holy calendars

An exploration by @emzosmizo

CalendarsHOLY

Sunday, March 25, 12

CalendarsSchedule Based

Event Based

Project Based


iCalSchedule Based

ProDesktop syncs with mobileMany alert time optionsEasy to invite individualsGood view options: Day, Week, Month, Year, ListRelatively clean designOption to create reoccurring eventsEasy to see other attendees Can attach URLCan attach notesCan share calendarsCan subscribe to fun public calendars like moon phasesCan create groups (but its confusing)Can import from EntourageSmooth animations

ConNot web based, can’t access anywhereNo alert style optionsCannot attach filesMobile functionality is very limited compared to desktop functionalityNot compatible with most other calendars

Made by Apple, and therefore looks very nice on your Apple devices.


gCalSchedule Based

ProWeb based, can access from anywhereDesktop syncs with mobile (if you have android or download the appropriate app)Many alert time optionsEasy to invite individualsGood view options: Day, Week, Month, AgendaRelatively clean designOption to create reoccurring eventsEasy to see other attendees Can attach a locationCan attach notesCan share calendarsCan attach files

ConNo alert style optionsNot compatible with most other calendars No desktop client (if that’s a con)

Made by Google, and therefore is all over the place, all the time, and you need it.


Lotus NotesSchedule Based

Get a new job or kill yourself.

ProEveryone at work uses itYou are able to do everything you need to (If you can find it)

ConWeb version is limitedConstant technical fails


EntourageSchedule Based

Consider getting a new job or killing yourself, but hesitate - at least it’s compatible with iCal.

ProEveryone at work uses it You are able to do everything you need to (If you can find it)Compatible with iCalBetter than Lotus Notes

ConUninspired designUninspired interactions


BasecampSchedule Based

Clean. Very well developed. Almost usable, if everyone used it.

ProClean designClean interactionsYou can do almost everything you need to doYou can discuss the eventIntegrated within a project management platformFriendly & organized tone

ConNo notifications / alertsNo native date & time selectionDoesn’t sync to any other calendars


facebookEvent Based

Good reference - all the details are where you are! Attendees & RSVPs mean nothing.

ProClean designClean interactionsSuper easy to share with anyone and everyoneEasy to access details like time and location of events

ConIt’s too sharable, no exclusivity around events


EventBriteEvent Based

Tickets delivered and accessed via web. Finally!!!

ProAmazingly seamless sign up and ticketing process for ticketed events

ConNot for anything besides ticketed events


Pivotal TrackerProject Based

OMG we have so much work to do! But it’s digestible.

ProBest project management tool for agile process

ConNot for anything besides agile process


TrelloProject Based

Tasks are as actionable in this new system that everyone has to learn in order to use.

ProThe most collaborative to-do list tool availableClean designClean interactions (drag & drop!)You can easily: assign, archive, set deadlines, label and move thingsCan add commentsCan attach files

ConNot for anything besides shared to-do listsEveryone has to adopt it in order for it to workIt is another channel to checkNotifications are only via email


BasecampProject Based

Clean. Less usable than Text Edit.

ProIt’s a shared to do list where there once was no such thing. Can assign thingsCan set deadlinesClean designClean interactionsSortable by assignment and deadline

ConCannot commentCannot attach filesInflexible layout - all you can do is check items offThe assignments and deadlines aren’t visible in the shared space


Behance: Action Method

Project BasedSoftware that works exactly like your brain, if

you are a producer.

ProIt was made by cognitive scientistsClean design, but not too cleanIt’s a cultIt’s really good for organize chaotic projects like building a websiteSyncs across devices

ConIt’s the ipad of to-do lists - a really nice to have but you can live without itEveryone has to buy into the system in order for it to workYou have to learn how to use it; Low barrier, but nonetheless


CONCLUSIONSThe Calendar Approach

Traditional calendar clients need to adopt cutting edge interactions

Too many options causes information glaze

Compatibility & syncing is a primary consideration

Task oriented calendars have the opportunity to overtake traditional schedulers

Surface contextual information - maps, files, links

Get sharable, get social

We will always need to know when everyone’s birthdays are


holy calendars

Design