SMART TO-DO LIST

Mini Project 1B Report

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement of University of Mumbai For
the Degree of

(Computer Engineering)

By

Sr No. NAME ID NUMBER

1 Sandesh Bhagat TU3S2425009

2 Adarsh Gajagotra TU3S2425028

Under the Guidance of

Prof. Umesh Mantale

Department of Computer Engineering

TERNA ENGINEERING COLLEGE

Plot no.12, Sector-22, Opp. Nerul Railway station,

Phase-11, Nerul (w), Navi Mumbai 400706

UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI(2024-25)

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 TERNA ENGINEERING COLLEGE, NERUL,

NAVI MUMBAI
Department of Computer Engineering
Academic Year 2024-25

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the mini project 1B entitles “SMART TO-DO LIST” is a bonafide work of

Sr No. NAME ID NUMBER

1 Sandesh Bhagat TU3S2425009

2 Adarsh Gajagotra TU3S2425028

submitted to the University of Mumbai in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of
the Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering).

Guide Head of Department Principal

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 Project Report Approval

This Mini Project 1B Report – entitled “SMART TO-DO LIST” by following students is approved for the degree of
S.E. in "Computer Engineering".

Submitted by:

Sr No. NAME ID NUMBER

1 Sandesh Bhagat TU3S2425009

2 Adarsh Gajagotra TU3S2425028

Examiners Name & Signature:

1.

2.

Date:

Place:

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 Declaration

We declare that this written submission represents our ideas in our own words and where others'
ideas or words have been included, we have adequately cited and referenced the original
sources. We also declare that we have adhered to all principles of academic honesty and
integrity and have not misrepresented or fabricated or falsified any idea/data/fact/source in our
submission. We understand that any violation of the above will be cause for disciplinary action
by the Institute and can also evoke penal action from the sources which have thus not been
properly cited or from whom proper permission has not been taken when needed.

Sandesh Bhagat TU3S2425009 --------------------------

Adarsh Gajagotra TU3S2425028 ---------------------------

Date:

Place:

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 Acknowledgement

We would like to express our sincere gratitude towards our guide Prof. Umesh Mantale for their
help, guidance and encouragement, they provided during the project development. This work
would have not been possible without their valuable time, patience and motivation. We thank them
for making our stint thoroughly pleasant and enriching. It was great learning and an honor being
their student.

We are deeply thankful to Dr. Kishor Sakure (H.O.D Computer Department) and entire team
in the Computer Department. They supported us with scientific guidance, advice and
encouragement, they were always helpful and enthusiastic and this inspired us in our work.

We take the privilege to express our sincere thanks to Dr. L. K. Ragha our Principal for
providing the encouragement and much support throughout our work.

Sandesh Bhagat TU3S2425009 ---------------------------

TU3S2425028 ---------------------------
Adarsh Gajagotra
-

Date:

Place:

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 Abstract

In today's demanding world, individuals often juggle numerous responsibilities, making effective
personal task management paramount for maintaining productivity and reducing stress. Traditional
methods, such as handwritten lists, can be easily misplaced or lack the proactive features necessary to
ensure timely completion. Recognizing this need, the Smart To-Do List application has been
developed as an intelligent digital solution designed to streamline and enhance how individuals
organize and track their daily tasks. This application moves beyond the simplicity of a basic checklist
by incorporating features that actively aid users in managing their commitments, drawing parallels to
the efficiency gains achieved through automation in other domains like AI-driven resume screening in
recruitment.

The core functionality of the Smart To-Do List application revolves around providing a structured and
intuitive platform for users to create, categorize, and manage their tasks. Users can easily input new
tasks and assign them to predefined categories, allowing for a clear separation of responsibilities
across different aspects of their lives. A key feature is the ability to set due dates for tasks, coupled
with an automated desktop notification system that proactively reminds users of upcoming deadlines.
This proactive approach aims to minimize the risk of oversight and ensure that tasks are addressed in a
timely manner. Furthermore, the application allows users to track the completion status of their tasks,
providing a visual representation of their progress and accomplishments.

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 Index
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sr. No. Title Page No.

Chapter 1 Introduction 10
1.1 Sub chapter
1.2 Sub chapter
Chapter 2 Literature Survey 12

Chapter 3 Problem Statement 14

Chapter 4 Analysis and Design 15

Chapter 5 Implementation Results and Discussion 18

Chapter 6 Conclusion 20

Reference 22

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 List of Figures
Sr. No. Figure Name Page No.

1 System Architecture Diagram 17

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 List of Figures
Sr. No. Figure Name Page No.

1 Result 19

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 Chapter 1
Introduction

1.1 Motivation

In today's productivity-centric world, individuals juggle multiple responsibilities—academic, professional, and

personal. Managing tasks effectively remains a daily challenge, especially without a structured system.
Conventional to-do lists often lack intuitive categorization, prioritization, reminders, and integration with
modern UI expectations, which leads to inefficiencies and forgotten tasks.

The Smart To-Do List application aims to redefine how users plan and execute their daily activities by offering
a modern, AI-enhanced task management experience. Developed using Python (Tkinter, ttkbootstrap,
tkcalendar, and plyer), this application introduces categorized task sections, due date reminders, and notification
alerts—all within an intuitive, sidebar-based interface.

By integrating core task management features with a visually appealing design and real-time feedback
mechanisms, this app not only streamlines personal planning but also supports proactive habit-building and
productivity enhancement.

1.1.1 Need for the Problem

• Traditional to-do apps often fall short in organizing tasks by category or priority, resulting in cluttered
task views and reduced usability.

• Most applications lack local notification capabilities, leading to missed deadlines or forgotten
responsibilities.

• Students and professionals need a customizable, reliable, and distraction-free tool that works offline
and ensures their data remains secure.

• There is a growing need for applications that provide intuitive UX, allow task filtering/editing, and
offer persistent task saving.

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1.2 Scope of the Project

• Task Categorization: Allow users to classify tasks under customizable categories like Work, Home,
Groceries, etc.

• Priority-Based Sorting: Let users assign importance levels (High, Medium, Low) to tasks for focused
execution.

• Due Date Management: Enable calendar-based due date selection and automated local notifications via
Plyer.

• Persistent Storage: Store tasks locally in JSON format for offline access and permanent record-keeping.

• Modern UI/UX: Implement a responsive, sidebar layout using ttkbootstrap for a sleek, user-friendly
interface.

• Edit and Filter Options: Empower users to modify tasks and filter them based on category, date, or status.

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 Chapter 2
Literature Review

1. Existing Systems and Their Limitations

a) Existing Task Management Applications

Over the years, numerous task management tools have emerged, each attempting to streamline personal
productivity. These systems range from paper planners to advanced mobile applications. Popular platforms
such as Google Tasks, Microsoft To Do, Todoist, and Trello offer robust task tracking capabilities, yet several
critical gaps still exist in their offerings—especially when targeting students and individual users seeking
lightweight yet powerful solutions.

Common features of these systems include:

• Basic Task Logging – Users can add and delete tasks manually.
• Priority Marking – Tasks may be marked as high, medium, or low importance.
• Reminder Systems – Often depend on internet connectivity or third-party APIs.
• Cloud Integration – Tasks are stored online and synced across devices.
• UI-Focused Design – Modern aesthetics and intuitive interfaces.

b) Limitations of Existing Systems

Despite widespread usage, traditional to-do list applications often exhibit the following challenges:

1. Lack of Local Notifications – Many apps depend on cloud servers or mobile APIs for reminders,
making them unusable in offline scenarios.
2. Overcomplicated UI – Feature-heavy platforms often compromise usability, overwhelming users who
need only essential functions.
3. Limited Customization – Users are often unable to modify categorization schemes or adapt the UI to
their workflow.
4. Dependency on Internet Access – Most modern to-do apps require a stable connection, which may
not always be available.
5. Privacy Concerns – Cloud-based storage raises concerns over personal data safety, especially with
minimal encryption or export capabilities.

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2. Proposed Solution: Smart To-Do List (Tkinter + Python + JSON + Plyer)

To bridge these gaps, we propose a Smart To-Do List application that provides an offline-first, privacy-
focused, and highly intuitive productivity solution for daily task management.

Key Advancements Over Traditional Apps:

1. Offline Capability with JSON Storage – Tasks are stored securely in JSON format, allowing offline
access and persistence across sessions.
2. Local Notification Alerts via Plyer – Uses system-level notifications to alert users about due tasks
without relying on the internet.
3. Category-Based Filtering – Tasks can be segmented into logical groups like Academics, Personal,
Fitness, or Shopping.
4. Modern UI via ttkbootstrap and Sidebar Layout – Offers an elegant and responsive layout for
seamless navigation and minimal distractions.
5. Due Date Integration – Users can set task deadlines using a calendar picker powered by
tkcalendar, encouraging time-bound productivity.

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 Chapter 3
Problem Statement

• Unorganized Task Handling

o Most users either forget tasks or use inefficient methods like sticky notes or cluttered notes
apps, resulting in missed deadlines and poor time management.
• No Offline Support
o Existing to-do list solutions often require an active internet connection, which limits their utility
in low-connectivity environments.
• Lack of Notification Reminders
o Without timely alerts, users tend to miss important deadlines, leading to stress and reduced
productivity.
• Overwhelming Interfaces
o Many apps cater to enterprise-level task tracking, offering bloated features unsuitable for
students or individual users.
• Need for a Personalized, Smart, and Lightweight To-Do Application
o There is an urgent requirement for a smart yet simple task manager that supports
personalization, notifications, modern UI, and offline accessibility to boost personal
productivity.

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 Chapter 4
Design and Implementation

4.1 System Architecture Design

The Smart To-Do List follows a modular, event-driven architecture using Python’s Tkinter for GUI
operations. It is built as a desktop-first application with a lightweight local storage model based on
JSON files.

The application consists of four primary modules:

• Task Management Module: Handles task creation, editing, deletion, and status updates.
• Reminder Module: Sends local desktop notifications at scheduled intervals using the Plyer
library.
• Calendar & Date Picker Module: Integrates tkcalendar to enable due date selection for
tasks.
• Data Persistence Layer: Uses JSON format for task storage, ensuring offline usability and
easy data retrieval.

4.2 Frontend Design (Tkinter + ttkbootstrap)

The application interface is crafted using Tkinter, styled with ttkbootstrap for a clean and modern
look.

• Sidebar-Based Layout: Ensures seamless navigation between task categories.

• Color-Coded Task Priorities: Allows quick visual recognition of task urgency.

Functional UI Elements:

• Task input field with category selector

• Calendar widget for due date assignment
• Notification toggle for reminder scheduling

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4.3 Backend Implementation (Flask + Python + NLP)

The backend logic is developed in Python with a focus on simplicity and efficiency.

• Task Handling: Each task is stored as a dictionary with keys such as title, description,
due_date, priority, and category.
• Storage Mechanism: All tasks are written to and read from a structured JSON file (tasks.json)
ensuring persistent offline storage.
• Notification System: Leveraging Plyer.notification, the app generates local alerts to inform
users about upcoming deadlines based on the system clock.
• Filtering and Editing Logic: Users can update existing tasks, apply filters by category, and
view only relevant items to maintain clarity

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4.5 Figure on System Architecture Diagram

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 Chapter 5 Results and Discussions

5.1 Implementation

The Smart To-Do List application was successfully implemented with a modern and intuitive user interface.
The application effectively allows users to manage their tasks across different categories with features like
adding tasks, setting due dates, marking tasks as complete, and receiving desktop notifications for upcoming
deadlines.

The backend logic, primarily handled within the Python script, manages task data in a JSON file, ensuring
persistence across sessions. The application utilizes Tkinter for creating the graphical user interface, providing
a responsive and interactive experience. Key features and their implementation details include:

• Task Management: Users can add new tasks with descriptions. These tasks are stored under specific
categories (My Day, Important, Planned, Work, Home, Groceries, Movies to watch).
• Categorization: Tasks are organized into distinct sections, allowing users to focus on specific areas of
their lives. The sidebar provides easy navigation between these categories.
• Due Dates: Users can set due dates for their tasks using an integrated calendar. The selected due date is
displayed alongside the task.
• Task Completion: Users can mark tasks as complete, visually distinguishing them from pending tasks.
• Deletion: Users can delete tasks that are no longer needed.
• Data Persistence: Task data, including descriptions, completion status, and due dates, is saved in a
tasks.json file, ensuring that the to-do list persists even after the application is closed.
• Desktop Notifications: A background thread continuously checks for tasks with upcoming due dates
(within the next day) and sends desktop notifications using the plyer library. This ensures users are
reminded of their deadlines.
• User Interface: The application features a modern color scheme and utilizes the Montserrat font (with
Segoe UI as a fallback) for a clean and contemporary look. The layout includes a sidebar for
navigation, an input area for adding tasks, and a scrollable area to display tasks within the selected
category.
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5.2 Results

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 Chapter 6
Conclusion

6.1 Conclusion

The Smart To-Do List application is a user-friendly and efficient tool designed to help individuals
organize and manage their daily tasks effectively. By providing features such as task creation,
categorization, due date setting, completion tracking, and timely reminders through desktop
notifications, the application aims to enhance productivity and reduce the chances of missed deadlines.

The application leverages the Tkinter library to create a visually appealing and intuitive interface with a
modern design. The use of a JSON file for data storage ensures that tasks are persistent across
application sessions. Furthermore, the implementation of background notifications using the plyer
library adds a crucial element of proactivity, reminding users of their responsibilities without requiring
constant interaction with the application.

This project demonstrates the practical application of Python and GUI development in creating a useful
everyday tool. It successfully addresses the need for a simple yet effective task management solution,
offering a digital alternative to traditional pen-and-paper to-do lists. The features implemented
contribute to a more organized and efficient approach to managing personal and professional tasks.

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 6.2 Future Scope
• Smart Task Prioritization: Implement algorithms that automatically prioritize tasks based on due
dates, importance flags, and potentially user-defined urgency levels.
• Integration with Calendar Applications: Allow users to synchronize their to-do list with popular
calendar applications (e.g., Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar) for a unified view of their schedule
and tasks.
• Collaboration Features: Enable users to share lists or assign tasks to others, making it suitable for
team projects or household management.
• Voice Input for Task Creation: Integrate voice recognition capabilities to allow users to add tasks
hands-free.
• Location-Based Reminders: Implement reminders that trigger based on the user's location (e.g.,
reminding to buy groceries when near a supermarket).
• Task Analytics and Progress Tracking: Provide insights into task completion patterns, helping users
understand their productivity habits.
• Customizable Task Categories and Themes: Allow users to create their own task categories and
personalize the application's appearance with different themes.
• Cloud Synchronization: Enable users to synchronize their to-do lists across multiple devices by
integrating with a cloud service.
• Integration with Smart Assistants: Allow interaction with smart assistants like Google Assistant or
Amazon Alexa to add, view, and manage tasks using voice commands.

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 Refrences

1. On the Inefficiencies and Biases in Manual Processes:

• Bertrand, M., & Duflo, E. (2017). Field experiments on discrimination. Handbook of Economic
Field Experiments, 1, 309-393. (This paper discusses the prevalence of bias in various manual
evaluation processes, including hiring, highlighting the need for more objective methods.)
• Cascio, W. F., & Aguinis, H. (2019). Applied psychology in talent management (8th ed.). SAGE
Publications. (This textbook discusses the challenges of traditional recruitment and selection methods,
including time constraints and potential for bias.)

2. On the Benefits of Automation and Intelligent Systems:

• Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2014). The second machine age: Work, progress, and prosperity in
a time of brilliant technologies. W. W. Norton & Company. (This book provides a broader context for
the impact of automation and AI across various industries, including the potential for increased
efficiency and productivity.)
• Jordan, M. I., & Mitchell, T. M. (2015). Machine learning: Trends, perspectives, and prospects.
Science, 349(6245), 255-260. (This article offers an overview of machine learning and its potential
applications in solving complex real-world problems, including automation and intelligent processing.)

3. Specific to AI in Recruitment (as a point of comparison):

• Raghavan, M., Barocas, S., Kleinberg, J., & Levy, K. (2020). Mitigating bias in algorithmic
hiring: From design to deployment. In Proceedings of the 2020 Conference on Fairness,
Accountability, and Transparency (pp. 469-481). (This paper discusses the technical aspects and
challenges of using AI to reduce bias in hiring processes.)
• Savage, N. (2018). How AI is transforming recruitment. Communications of the ACM, 61(11), 16-
18. (This article provides a concise overview of the applications of AI in modern recruitment
practices.)

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