Linked Channels

Note: Communication features are available starting in version 0.9.

Linked channels bridge the gap between tracking and communication. They automatically connect to goals, tasks, activities, and other entities—posting updates when things change and keeping all related discussion in one place.

What Are Linked Channels?

A linked channel is a special channel type that:

1. Connects to a specific D8 Progress entity (goal, task, activity, etc.)
2. Automatically posts system messages when the entity changes
3. Provides a dedicated space for discussing that entity

This means your team can see progress and discuss it without switching contexts.

Supported Entity Links

Creating a Linked Channel

From the Channel List

1. Open a space
2. Click + New Channel
3. Set type to Linked
4. Choose the entity type (Goal, Task, Activity, etc.)
5. Select the specific entity to link
6. Name the channel (often auto-suggested)
7. Click Create

From the Entity

1. Open any goal, task, or activity
2. Click Create Linked Channel (in the actions menu)
3. Choose which space to create it in
4. Confirm

The channel is created and linked automatically.

Automatic System Messages

When linked entities change, the channel receives automatic updates:

Task Updates

📋 Alex created task: Design homepage mockups

✅ Chris completed task: Design homepage mockups

🔄 Alex updated task: Design homepage mockups — changed deadline to May 15

Goal Progress

📊 Goal progress updated: ████░░░░░░ 40%

🎯 Milestone completed: Phase 1 - Research

🏆 Goal completed! Marketing Campaign is now 100% complete!

Activity Completions

🎮 Sarah completed activity: Weekly date night ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Tried that new Italian place!”

List Updates

➕ Alex added: Buy groceries

✅ Chris checked off: Buy groceries

Health Logs

🏥 Alex logged health update for Mom

Discussion in Linked Channels

Beyond automatic updates, team members can:

• Discuss progress — “Nice work on the mockups!”
• Ask questions — “What’s blocking the API integration?”
• Share updates — “I’ll have the revised design by tomorrow”
• Coordinate work — “Can someone review my PR?”
• React to updates — 🎉 on completions

All the regular messaging features work:

• Threads for focused discussion
• Reactions for quick feedback
• Mentions to notify specific people
• Search to find past conversations

Example Workflows

Family Goal: Plan Summer Vacation

Goal: Plan Summer Vacation (linked to #vacation-planning)

The channel shows:

📋 Mom created task: Research destinations

Team discusses in thread:

“I vote for beach! Anyone else?”

🔄 Dad updated task: Research destinations → assigned to Alex

✅ Alex completed task: Research destinations

“Here are the top 3 options: [link]”

📊 Goal progress updated: ██░░░░░░░░ 20%

Work Project: Website Redesign

Goal: Website Redesign Q2 (linked to #website-redesign)

🎯 Milestone started: Phase 1 - UX Research

Discussion:

“I’ve scheduled user interviews for next week”

📋 PM created task: Conduct user interviews

📋 PM created task: Analyze competitor sites

✅ UX Lead completed task: Conduct user interviews “Key insights: users want simpler navigation”

🎯 Milestone completed: Phase 1 - UX Research

📊 Goal progress updated: ████░░░░░░ 33%

Shared Shopping List

List: Groceries (linked to #shopping)

➕ Alex added: Milk

➕ Alex added: Eggs

➕ Sarah added: Coffee

“I’m heading to the store in 20 min, anything else?”

➕ Alex added: Bread

✅ Sarah checked off: Milk

✅ Sarah checked off: Eggs

✅ Sarah checked off: Coffee

✅ Sarah checked off: Bread

“All done! 🛒”

Best Practices

One Channel Per Major Goal

Don’t create linked channels for every tiny task. Use them for:

• Major projects with multiple collaborators
• Goals that need ongoing discussion
• Activities the whole family/team cares about

Keep Discussion Relevant

The channel is for discussing the linked entity. For off-topic chat:

• Use the main #general channel
• Start a new thread
• Move to direct messages

Review Before Completing

Before marking a goal/task complete, check the linked channel:

• Any open questions?
• Everyone aligned?
• Documentation needed?

Archive When Done

When a goal completes, consider archiving the linked channel:

1. Keeps sidebar clean
2. Preserves all history
3. Can be unarchived if needed

Linked Channels vs Regular Channels

Tips for ADHD Brains

Let the System Update

Don’t duplicate the system. If you complete a task, the linked channel posts it automatically. Just add context if needed:

Good: “Finally done! That last bug was tricky.”

Redundant: “I completed the Design Homepage task.”

Use for Accountability

Linked channels create natural accountability. When you see:

📋 You created task: Finish report — deadline: Tomorrow

…the whole team sees it. Built-in body doubling!

Pin Important Decisions

When the team makes a decision in a linked channel, pin it:

📌 “We’re going with Option B: blue color scheme”

Later, check pinned messages instead of scrolling through history.

One Place for Everything

Before linked channels, you might have:

• Task tracker for status
• Chat app for discussion
• Email for updates
• Notes for decisions

Now it’s all in one channel. Less context switching = less cognitive load.