Iman Goodarzi is a PhD candidate in marketing. He is a Knowledge Creation Assistant with John Molson Perspectives, working with researchers to bring their insights to a broader audience.
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From overwhelm to productivity: How smart scheduling apps can enhance well-being
Photo by Ernesto Quiroz on Unsplash
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves drowning in daily tasks, constantly switching between obligations without a clear sense of direction.
We check our calendars, set reminders and create to-do lists but at the end of the day, we often feel exhausted rather than accomplished.
Can digital tools do more than just organize our time? Instead, can they actively enhance our productivity and well-being?
For years, research has focused on how digital tools, particularly scheduling applications, can help users enhance performance by managing their tasks more efficiently. Many studies emphasize how these apps assist in structuring time, organizing work and boosting task completion. They provide scheduling recommendations, reminders and even progress tracking.
As part of his master’s thesis, Rakesh Bishnoi examined two features that could make scheduling apps even more effective: social facilitation and outcome feedback. The research, which has been accepted for publication in the International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, was conducted under the supervision of Mahdi Mirhoseini, an assistant professor in the Department of Supply Chain and Business Technology Management. The study used Cedulify, a Montréal-based productivity app designed to boost efficiency, mindfulness and well-being, to test how these features impact users’ perception and behaviour.
As part of the research, Bishnoi conducted a one-week longitudinal experiment to determine whether incorporating these features increases user satisfaction, productivity mindfulness and well-being.
The power of collective motivation
The social facilitation feature in scheduling apps creates a shared environment where users can see their task collaborators' presence and progress—just like working out with a friend makes you more likely to stick to your exercise routine. The same principle applies to productivity. This sense of accountability makes people more likely to follow through with their plans, continue using scheduling platforms and become more satisfied with both the app and their own performance.
The study found that participants who engaged with social facilitation features reported higher perceived usefulness of the app. By seeing others' efforts and successes, users felt more motivated to stay on track with their own schedules.
Turning tasks into meaningful progress
Many productivity tools focus on task completion but they rarely show users the bigger picture. Outcome feedback helps bridge this gap by providing reports on how users’ actions contribute to long-term goals. Instead of simply checking an item off a list, users receive insights into their productivity trends—how consistently they complete tasks, where they tend to fall behind and what patterns emerge over time.
The study found that users who received feedback felt more satisfied with their scheduling app, as it reinforced the usefulness of their efforts. More importantly, this satisfaction increased their intention to continue using the app, ultimately boosting their mindfulness and productivity.
Why this matters for businesses and society
Scheduling apps are no longer just about time management; they are becoming tools for improving engagement, well-being and productivity. Features like social facilitation and outcome feedback help users stay accountable, track their progress meaningfully and enhance their overall experience.
For business leaders and organizations, these findings highlight an opportunity: investing in well-designed productivity tools can lead to more engaged, satisfied and productive employees. In an era where remote work and digital collaboration are on the rise, tools that foster motivation and accountability could significantly impact workplace performance.
For developers, the research underscores the importance of integrating psychological principles into app design to enhance user retention and effectiveness. Ultimately, a well-designed scheduling system isn’t just about organizing tasks—it’s about guiding users toward meaningful progress and long-term satisfaction.
