Comments on: Capturing Time

By: Brett Owens

Brett Owens — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:54:13 +0000

Thorbjoern, very good points. In our experience, a computer-based program like Chrometa works best when most of the person’s time is spent on the PC.

In these cases, we’ve managed to replace spreadsheets and timers, or at least supplement them, by providing a passive, non-intrusive means of tracking time.

When folks are bouncing around and not primarily PC bound, I’d imagine your designers’ time management tool is as good as they come.

By: Thorbjoern Mann

Thorbjoern Mann — Mon, 04 May 2009 05:02:13 +0000

The comment that we can’t really capture time nor manage it is to the point — in my book ‘Time Management for Architects and Designers’ I emphasize that it is really a misnomer. But especially for designers and other folks who are dealing with non-routine problems for which there are no data about how long tasks will take, the challenge of making at least realistic time estimates for such projects require some effort at ‘keeping track’ of how one’s time is spent working on such problems (“Wicked Problems”). The only basis for gaining such experience is comparing estimates wirth actual time spent, both of which therefore must be kept track of. My designers’ time management tool’ (so far a paper tool for students and people on the go who don’t necessarily have their computer or even laptop with them at all times) is designed to facilitate this. I’m not sure yet if it’s meaningful to develop programs to put that on a computer — I have tried it with spreadsheets but end up not using those). Comments?

By: Chrometa Blog » Blog Archive » What Time Capture Can Do For You

Chrometa Blog » Blog Archive » What Time Capture Can Do For You — Fri, 01 May 2009 20:04:46 +0000

[...] Kristi Royse, Time Management [...]

By: Brett Owens

Brett Owens — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:40:26 +0000

Great comments, thanks Pete – I’m going to check those out!

By: kristi royse

kristi royse — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:57:47 +0000

Thanks Pete for your suggestions. I am familiar with each of the references you recommend and my favorite is the Harvard Business Review article. I have it on file if anyone would like a copy let me know and I will share it.

By: Pete Nehnevajsa

Pete Nehnevajsa — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:22:14 +0000

There are many techniques to go about it, however as points of reference I would recommend Dr. Edward M. Hallowell’s book “CrazyBusy” which provides several techniques and methods for handling day-to-day time crunch and disruption issues, and Jim Loehr & Tony Schwarz’s book “The Power of Full Engagement” which discusses the advantages of managing your energy and not time (getting re-charged for all the time commitments you must deal with). There was also an article in Harvard Business Review in October 2007 that summarized the “manage energy” concept entitled “Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time” by Tony Schwartz and Catherine McCarthy. As far as establishing priorities, I recommend Covey’s 4 Quadrants and living out of Quadrants 1 & 2 (“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”).