Pomodoro

Pomodoro is a time management technique devised by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. The method uses a timer to divide work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. Each interval is called a pomodoro, a term derived from the Italian word for tomato, reflecting Cirillo’s use of a tomato-shaped kitchen timer when he developed the approach. The technique aims to improve focus and productivity by creating a sense of urgency and reducing interruptions.

To use the Pomodoro Technique, a task or set of tasks is chosen and a timer is set for 25 minutes. Work continues until the timer rings, with attempts made to avoid interruptions. After the pomodoro ends, a short break of about 5 minutes is taken. The cycle is repeated; after four pomodoros, a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes is taken before resuming. If a task cannot be completed in a single pomodoro, it can be continued in subsequent pomodoros, with progress tracked in a log. Interruptions are ideally minimized; if unavoidable, they can be recorded and handled between pomodoros.

Usage and variations: The core durations are sometimes adjusted in practice, with longer or shorter work periods preferred by different users. Digital timers and dedicated apps are common, offering reminders, statistics, and task lists. The technique has influenced broader time-management practices and is often combined with task planning and regular reviews.

Effectiveness and criticism: Proponents report improved focus, better estimation of task duration, and a structured workflow. Critics argue that a rigid 25/5 schedule can hinder deep, complex work or collaborative tasks, and that the method does not by itself address prioritization or task quality. Overall, it is seen as a lightweight, flexible framework rather than a universal solution.