Jurgen Appelo Proposed the Chunking Productivity Technique @ InfoQ
"Jurgen defines a chunk of work as any focused activity lasting between approximately ten minutes and one hour, with the average being less than 30 minutes. A chunk is a well-defined activity of 10 to 60 minutes, which is either one complete task, or a portion of something bigger, or a grouping of several things smaller. He mentions three requirements for chunks:
- They have a natural and logical start and finish;
- They may not be interrupted (except when I’m not given a choice);
- And breaks are welcome (even desirable) between the chunks."
Chunking technique is different from Pomodoro technique...(that) is about cutting up work into 25-minute timeboxes and then forcing yourself to take a break.
In chunking technique, unlike pomodoros, chunks have different natural sizes.
A task is done when it’s done, not when a bell is ringing."
The chunking method is like a wall of silly-sized stones."
- "Focus on one thing at a time and don’t let yourself be distracted.
- If work takes more than an hour to do, cut it up in chunks that each take less than an hour to complete.
- If you have lots of little things to do, bundle them into bigger chunks that take at least 10 minutes each.
- Allow yourself frequent little breaks between the chunks to clear your mind and enjoy your progress and accomplishments.
That’s all there is to it, really."