The Timeular tracking engine makes us more productive. Are there any downsides?
Earn time by tracking it – this is possible with the Timeular Tracker device. Designed for freelancers who use it to accurately measure the time dedicated to different clients, it is a reliable assistant in various professional fields. The tracking engine is a physical manifestation of the Screen Time iPhone app.
How the 8-side widget works
With an erasable marker on each of the 8 sides, you enter the different types of activities you do within the working day. When you start, you flip to writing emails, making schedules, drawing diagrams, respectively. Then you switch to the next side with the next task: a meeting with a client, a meeting with colleagues – the device will track everything automatically.
Switching between the different engagements is done depending on which side is facing up. With each rollover, Timeular reports how long the previous activity took you. You can use one of its sides to measure the time you have taken to rest or the time you are away from your computer or phone.
Why do I need it?
At the end of the work day, Timeular will “tell” you how long each activity took you – so you will be fully aware of how many precious minutes you wasted composing letters and how much time your presentation ate up. It sounds a little depressing, but it’s actually a good way to increase your productivity because it shows you how to balance your different commitments more effectively, gives you ideas for improving work processes, and keeps you focused.
It allows you to see more clearly which stage of your work took more effort and consider whether you paid enough attention to the most important one. A particularly useful gadget in cases where you are “stuck” at work and moving on autopilot.
Are there any disadvantages?
Like any device, it has its bugs, but the technology is constantly being updated to clear possible issues and stay connected 100% of the time.
At first, until you get used to scrolling the tracker, it may be a little strange, but gradually you will get used to this kind of “report”.
A disadvantage is its shape, which does not fit in a laptop bag and is difficult to carry. This is a problem when you travel frequently or work from different locations.
The 8 sides limit if you do more than eight activities – there is no way to fix them.
But Timeular’s app is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and its battery lasts for months without charging. Drawing a line under all the pros and cons, it turns out that this mechanism is almost perfect and a good idea when you want to optimize your work and save time while tracking it.
