The productivity app landscape is crowded with solutions promising to help users manage their tasks better, but a fundamental challenge persists: the distinction between when a task needs to be done versus when it's due. This discussion has emerged following the release of Zesfy, a new iOS planner and calendar app that explicitly separates these concepts.
The Do vs. Due Dilemma
Task management isn't just about deadlines - it's about planning when to actually do the work. Many users in the productivity community have highlighted this crucial distinction that most apps overlook. While a task might be due on Friday, you might need to start working on it on Tuesday to complete it on time.
Current Solutions and Approaches
The community has shared various approaches to this challenge:
- Traditional Apps : Apps like Things and OmniFocus have implemented this concept through their start dates and due dates
- Text-Based Solutions : Many developers prefer simple text files with custom notation, synchronized through services like Google Keep or git-based solutions
- Calendar Integration : Some users advocate for keeping everything in their calendar, arguing that tasks inherently require time blocks
- GTD Methodology : The Getting Things Done framework addresses this through its waiting for concept and next actions
The Privacy-First Approach
Zesfy enters this space with a Data Not Collected privacy policy, which has garnered positive attention from privacy-conscious users. The app is available for free with a Pro subscription option, though some community members express resistance to the subscription model.
Technical Requirements and Availability
- Requires iOS 17.2 or newer
- Size: 5.8 MB
- Currently iOS-only, with planned expansion to iPad and Mac
- Developer has indicated potential PWA development based on demand
Community Insights
The discussion reveals several key user requirements for modern task management:
- Integration with existing calendar systems (particularly Google Calendar)
- Clear visual distinction between different types of tasks
- Ability to handle recurring tasks and routines
- Support for project management hierarchies
- Time blocking capabilities
Looking Forward
While Zesfy represents a new approach to the do/due date distinction, the community discussion suggests that the perfect task management solution remains elusive. Different users have different needs, ranging from simple text files to complex project management systems.
The key takeaway is that effective task management isn't just about tracking deadlines - it's about planning when to actually do the work, and different tools serve different workflows and preferences.
Note: Pricing details for Zesfy Pro subscription are available in the app, with both monthly and yearly options available.