Can a Simple Tool Boost Your Work Focus?

Sign up to be part of an important nonprofit research initiative designed to improve productivity and work-life balance for people who make things. Launching in January 2025.

Read the whitepaper

The whitepaper is currently undergoing peer review in the Human Factors journal, supported by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES). This paper will share insights from the study, further advancing knowledge in the field of human factors and productivity.

Title: "Adapting the Impulse-Response Model for Mental Performance in Knowledge Workers"Pubication: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.Manuscript ID: HF-24-9100.

HOW IT WORKS

As a participant, you’ll get access to a free app that connects to your calendar and gives you a personalized productivity score that you can track over time.Once you see it, you can't unsee it.Your involvement will directly impact our study on productivity and time management. Understanding how we balance focused work and meetings can lead to practices that reduce burnout and improve cognitive well-being in professional settings.

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Timeslot is a collaborative research project with BrightPath Foundation, a nonprofit advancing STEM education for the next generation of leaders and innovators for humanity.Donations help keep Timeslot free and accessible, and all proceeds go directly toward sustaining the study.BrightPath Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity sponsored by The Hack Club (EIN 81-2908499).

FAQ

What is Timeslot?Timeslot is a web-based tool developed as part of a productivity research study, designed to help professionals like writers, designers, and software engineers improve productivity. It syncs with your calendar to track focused work sessions versus meetings and calculates a productivity index.How does Timeslot work?Built on the principle that “what doesn’t get measured doesn’t get managed,” Timeslot connects to your calendar to monitor time allocation between focused work and meetings. It generates a personalized productivity index based on this data, offering insights into productivity patterns.Why is this a research study?This research study aims to understand how tracking focused time and visualizing productivity patterns impact overall effectiveness. By using Timeslot, you’ll contribute valuable data (securely and anonymously) that will help us advance research on cognitive load on knowledge workers.Is Timeslot free?Yes, Timeslot is free for all study participants. To support the study, donations are welcome, and premium features are available for contributing users. All contributions will fund the study, enabling us to keep Timeslot available and expanding its features based on participant feedback.How does Timeslot help improve productivity?Timeslot provides real-time feedback on your time allocation, highlighting the balance between focused work and meetings. This data helps you identify patterns and adjust your schedule for better productivity, reducing distractions and dedicating more time to deep work.How do I get started with Timeslot?Simply visit timeslot.life to sign up for a free account and join the study. You’ll be guided through a quick setup process to connect your calendar, so you can begin tracking your productivity right away.Do I need to download any software?No downloads are required. Timeslot is a web-based application that you can access through any modern browser on any internet-enabled device.What platforms does Timeslot support?Timeslot is accessible on any device with a modern web browser, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It works across major operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.Does Timeslot require calendar access?Timeslot works best with calendar integration to accurately track meetings and focused work. Currently, Timeslot supports Google Calendar and is working to add more platforms. Timeslot can also be used without connecting a calendar.How does the productivity index work?The productivity index reflects the balance between focused work and time spent in meetings and admin work, providing a visual metric of your productivity. This index helps you spot patterns in time management, enabling you to make informed adjustments to your schedule for more effective work habits.What insights does Timeslot offer?Timeslot provides daily, weekly, and monthly productivity reports, showing trends in focused work time, meeting hours, and productivity index scores. These insights help participants reflect on their work habits and identify areas for improvement.Why integrate with Spotify?Music has been shown to enhance focus, and the Spotify integration enables you to access playlists optimized for concentration. You can listen to curated music directly within Timeslot during your work intervals.How is my data protected?Data security and privacy are our top priorities. Timeslot uses industry-standard encryption to protect your information. All data is anonymized, securely stored, and handled in compliance with relevant privacy regulations.What if I have feedback or suggestions?Your feedback is essential to the study! You can submit suggestions or comments directly through Timeslot or by contacting our support team via email at [email protected]. We actively use participant input to shape and improve Timeslot’s features.How are funds from donations and premium features used?All contributions, including donations and fees for premium features, go directly toward funding this research study. This support allows us to keep Timeslot live and accessible, to improve features, and to extend our research to reach more users.Can Timeslot help reduce screen time?This study aims to validate if tools like Timeslot, which encourage focused work intervals, help students and knowledge workers become more mindful of time management. By optimizing productivity, you may find that you complete tasks more efficiently, creating more opportunities for offline activities.Who is behind the Timeslot study?The Timeslot study is led in partnership with BrightPath Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing STEM education for the next generation of humanity's leaders and innovators.

© 2024 BrightPath Foundation. All rights reserved. BrightPath Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity sponsored by The Hack Club (EIN 81-2908499).