I really enjoy Producteev (http://www.40tech.com/2010/09/03/gtd-in-producteev-utilizing-multiple-workspaces/), but it may not be visual enough for you either.

For what you are looking for, keeping in mind the wanting to keep things free, you may want to try going low-tech-ish DIY using a Post It notes style application. If you are a Mac user, you could try Task Card (http://www.taskcardosx.com/), as well.

Another option would be to use Microsoft OneNote. It is a bit of a huge program, but it does allow task creation, project notebooks, and the ability to grab and move/arrange elements as you like, and annotate them as well. One of our readers wrote a guest post on how he uses OneNote here: http://www.40tech.com/2011/03/17/reader-workflow-in-action-gtd-for-freelancers-managing-multiple-projects/

A similar option would be mind mapping programs that allow for tasks, like Mindmanager — you would have to buy that one though.

Hopefully that was helpful!

I actually use Producteev almost exclusively for my GTD needs, at the moment, and find that it works really well. I use a multiple workspace approach and also have a workspace specific to projects for my projects list, using tags to increase my organization. The notes system of Producteev works well for project related notes, but is unwieldy if you are visual and have a need to reorganize things. I use Evernote as my filing cabinet, and find that that eases things.

If you want more info, here’s the link to the Producteev GTD post: http://www.40tech.com/2010/09/03/gtd-in-producteev-utilizing-multiple-workspaces/

I’ll check into those two. I’ve been able to work around by using producteev for next actions by context, and storing all my projects in E.N. with the plan listed in the notes. Not fun having to use 2 programs but it’s working for the short run.

I’m a creative type and like the action plan idea of keeping Projects grouped by type, but I like the actions steps by context still. So eg. my writing projects are listed together in EN, but the next steps for each move to Producteev @computer one at a time. Not smooth but effective.

It’s true that there is no perfect system out there yet. There are always things you need to tweak either to suit the methodology or your personal needs. There are a few paid systems out there that allow for better context management. I’ve been looking at them recently, but their biggest drawback is that they cost money. They aren’t perfect either. Some have horrendous interfaces, and some trade functionality in favour of prettiness. There are two in particular I am curious about, though, that may serve your needs as they develop. One is the Get it Done app, and the other is Nirvana. I’d recommend you take a look at both of them.

And I also use Grocery IQ — it rocks much. :D

Thanks for the awesome reviews. I’m also passionate about productivity systems and software, and it’s been handy to have you pioneer ahead of me, designing logical GTD implementations and discerning pros from cons for several potential software solutions. Your reviews are fantastic.

1. I’ve now read a fair number and auditioned several of the programs, but so far they all lack one key functionality that would greatly aid a GTD system. One of the brilliant innovations of GTD is natural planning, and while these on-line solutions all provide a way to list projects and effective ways to treat Next Actions Steps, none of them connect these two functions.

How cool would it be to click on a project and enter a list of actions steps you’ll likely have to take to complete the project? Then, when you cross an item off a list, all you have to do is move the next step into the appropriate context.

Your commenters have been remarkably astute, and when I read between the lines, a lot of the comments seem to be asking for this functionality.

2. Some people have asked about grocery lists. I’ve given up doing it as part of a GTD system. I found the program grocery IQ in the android market and so far that’s done what I needed. As a bonus I can enter items by scanning their barcode. All I put in for an action item is “Grocery Shop.”

Very valid observations, all! Behance has really created a beautiful and well thought out application. My major concern with Action Method, after months of use, is that they tend to be a tad slow at updating the software with any community requests.

You may also want to give Producteev 2 a try. I reviewed them in early June here on 40Tech and have been working with the app for the past month. So far, I’m pleased and you may find that the calendar sync feature they have solves the issue you will have with Action Method. They are also always updating and improving. I don’t believe they have a Blackberry app, but it is likely on their roadmap, and you may well be able to get the site to work in the browser.

If you choose to give Action Method the full treatment, let me know how it works out for you!