We’ve had the case internally recently where we had too many custom fields on Asana tasks. We had more than 60 fields which was becoming a problem because 1. that’s hard to navigate 2. that’s the maximum you can see on a given task.
Here is how we cut the noise:
- Remove what nobody uses. If you look closer, you’ll see that some fields are simply not used by anyone.
- Merge overlaps. Combine near duplicate fields into one with clear options.
- Put rich details in the task description. For example, we had an address field as a text field, which works almost as well in a task description
- If a field only matters to a subset of tasks, use a separate project to “host” that field so it doesn’t apply to all tasks.
- Keep in mind that some fields might be coming from people’s My Tasks view, and they most likely should not have library fields in their My Tasks because it applies to any task assigned to them and shows up for everyone.
- If you use time tracking on projects, it will take up two slots on tasks. If you’re not using it, just remove it from those projects
- Use private fields to make some fields visible only to the few who need them so everyone else sees a simpler workspace.
Here you go, you have a clean workspace with empty slots to add meaningful fields again! Rince and repeat, do that once a year!
Bastien, Asana Expert
i.DO (Asana Partner: Services & Licenses)