I've been waiting for this moment for a long time! Analog is officially live!
Analog is the single thing that keeps me focused every day. I'm excited to finally be able share it with you.
The Backstory
Analog is a physical companion for your digital tools that helps you prioritize and focus on your most important tasks.
How many times have you taken out your phone to check your to-do list only to find yourself pulled into the black hole of digital distractions?
Digital apps are great for capturing things, but they’re not great at helping us put those things into action.
I needed something simpler - something I didn’t have to think about.
So I decided to design my own system. I started by making lists on index cards like the ones I used back in school, took note of patterns that seemed to work, and then incorporated concepts from other productivity experts.
I’ve been refining the system and getting feedback from friends. And now I’m finally ready to share it with you.
A companion for your digital tools
Analog doesn’t replace your digital tools, it works alongside them.
Working out of your inbox puts you on defense all day. Analog helps you focus on your important work to move you closer to your goals.Already use Asana or Trello or Basecamp? Great. Analog actually makes them better. Physically copying down your tasks gives you a tangible, distraction-free view of what you want to focus on today.
The power of a simple habit
Analog is a simple, repeatable process. The system can easily be customized and tailored to how you like to work.
A fresh start every day
Your priorities can change from day-to-day, so taking a moment to write down your important tasks for the day gets you on the right track.
No more productivity guilt
We always seem to think we can get more done in a day than what’s actually possible. The physical constraints of the Analog card force you hone in the few important things to tackle each day. No more endless lists or productivity guilt.
It's tangible
Seeing your progress build up over time is a powerful motivator. We don’t get this satisfaction from digital apps. It’s scientifically proven that writing things down with pen and paper helps you retain them better. And we all know how good it feels to cross things off.
So simple you don’t even think about it
Most planners and productivity journals feel like extra work which make them hard to keep up with. Your productivity system shouldn’t be a drag to use, it should help you get your actual work done. Analog is so simple it almost feels invisible.
Design is in the details
While the power of Analog lies in the system itself, I believe that items we use every day should be as beautiful as they are functional. I considered every detail throughout the design process – from the paper stock, to the dot grid pattern, to the way the cards smoothly slide into the wood holder.
Here's How Analog Works
Here's a video to give you a quick walkthrough of how Analog works. The whole framework can be learned in just a couple minutes and can also be customized to however you like to work.
Analog divides tasks into 3 cards: Today, Next, Someday
1. Today Cards
At the beginning of each day, write up to 10 tasks on a Today card.
Use Task Signals to mark each task as completed, delegated, or in-progress.
Use the suggested Task Signals or create your own.
Carry over unfinished tasks onto a new Today card or move them to a Next or Someday card.
2. Next Cards
Record important tasks that need to be done, but not today. Use this list to help you fill out your Today cards.
3. Someday Cards
Capture ideas, aspirations, and goals that you would like to accomplish someday.
Card Signals
At the end of the day use the Card Signal to rate your productivity, or use the them to link related projects together.
The Monthly Card Pack
Each Analog Card Pack include 50 cards - enough cards to get you through an entire month (with a few extras in case you need to start over).
- 35 Today Cards
- 10 Next Cards
- 5 Someday Cards
The 3″x5″ cards are printed on 100# smooth uncoated paper that feels great to write on. The cards come neatly packed in a custom die cut box which comes in handy for storing extras or taking them on the go.
Specs:
- 3″x5″ (76mm x 127mm)
- 100# smooth uncoated paper
- Rounded corners
- Dot grid pattern on back
- Each pack includes: 35 Today Cards, 10 Next Cards, 5 Someday Cards
- Made in Pennsylvania, USA
The Card Holder
The solid wood base keeps your Today card conveniently in front of you while the back of the base provides space to store the rest of your cards for the month. The open-back design makes it easy to grab a new card and discard your completed cards. The powder-coated steel divider magnetically snaps into the wood base to provide a shelf for easy access to your Next and Someday cards.
Specs:
- Solid walnut base
- Powder-coated steel divider
- Neodymium magnets
- Laser-engraved logo
- Holds 50 cards
- Dimensions: 6.25" x 3.55" x 1.15"
- Made in Indiana, USA
The Starter Kit
The Starter Kit includes 3 months of Analog Cards and the Card Holder – everything you need to get the most out of Analog.
What happens when I run out of cards?
After the Kickstarter, additional Analog Card packs will be available for purchase on-demand or as a subscription here on Ugmonk.com
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Don't Just Take My Word for it:
The Design Process
I came up with the original concept for Analog over 5 years ago. I've personally been using various versions of Analog since then and have been slowly refining every detail. What started as a simple index card has evolved into a complete system that works together seamlessly.
After using index cards for a while I realized that in order for Analog to work, the cards needed a dedicated place to be stored and displayed. Enter the idea of a card holder/stand.
I've been working closely with our manufacturer to dial in both the functional and aesthetic details of the the card holder. After many prototypes and much testing, we arrived at the final design which not only looks great but is delightful to use.
Analog Press Kit
Click here to download high-res photos of Analog to feature.
