How to Add cards to a Kanban Board With Your Voice

I'm a fan of LeanKit, Personal Kanban, and Lifehacker.  So, what about adding cards to a Personal Kanban with no hands?

My LeanKit Personal Kanban

It's an awesome tool. It allows me to visualize and control my work, through a web page or any of my Apple devices.  It doesn't matter if I'm at home or work, I'm just trying to get stuff done and know what I need to do next.  Unfortunately, I'm not always at home or work.  I'm on the road.  I commute 1.5 to 2 hours (each way) to be with my client every day.  What can I say, I feel I can help my client a lot more if I'm looking them in the eye or doing a gemba walk.

My Commute

I seemingly have my best ideas while I'm on the road.  Though my Personal Kanban board pretty much looks the same, regardless if it's on my wall, Macbook or on my iPhone, you don't want me writing on post-its or typing in data while driving.  You think texting and driving is dangerous?  Try adding cards to a Kanban board!

My Lifehack

Rather than having to decide between being a danger to society and adding cards to a Kanban board, you're about to learn how to add cards to a LeanKit Kanban board with only the sound of your voice.  It's as easy as voice dictation on the iPhone.

Step 1

On your Personal (LeanKit) Kanban board, locate the default drop lane. There is a little "Add a new card" icon at the top of the lane. Click it and you'll see the e-mail address to email cards to.

On your Personal (LeanKit) Kanban board, locate the default drop lane

Step 2

Create a contact for your Personal Kanban (or name of your board) in the address book on your phone.  Add the email address from the default drop lane.

Create a contact for your Personal Kanban (or name of your board) in the address book on your phone

Step 3

  • Using Siri, just say send email.

  • Say the title of your board. Personal Kanban

  • Say the title of the card. Testing

  • Say the content of the card. This is a test of the voice to add card feature

With Siri, just say send email

Step 4

Upon arriving at home or work, all of the new cards are waiting for you.  For me, all I need to do is remove my iPhone signature and I'm ready to go!

Upon arriving at home or work, all of the new cards waiting for you

Conclusion

This little lifehack will save me hours a week in pain and anguish, trying to remember all of the awesome ideas I have while on my commute.  Do you have any LeanKit shortcuts you would like to share?  Maybe you want to share a lifehack?  I'm on a quest to eliminate as much waste from my life as reasonably possible. Help me out!