Stack-Ranker is a simple web app designed to help users prioritize any list of items. By presenting two items at a time and asking users to choose which is more important, it uses a sorting algorithm similar to merge sort to efficiently generate a ranked list. The resulting prioritized list can be copied or saved for later, and the tool offers the ability to import lists and randomize order for unbiased comparisons. It's pitched as a lightweight, no-frills solution for quickly prioritizing anything from tasks and features to movies and books.
The Hacker News post titled "Show HN: Prioritize Anything with Stacks" introduces a web application called Stack Ranker, accessible at stack-ranker.com, designed to facilitate streamlined prioritization of any list of items. This application utilizes a visual, interactive interface based on the concept of "stacks," allowing users to intuitively rank and organize their thoughts, ideas, tasks, or any other collection of elements. The process involves dragging and dropping items into vertically arranged stacks, with the position within each stack representing its relative priority within that category. Users can create multiple stacks to categorize items according to different criteria or dimensions of importance.
Stack Ranker offers a flexible and adaptable approach to prioritization. Users are not limited to a predefined set of categories or criteria, allowing them to tailor the stacks to their specific needs and context. This adaptable framework enables users to prioritize diverse items, ranging from simple to-do lists and project tasks to more complex decision-making processes involving multiple factors. The drag-and-drop interface promotes a dynamic and iterative approach to prioritization, allowing users to easily adjust rankings and experiment with different arrangements until they achieve an optimal ordering.
The application's core functionality revolves around the visual representation of stacked items, providing a clear and immediate overview of the established priorities. The intuitive nature of the interface aims to minimize cognitive overhead, enabling users to focus on the essential task of evaluating and ranking items rather than grappling with complex software features. Stack Ranker offers a simple yet powerful tool for bringing clarity and order to any list, facilitating more effective decision-making and improved organization across a variety of personal and professional contexts. The application is readily accessible via web browser, suggesting a platform-agnostic design intended for broad usability.
Summary of Comments ( 18 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43171334
HN users generally expressed skepticism about the "stack ranking" method proposed by the website. Several commenters pointed out that simply making lists and prioritizing items isn't novel and questioned the value proposition of the tool. Some suggested existing methods like spreadsheets or even pen and paper were sufficient. There was a discussion around the potential for overthinking prioritization and the importance of actually taking action. The lack of a clear use case beyond basic list-making was a common criticism, with some users wondering how the tool handled more complex prioritization scenarios. Several users also expressed concerns about the website's design and UI.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: Prioritize Anything with Stacks" at https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43171334 generated several comments discussing the presented stack-based prioritization tool.
Several users expressed skepticism about the practicality and usefulness of the tool. One commenter questioned its value proposition compared to existing, more established methods like spreadsheets or even simpler pen-and-paper lists. They argued that the learning curve for a new tool might outweigh its benefits, especially for straightforward prioritization tasks. Another echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the proposed method added unnecessary complexity to a simple problem. They pointed out that a basic ranked list achieves the same outcome without the overhead of learning a new system.
Other commenters raised concerns about the tool's limited functionality and lack of features found in more mature applications. For example, one comment mentioned the absence of tagging or filtering options, highlighting the limitations of using simple stacks for more complex projects or contexts with many items to prioritize.
Several comments focused on the specific stack-based methodology. Some users found the concept intriguing, while others questioned its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. One commenter suggested that the stack metaphor might be visually appealing but could lead to suboptimal prioritization decisions compared to approaches that consider dependencies or other factors beyond simple ranking.
Some commenters offered constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement. One user proposed adding features like drag-and-drop functionality, keyboard shortcuts, and the ability to save and load lists. Another suggested integrating the tool with existing platforms like Trello or Jira.
A few commenters expressed interest in the underlying technology and implementation of the tool, inquiring about the programming language used and the potential for open-sourcing the code.
Finally, a few commenters shared their personal experiences with similar prioritization methods or tools, offering alternative solutions and sparking a discussion about the various approaches to task management and prioritization. This exchange included references to other software and techniques, providing a broader context for the submitted stack-based tool.