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Processing Mode

A card-based interface for efficiently organizing inbox items.

Definition

Processing Mode is a dedicated interface in Locus GTD that helps you quickly process Inbox items by presenting them one at a time in a card-based, swipeable format.

Why Processing Mode?

Focused Processing

  • One item at a time
  • No distractions
  • Clear decisions
  • Efficient workflow

Guided Workflow

  • Structured process
  • Clear options
  • Auto-save
  • Progress tracking

Batch Efficiency

  • Process multiple items quickly
  • Consistent decisions
  • Maintain momentum
  • Clear inbox faster

Accessing Processing Mode

  1. Go to Inbox view
  2. Tap Process button (top-right)
  3. First inbox item appears as card
  4. Make decisions and swipe through

Processing Options

✅ Complete

Mark task as done and move to next.

When to use:

  • Task is already done
  • Two-minute rule applies
  • Quick action completed

Result: Task marked complete, next item shown.


📋 Organize

Set properties and organize the task.

Available actions:

Result: Task organized, auto-saved, next item shown.


🗑️ Delete

Remove task permanently.

When to use:

  • Not actionable
  • No longer relevant
  • Duplicate entry
  • Captured by mistake

Result: Task deleted, next item shown.


🔄 Convert to Project

Turn task into a Project.

When to use:

  • Task requires multiple steps
  • Outcome needs several actions
  • Complex task breakdown needed

Result: New project created, task becomes first item, next inbox item shown.


⏭️ Skip

Process this item later.

When to use:

  • Need more information
  • Requires thought
  • Not ready to decide

Result: Item stays in inbox, next item shown.

The Processing Workflow

Step-by-Step

1. Item appears as card

2. Read and understand

3. Ask: Is it actionable?
   ├─ No → Delete
   └─ Yes → Continue

4. Ask: Takes < 2 minutes?
   ├─ Yes → Complete now
   └─ No → Continue

5. Ask: Multiple steps?
   ├─ Yes → Convert to Project
   └─ No → Continue

6. Organize:
   - Set project
   - Add tags
   - Set dates
   - Add details

7. Auto-saved, next item

GTD Questions

For each item, ask:

1. What is it?

  • Clarify the item
  • Understand the commitment

2. Is it actionable?

  • Yes → Continue processing
  • No → Delete or reference

3. What's the next action?

  • Define specific, physical action
  • Make it clear and doable

4. What's the outcome?

  • Single task or project?
  • One step or multiple?

Processing Strategies

Time-Based Processing

Quick Pass (5 min):

  • Process obvious items
  • Skip complex ones
  • Clear easy decisions

Deep Pass (20 min):

  • Process everything
  • Make all decisions
  • Clear to zero

Energy-Based Processing

High Energy:

  • Complex decisions
  • Project creation
  • Detailed organization

Low Energy:

  • Simple categorization
  • Quick deletions
  • Basic tagging

Batch Processing

By Type:

  • All emails together
  • All ideas together
  • All tasks together

By Project:

  • Work items
  • Personal items
  • Learning items

Best Practices

Process Regularly

  • Daily: 5-minute quick pass
  • Weekly: Complete clear-out
  • As needed: After capture sessions

Don't Overthink

  • Make quick decisions
  • Trust your gut
  • Can always adjust later

Use Two-Minute Rule

If it takes < 2 minutes:

  • Do it now
  • Mark complete
  • Move on

Be Ruthless

  • Delete freely
  • Not everything needs keeping
  • Quality over quantity

Complete the Cycle

  • Don't stop halfway
  • Process to zero
  • Feel the satisfaction

Processing Mode Features

Auto-Save

Changes save automatically when you:

  • Tap Complete
  • Move to next item
  • Exit processing mode

Progress Indicator

See how many items remain:

3 of 15 items processed

Swipe Gestures

  • Swipe left: Delete
  • Swipe right: Complete
  • Tap: Organize

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Space: Complete
  • Delete: Remove
  • →: Next
  • ←: Previous
  • Esc: Exit

Common Challenges

"Too Many Items"

Solution:

  • Start with quick pass
  • Process 5-10 items
  • Take breaks
  • Build momentum

"Can't Decide"

Solution:

  • Skip for now
  • Come back later
  • Ask: "What's the next action?"

"Takes Too Long"

Solution:

  • Don't over-organize
  • Basic categorization is enough
  • Can refine later

"Keep Skipping Everything"

Solution:

  • Force decisions
  • Use timer (2 min per item)
  • Remember: Done > Perfect

After Processing

Review Results

  • Check organized tasks
  • Verify projects created
  • Ensure nothing missed

Update Next Actions

Feel Accomplished

  • Inbox clear
  • Mind clear
  • Ready to work