Paolo Cardini: Forget multitasking, try monotasking

People aren't just cooking anymore -- they're cooking, texting, talking on the phone, watching KZbin and uploading photos of the awesome meal they just made. Designer Paolo Cardini questions the efficiency of our multitasking world and makes the case for -- gasp -- "monotasking." His charming 3D-printed smartphone covers just might help.
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[@notgay89]

multitasking and monotasking are not the only options. Nontasking is my favorite.

[@mehriabdukodirova9155]

That was funny man 😆

[@rodrigocoldebella5523]

😂😂😂😂

[@arvindraghav1321]

😂😂😂

[@deadshot4885]

That was good

[@fleurindigo5830]

😂still funny

[@n1michelle]

I tried to multitask while listening to this TED Talk and I missed half of it and had to re-watch it. Lesson learned. Haha.

[@fahadsaleem3742]

Michelle Murray Before reading your comment I was thinking that I am the only one who had to suffer this. But it's not !

[@jannyloko1685]

Always the same((

[@mintoo2cool]

this short talk brings up valid points. life is much more pleasurable and enjoyable when you monotask.

[@Brurgh]

its better to do one task really well than to do multiple tasks poorly.

[@eduardocarvalhonascimento1502]

no.

[@faiazmahmud6277]

​@@eduardocarvalhonascimento1502noooo

[@emilyi771]

i love how he talks

[@mochiattoart514]

... meanwhile, I'm commenting this w my left hand, doodling w my right hand, listening to him w my ears, chewing w my teeth, reading my science book w my eyes, and bouncing a ball w my feet. This is not a joke, and I'm kinda dissapointed in myself lmfao

[@discarded1669]

dang you seem like an anime character

[@mochiattoart514]

@@discarded1669 Hi there, this was 3 years ago and I found out I just have adhd so uh.. that's awkward.

[@junka22]

Yeah this talk is a bit underwhelming, but it really touches on something deeper. We humans haven't really evolved to operate in this hyperstimulating environment of today and it can literally drive one insane. I've had enormous trouble concentrating because of the amount of things that I have to do and felt crushed under the weight. On the other hand I've also found enormous pleasure and a sense of flow in really concentrating on one task, like improvising music. Don't forget to relax!

[@YannickMach]

It just took three minutes expand my view on multitasking in a way I have never thought about, amazing.

[@chelseahp8]

Short and concise talk, I like it. Good info as well.

[@jametoriaburton6201]

He said a lot in a short time with a great deal to consider in managing the mindset of multitasking.

[@gulllars]

Multitasking requires you to both understand the tasks you attempt to do in parallell, and for you to be able to plan ahead. Before I start multitasking or add a new task to my workstream i do a quick analysis of temporal and spatial dependencies, and idle/exclusive focus times. Example: I read articles while listening to music, start a download of a tv episode, go put on some laundry, make a snack, the download has finished so i watch the episode while eating, get laundry, continue reading.

[@kodoaok626]

Nice one👍

[@agentcollado23]

this is one of the best..it really hit me.

[@oh_alright_then]

I like it. It's a different design philosophy, one that used to focus on handmade chairs and one-of-a-kind hats. It made things that had value in themselves, not in the things they could do outside of their standard purpose.

[@Arphaea]

There's something to say for the barbecue that's awesome in that jpeg that everyone 'saw' yet you're stuck with, in reality, shitty burnt food. I like the simplicity and depth of this idea.

[@FreeFromWar]

I'm watching 2 videos at the same time, this being one of them.

[@ayyawar]

I was watching this video while working, and thinking about all due assignments, In a way, I'm multitasking.

[@joebazooks]

Love the message!

[@errlvapers]

the real speaker couldn't make it to the presentation today, so they found this guy on the street and told him to use a funny accent and talk about whatever he wants

[@naturalworld5681]

"Find your monotask spot whithin the multitasking world"

[@EspinosaJoey]

I watched/listened to this while also filling out paperwork.

[@joebazooks]

Sweet! Thank you, sir.

[@SJ-ym7lm]

If only more people focused on one task, there may be less accidents and incidents as they're in the current moment and concentrating. Stops me making mistakes and find I can focus truly on my family time.

[@GrowlyBear917]

One manufacturing plant I worked in had a manager who asked if I could multitask. I explained that in a true multitasking environment, more time is spent switching tasks than actually doing them. Therefore it is more efficient use of my time (on the company's clock) to complete one task before starting on another. I was working as a maintenance tech, and since wasting time meant longer down-time for machines, more productivity can be gained by repairing things without interruption. A maintenance supervisor came out to the factory floor while I was solving a machine problem, and pointed out to me that "downtime on this machine costs $600 per hour". To which I replied, "The one minute you spent interrupting me to tell me that cost the company $10.00. Who's pocket is that going to come out of?" Supervisor left immediately. Point made!

[@celticphrog]

This meshes nicely with the video that talks about distractedness as a cause of unhappiness. If we mono-task we will be happier, not just productive of higher quality output.

[@TheIzabot]

I agree with you in your example. In a case like that, it's definitely appropriate and intelligent to focus on a few tasks. But I don't know how much Paolo was refering to that sort of case. He meant people who DO mingle things that aren't appropriate. There is definitely a lot of that happening, and in some cases, people should try focusing instead of multitasking. There is good multitasking, but there is bad multitasking. Tweeting is not necessary when you're preparing a finicky dish :)

[@sahamsurabaya]

Makes me amaze and think. Great talk.

[@drditup]

one can delve much deeper into this i think. he should have, cause this would be an awesome introduction to a heavy TED talk

[@harryblotter1767]

This was cool to listen to as I ate some baked beans and cleaned my room.

[@lukeskywalker3664]

His sideburns are awesome!

[@jackmiller1640]

Very good video, it have some interesting views on our coulture... But there is also an ad for his 3D-printed smartphone cover :D

[@Valdrag]

The best part of this guy is his mustache, which is incredible.

[@relaxingmindsetchannel-com5438]

This was great! 😀

[@d00m0racl3]

On another Ted talk statistics on how much information we learn, manage & ultimately create w/in 1 hour in modern day were said to be more than what a man could learn, manage & create in his entire lifetime 100 years ago, I am 50 and cannot live a day w/out looking for something new to learn & give me a better understanding of the world we live in.

[@Razzfazz87]

Easy stuff in the way I use that is "walking and breathing while watching out for cars while crossing the street". For most people this gets nearly impossible when they are texting. You either are texting OR watching out for cars, actively that is. Texting people bumb into strangers simply because the reaction time is too slow. All that is still "easy". If you ask someone to write their address down and at the same time tell you what time it is you'll see that they will do both, but alternating.

[@Aceionz]

Back in 16th century, people couldn't read text in their heads. Those few who could, were usually praised for having godlike powers. Now, everyone who can read, can read without reading outloud. This is why I feel that multitasking is also going to be a natural part of us, and that we're going to laugh looking back at 21st century and our inability to do multiple tasks at the same time.

[@broswirski4513]

Dat 'hidden' Apple ad, tho...

[@jeanette1946]

a wonderful talk about what has become a novel concept in our present information glutted society.

[@mina86]

The objective depends on the circumstances. In case of eating while watching YT videos it saves time (because the length of the videos is predetermined and it will take me exactly that amount of time to watch, plus they are not that complicated to require my full attention). In case of eating while talking it helps me socialise. I'm chewing while writing this response. I've been eating my sandwich while reading the responses. And there is no, or negligible, quality loss.

[@RainMan52]

Mooltytasking! Gotta try this

[@run1]

I want that monophone :)

[@leylamusillo8025]

3: no, only 2% (two porcent) of the people are supertaskers 16: the speaker current project is about a series of front covers

[@choocello]

Awesome!!!

[@MrPlaid81]

I think it's focusing on what you're doing instead of driving yourself to distraction.

[@DiscoDuck2222]

watching this while playing a game online...

[@estebanborre17]

that´s great

[@bzsgzs]

well said. well said.

[@letsgohyde]

Love this product :) Sooo Funny-

[@lukaskoube]

true, true......a topic that TED must seek an answer to next!

[@joebazooks]

Also, have you read the book?

[@HigherPlanes]

Nice mustache, bro. This guy is a real man

[@elpeachy5412]

I would go crazy if I had to do something without something in the back of my mind I would go crazy

[@kaiyangguo6312]

great

[@tomyc.553]

nice comment:)

[@joebazooks]

I can understand your immediate frustration with the idea, as your point is absolutely valid. However, I was hoping to hear more specifically about the idea of monotasking. I'll have to do a search of my own, I guess. Thanks anyways, amigo.

[@Weesamy]

Exactly!! How did you know? :D

[@jameskpopero]

Awesome video, very fast but fun and informative, Paulo Cardini is very handsome too hahahahaha cheers guys, have an amazing day or night 😁

[@joebazooks]

Would you mind linking me to the other TED presentations of the same idea? That would be greatly appreciated.

[@maxabeles]

i like this :)

[@Sparkman91]

That's nothing I am watching this while making a 3D model and while checking my emails on my phone

[@har.19]

2:10 didn't know he had his own app

[@laojace]

I'm not ashamed to say that i was texting and eating while watching this :D

[@lebasson]

The video should've been titled "Some iPhone covers I made"

[@MrDisgruntledGamer1]

It is very very very hard to focus on one thing, i always find that i dont have enough time to enjoy myself and have fun due to work and school, so i multi task, i have like 6 windows opened with music, games, twitter, reddit, google..... if only i didnt need the function of sleep i could have time for everything...

[@SunnysideChevy]

Love it found myself thinking wow great point as I thought about getting p to reheat my coffee while I m watching this,maybe get some milk for my daughter,look @fb,check email etc

[@nontaskar]

Gogol Bordello touring now in Scotland!!!

[@silentlessons4221]

i usually multitask if something at hand is boring. For example when listening to a boring speech I cant help but start fiddling with my phone. I think multitasking is a result of doing boring things. If Bill Gates comes now and talks to you about u fulfilling certain conditions b4 he can give you a million dollars, your brain will immediately love it and push everything else aside, your friends, phone, etc and channel all energies to whatever it is you got to do. Another example is watching an interesting movie or eating an amazing meal. Bcoz u love it and u like it your brain will force you not to do anything else.

[@oreo0002]

I think the goal shouldn't be one or many, but the "how" to optimize the achievement within limitations of the reality.

[@TosshaanThapar]

Nice

[@xVyae]

I watched this video while I made breakfast, had a quick conversation, and checked my email... How ironic.

[@lukaskoube]

the chicken says cluck, the duck says quack, the farmer loves all the animals....

[@gr0gg0]

I guess he is, like me, fed-up with people looking at their screens in the middle of a conversation.

[@soberhippie]

Because it is an idea worth spreading...

[@juditasimaskeviciute3068]

It is an interesting idea and i understand that some things the require a lot of concentration (ex. mathematics homework, learning a language, similar things). However, in everyday I can't see myself monotasking, not because I wouldn't be able to get things done on time, but i find extremely boring, to the level, that if i am doing only one thing, my mind starts to wander off... and then I completely loose interest into doing it. In the end, it takes me twice more time. Moreover, most of the guys that i know, can not multitask. So multitasking or monotasking is a very individual choice depending on how your brain works.

[@Razzfazz87]

Multitasking as in "walking and breathing" yeah no doubt we can do that but nobody can write a speech on his favorite food and at the same time listen to and understand a simple physics problem formulated in text. We have one word processor up there and anything you attempt will end up a) badly done and b) done more slowly. Every conscious thought (= locomotion doesn't count) blocks all others. You either do them in sequence or you interrupt one for the other which is still in sequence.

[@Sparkman91]

I think I will be ok thank you

[@mina86]

Why would I need to memorise the whole weather forecast? I'm only interested in one place…

[@markpeeters3277]

Before this post, I had 2 excel files, 4 text files windows mp, firefox (+download window), eclipse, 2 pdf's and 2 jpeg's open in my task bar. In Firefox, I was using 8 tabs. I forced myself to close everything but firefox, and switched to full screen mode. I also put all food and food-related stuff back from my desk to my kitchen. Now my brain's dual-core, one core for a glass of water, the other for homework. This hipster has just changed my life, I wonder how long It'll last

[@fightermma]

Did it last long? What were your findings? It would be interesting to here.

[@ekoell]

I agree. Not what I expect when I listen to TED...

[@scubadope]

I prefer to anti-task. It's where I am so hopelessly inefficient that the task at hand implodes into an anti-task which smashes into another task. Both are eliminated from existence and I proceed to go back to doing nothing with my life.

[@jiyounglee2571]

I think this is a very interesting topic “Forget multitasking, try monotasking” These days, people cannot live without mobile phones and people are getting addicted to it. Especially, in my country, multitasking is preferred. For me, it is pretty much overwhelming.

[@Bluuski77]

charts... i need charts!! u.u but congrats to the man! I usually don't laugh when i watch this channel.

[@LFLvideos]

0:14 for start

[@IvanWangsa]

This should be in Onion Talks.

[@HushDNBTracks]

Its surely down to practice, I can bbq for 100+ people without any problems... i can juggle many things efficiently, because i work hard and efficiently... its done to efficiency not simply mono/multi tasking.

[@MrMadisonMan]

There was a talk about this just like a week ago that was much better, no need to recycle ideas

[@TheSquishyFudge]

Damn, his moustache is glorious

[@SEThatered]

4th? How about 21st? I always have at least 30 tabs open in Chrome alone, plus at least 5 program windows besides Chrome...

[@hvedemand]

creative way of education

[@noneofyourbuisness7]

This is all great and everything and i see his point but being a 911 dispatcher multitasking is a necessity for me. It's a trait some of us absolutely need to have to do our jobs effectively.

[@Sparkman91]

But some one did something for TED saying that multitasking was a good thing. And the "concentration problem" as you call it is probably what happened to my ADHD.

[@JB4C89]

Multitasking is soo stressful to me.

[@bzsgzs]

a fine talk, i like its concise aspect. however, this is somewhat just a reiteration of "less is more", and his premise for why we should "forget multitasking" is not very strong and not infallible.

[@gadda01]

not really, we've mostly been mono taskers, at least in the sense that we focus on one thing at a time, thats the whole point of being able to do things like cycling without thinking about it, so that you can focus all your attention on one thing, where to go

[@veo16]

So did he only do a 2:53 TED talk or are we only getting an excerpt? I would hate to think TEDtalks is clipping these awesome segments and only giving us a "free" version versus a paid version.

[@mina86]

Exactly, “easy stuff can be multitasked”, so there is no reason to “forget multitasking”.

[@blackyblackblack505]

Cool

[@odranoel18]

Well, for I know "multitasking". I was thinking his going to talk about the "mind of the person" because that's where the problem is when 1 just can't do more than one thing (if you want to be great not only average) focused.

[@davidenevjuel7595]

@themojo11 you nailed it dude

[@assassinbbx]

Not unless the situation is texting and driving...

[@TheAngryBum]

Forget multi-tasking, try moustache-tasking.

[@MarkArandjus]

Forget monotasking, try nonotasking!