Incremental & Dynamic Time-Based (Update to Scheduled Tasks): Why Not Projects & Goals?

ChatGPT Feature requests
1

Intro

The current Time-based notifications for ChatGPT tasks that is currently supported thru o3 and o4-mini is effective and generally good, but its use case is limited, but has huge potential.

Example: You are someone with a bad habit of forgetting to walk the dog when you have time. Chat GPT could analyze your most common response times, or some smart algorithm to find when you have time, and pre-empt that with a reminder. Changing the reminder time dynamically to fit whatever nuance it finds in your schedule. Maybe Tuesdays tend to be busy, may hotter days you walk the dog later.

Smart Interactive Widget/Button System.

The app on ios and android devices can run persistently after you close the app, listening. With proper security, it could also leave a notification with a button (in app or on-screen on the notification) for acknowledging, completing or not completing the task. The test for the button would be dynamic because the button is a small in-app applet or widget that chat gpt created for you.

In-App software virtualization.

Chat GPT, CODEX, etc can functionally run apps inside a virtual environment for you. Why not create a library system that allows you to save files within chatGPT or a file storage location (icloud, windows one drive, google cloud etc) that it has permission to access. These apps could be little UI based functionality increasing features. Shareable kindof like the GPTS or the shortcuts app on ios.

Task Achoring and Sensitive Prompting

Users may find themselves using different language at different entries during the day. Stressed? chatgpt may encourage low friction tasks, or if bored it may help with novelty based ideas, or find something interesting and applied for you. If you use certain wording about being tired at a certain time, or it wants to find a physical routine for certain time windows, it will gravitate towards time-based reinforcement and reminders based on your recent language or communication with it. However this should have a on/off in the setting, as it may fall into uncanny valley territory quickly.

Adaptive Training

This feature which is very broadly hinted at in this request is more or less based on spaced repetition memorization/training skills. It is also based upon the cognizance of ADHD neurodiversity being a thing. Meaning feature sets are designed to game the system in an opposite way from thinks like TikTok or other media. It rewards you for focusing longer. So overall the idea should be a feature set that has the ability to dynamically update you, work with you like an assistant, but on a personal level rather than a coding level like codex. Sure this might be similar to agents. but the feature should be to all plus users too.

I have more to this feature request but the gist is getting something that can build adaptive task-based reminders, architecture and interactivity-based algorithms and applets with also the ability to browse those applets you’ve made. But generally use them to customize and extend the utility of your chatGPT experience. (also share tools you make)

2

my chat with ChatGPT on a similar feature set:

:brain: Feature Request: Adaptive Executive Function Support Tools for ADHD Users

Summary

Introduce a suite of lightweight, behaviorally-informed features within ChatGPT that enable adaptive, spaced, and intelligent reminders to assist users—especially those with ADHD or executive function challenges—with building consistent, healthy habits through contextual nudges, dynamic feedback, and memory-aware repetition.

Problem

Current reminder systems in ChatGPT (and in most digital tools) rely on static, time-based notifications. For neurodivergent users, particularly those with ADHD, such reminders often become background noise, ignored, or overwhelming. The challenge isn’t remembering what to do—it’s starting, re-starting, and maintaining behavior without shame, fatigue, or boredom. We need nudges that adapt based on usage, mood, and task difficulty, not just time.

Proposed Features

1. :repeat_button: Adaptive Spaced Nudging

Enable reminders to:

  • Adjust frequency based on completion or snoozing behavior
  • Vary language to avoid habituation
  • Include modes like “ADHD-friendly,” “energy-sensitive,” or “low-friction”

Example:

“You’ve been skipping this task a few days. Want to try just a 2-minute version?”

2. :books: Modular Habit-Nudge Library

A collection of small, low-bar “micro-tasks” or prompts designed to kickstart routines:

  • 2-minute cleanups
  • Stretch or posture check-ins
  • Dopamine wins (e.g. “quick win to feel good?”)
  • Mental check-in rituals

Allow users to add, remix, or schedule these nudges manually or contextually.

3. :chart_increasing: Simple Memory-Based Progress Feedback

Instead of binary “done/missed,” offer:

  • Emoji-based history (“:date::date::cross_mark::date:”)
  • Positive reinforcement (“You completed this 3 out of 5 times—awesome streak!”)
  • Optional visual feedback via graphs or counters

4. :hourglass_not_done: Smart Reminder Timing (Context-Aware)

Reminders appear:

  • When user is active in ChatGPT
  • After a natural task-break
  • Not during inactive or overwhelmed periods

They adapt phrasing to reduce mental fatigue or guilt.

5. :brain: Goal-Chaining Nudges (Breakable Tasks)

Let reminders cascade from small wins:

  • “Start with tossing one thing” → “Fold one item?” → “Want to keep going?”

This helps overcome initiation inertia and allows momentum to build naturally.

6. :speaking_head: Emotion-Sensitive Prompting

If users log mood or journal thoughts, ChatGPT adapts:

  • Stressed? → Encouragement + low-friction task
  • Bored? → Novelty-based challenge or fun suggestion

Use existing memory/emotional context to make reminders feel personal and safe.

7. :round_pushpin: Task Anchoring to Context

Allow reminders to anchor to:

  • Keywords during chat (e.g., “I’m tired,” “I want to clean”)
  • Physical context or routines (e.g., morning routine, desk time)

Bonus Suggestion: “ADHD Companion Mode”

An opt-in assistant mode that:

  • Combines features above
  • Treats executive function as a skill system to support
  • Encourages growth without shame

Impact

These features would:

  • Support millions of neurodivergent users
  • Increase ChatGPT’s utility as a behavioral prosthetic
  • Turn reminders from noise into meaningful support
  • Align with cognitive science without requiring deep customization

Priority

High — Especially with current mental health and productivity demands, users need adaptive digital tools that nudge them constructively, not just notify them blindly.

Tags

#reminders #behavioral-design #executive-function #adhd #user-support #nudging #chatgpt-feature-request