Dona - Simple tasks logo
Dona - Simple tasks
Free minimalist task management app for iOS
ProductivityTask ManagementApple
2025-07-31
56 likes

Product Introduction

  1. Dona - Simple tasks is a minimalist iOS task management application designed for effortless daily organization through streamlined workflows and native iPhone integration. It operates entirely offline while maintaining full compatibility with core iOS features like Siri, widgets, and system shortcuts. The app prioritizes frictionless task capture, prioritization, and completion without subscriptions, ads, or data tracking.

  2. The core value lies in eliminating cognitive overhead through purpose-built gestures, instant access via system integrations, and a privacy-first architecture. It reduces task management to essential actions—capture, organize, execute—while leveraging Apple’s ecosystem for seamless cross-device functionality.

Main Features

  1. The app provides an Inbox system with one-tap input and drag-and-drop prioritization, enabling users to capture ideas in under two seconds and reorganize tasks via intuitive touch gestures. Tasks sync instantly with iOS widgets for Home/Lock Screen visibility and support Siri voice commands like “Hey Siri, add a task to Dona.”

  2. A unified Today Widget allows users to view pending tasks, mark completions, and add new items directly from the Home or Lock Screen without opening the app. This integrates with iOS Focus Modes to maintain context-aware productivity across devices.

  3. Advanced filtering combines tags, due dates, and manual priority tiers, while a global search function scans task details in real time. All interactions are optimized for speed, including swipe-to-complete animations and bulk edit modes activated through sustained pressure gestures.

Problems Solved

  1. It addresses the complexity of traditional task managers by removing nested subtasks, redundant menus, and feature bloat, focusing solely on rapid input/output cycles. Users avoid wasting time configuring labels, calendars, or permissions common in competitor apps.

  2. The target audience includes iOS-native users who require offline reliability, privacy-conscious individuals opposed to data mining, and productivity seekers needing instant access via system-level integrations like Siri and Shortcuts.

  3. Typical scenarios involve capturing spontaneous ideas during commutes via voice commands, reviewing daily priorities through glanceable widgets, and archiving completed tasks during end-of-day reviews using bulk deletion tools.

Unique Advantages

  1. Unlike subscription-based tools like Todoist or Things 3, Dona offers permanent free access with no feature gates, ads, or telemetry. It avoids cloud dependencies by storing all data locally while maintaining iCloud backup compatibility.

  2. Innovations include an in-app language switcher (English/French) without requiring system-level changes, an interactive gesture tutorial embedded in the onboarding flow, and adaptive UI elements that adjust spacing and contrast based on device display settings.

  3. Competitive strengths include Apple-first optimizations like Dynamic Island support for live activity tracking, Vision Pro compatibility for spatial task management, and memory efficiency (4.8MB install size) ensuring background operation without battery drain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Does Dona collect user data or require internet access? No data collection occurs, and all functionality works offline except optional iCloud backups. The App Store listing confirms zero third-party analytics, ads, or trackers.

  2. How does Siri integration work for adding tasks? Users activate Siri and say predefined phrases like “Add a task to Dona: Buy groceries” or customize triggers via the Shortcuts app. Tasks appear instantly in the Inbox with timestamp metadata.

  3. Can I use Dona on multiple Apple devices? Yes, tasks sync across devices using iCloud when enabled, though each device requires separate app installation. The app supports iPhone, iPad, Mac (M1+), and Vision Pro with unified UI/UX.

  4. Is there a limit to the number of tasks? No hard limits exist, but performance remains consistent up to 10,000 active tasks due to SQLite optimization. Archived tasks auto-delete after 30 days unless manually retained.

  5. How do I switch between light/dark modes? The app automatically follows system settings but includes an override in Settings > Appearance with six theme variants, including a proprietary low-light mode reducing blue light emission.

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Free minimalist task management app for iOS | ProductCool