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
- Go to Inbox view
- Tap Process button (top-right)
- First inbox item appears as card
- 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 itemGTD 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 processedSwipe 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
- New tasks → New next actions
- Flag priorities
- Plan execution
Feel Accomplished
- Inbox clear
- Mind clear
- Ready to work