efforttodo

Efforttodo is a task management approach and accompanying software that centers on estimating the effort required to complete work and balancing workload across individuals and teams rather than relying solely on due dates. It originated as an adaptation of agile and Kanban principles to emphasize planning by effort.

In efforttodo, every task is assigned an estimated effort value, often expressed in hours or abstract points. Tasks have status, priority, dependencies, and optional deadlines. Capacity planning uses a team's available effort capacity per period to decide which tasks to pull into work. The method promotes breaking large tasks into smaller units and tracking progress by remaining effort rather than purely completed units.

The method is implemented in both software and templates. Typical features include Kanban-like boards with Backlog, Ready, In Progress, Review, Done; effort fields; drag-and-drop reallocation; calendar integration; comments and attachments; time tracking optional; automated alerts when accumulated effort approaches capacity. Reports include burn-down curves by remaining effort and velocity charts.

Used in software product development, research projects, and personal productivity. Proponents cite reduced deadline pressure and clearer workload visibility. Critics note reliance on accurate effort estimation; potential mismatch between estimated and actual effort; initial setup overhead. Some teams blend efforttodo with traditional time-based planning when precise scheduling is required.

See also: to-do list, task management, agile, project management, velocity.