTML.
The study aid would be produced using Flash and/or HTML.

Memory research

Types of Memory

There are two forms for memory I will focus my assignment on, which are:

Computer memory:
RAM
Memory card
Cache memory

Human memory:
Short term
Long term
Working memory

Brief

This is the brief that I will follow when creating my interactive multimedia product:

It's a production based assignment and ask you to create an interactive multimedia product or application (website, interactive video or animation, mobile application, installation, etc). You are free to explore the digital world and to select the appropriate media for your concept. The subject for your piece needs to deal with MEMORY, in particular exploring how we deal with the DIGITAL MEMORY. What is meant by DIGITAL MEMORY is quite broad and it could go from the physical support to the archiving process itself. MEMORY, as a brief for your content, is therefore intended in a broad sense: physical, political, social, historical, cultural, etc …