The module can be controlled in:
Modules -> Community supported modules -> Level 3 -> Parallel Tasks
To turn it on or off tap the slider on the right. The module is available for free in the first two weeks of usage and after that, it is available to Level 3 subscribers. Even if you lose access to the module, your parallel tasks will not be removed, only the interface to change them will be unavailable till you subscribe.
Accessing the interface
If the module is turned on you may access the interface for adding and removing parallel tasks using a context menu option of the task. It's enabled in the Main menu by default, and may be disabled or moved to Submenu in:
Settings > Day plan context menu options > Main menu > Parallel tasks OR Submenu > Parallel Tasks
Using the interface
At the top of the interface window there is a counter displaying the number of parallel tasks and their total duration.
Below it there are 3 action icons:
- Add tasks - to add a new task or a task set to the end of the list
- Clear list - to clear the list.
- MORE - to access an additional action:
- Match main task's duration by default - if ticked, every new task will have its duration set to match THE PARENT task's duration as it expands or shrinks
Each task displays its duration in the top right corner. It's either:
- a static duration, like "1h 20m" if the task is not set to match THE PARENT task's duration
- a dynamic duration, like "100% (1h 20m)" if the task is set to match PARENT task's duration. It denotes that this task always takes 100% of the space available (of the entire block of time), which at the moment is 1h 20m long.
The concept of main / parent task
Some task has to be the main one, also called the "parent task". That's the one that's visible on the schedule, and that's the only one that's displayed in statistics when the "In proportion to 24h" option is on (read more in the "Final notes" at the bottom of the post).
If you prefer your statistics to show parallel blocks separately and clearly distinguish them in the stats data and on pie charts, simply create a task named "Parallel tasks" and always use it as the main task.
When the duration of the main task is decreased, its parallel tasks behave as follows:
- they are shortened if needed so that their duration is never longer than the parent's
- they are left untouched if their duration is already shorter than the parent's (they are not set to match parent's duration)
- they are lengthened if they are set to match parent's duration
- they are left untouched if their duration is static (they are not set to match parent's duration)
Visual hints
An icon appears at the top of the task view if it has any parallel tasks added.
Final notes
Statistics take parallel tasks into account only when the "In proportion to 24h" option is ticked OFF. Parallel tasks extend the day beyond 24h, so it's a natural limitation to get proper percentages and pie charts.
Goal monitors always take parallel tasks into account.
There's still a lot to add and improve. We count on getting ideas and feedback from you! Please share them here or by email.
Special thanks and related info
Special thanks to Pinkdynamite and Morgan for initiating the discussion and sharing ideas. Parallel Tasks are the direct result of the discussion we had on the previous forum.