Project Type
Determines how tasks within a project should be completed.
Definition
Project Type defines the workflow and task completion order for a Project. Locus GTD supports three types based on GTD methodology.
The Three Types
Parallel (1)
Tasks can be done in any order.
When to use:
- Tasks are independent
- No dependencies between tasks
- Can work on multiple tasks simultaneously
Example: "Home Improvement"
- Paint living room ✓
- Fix leaky faucet ✓
- Replace light bulbs ✓
- Organize garage ✓
All can be done in any sequence.
Visual indicator: No numbering on tasks
Sequential (2)
Tasks must be done in specific order.
When to use:
- Each task depends on the previous one
- Step-by-step process
- Clear workflow sequence
Example: "Product Launch"
- Market research
- Design prototype
- Development
- Testing
- Launch
Must be completed in order.
Visual indicator: Tasks are numbered
Next Action: Only the first incomplete task is shown in Next Actions view.
Single Action List (3)
Collection of independent tasks sharing a theme.
When to use:
- Tasks are related but not a cohesive project
- No specific outcome
- Ongoing list of similar items
Example: "Errands"
- Buy groceries ✓
- Pick up dry cleaning ✓
- Mail package ✓
- Get gas ✓
Tasks share a category but aren't working toward one goal.
Visual indicator: No special formatting
Choosing the Right Type
Ask yourself:
Do tasks depend on each other?
- Yes, in order → Sequential
- No → Parallel or Single Action List
Is there a specific outcome?
- Yes → Parallel or Sequential
- No → Single Action List
Can tasks be done simultaneously?
- Yes → Parallel
- No → Sequential
Changing Project Type
- Open project
- Tap project type
- Select new type
- Save
WARNING
Changing from Sequential to Parallel removes task numbering. Changing to Sequential assigns new numbers based on current order.
Impact on Workflow
Next Actions
- Parallel: All active tasks can be next actions
- Sequential: Only first incomplete task
- Single Action List: All tasks available
Task Organization
- Parallel: Order by priority
- Sequential: Order by sequence
- Single Action List: Order by convenience
Progress Tracking
- Parallel: % of tasks completed
- Sequential: Current step in sequence
- Single Action List: Items checked off