A checkbox can only say two things about a task: not done, or done. A segmented hexagon, as proposed by developer Sinan in a DEV Community article, is meant to show the space in between. The idea is that a task can visibly start filling before it is finished, and the fill grows as work moves forward. Here is how the design works, what the author actually claims, and where the evidence stops.
What the hexagon replaces
A standard to-do checkbox is a binary control. Its only states are empty and ticked, so a task you started on Monday looks identical to one you never touched until the moment you check it off. Sinan’s proposal swaps that mark for a hexagon divided into sections, with the fill level and opacity indicating how far a task has moved. The author’s line that captures the change is: “Unlike a checkbox, it can show progress before a task is done.”
How the marker is meant to behave
The article describes a sequence rather than a single toggle. The stages below are the author’s described mechanics, not measurements from a usability test.
- Write the task properly. Give the task a clear title and description. The author treats this setup as the first real step of the work, and says the hexagon should reflect it by filling partly once that groundwork exists.
- Add completed steps as sections. Each finished sub-step fills one section of the hexagon, so the marker shows how many parts of the task are finished.
- Use opacity for finer increments. Between full sections, different opacity levels can indicate smaller advances, so progress between two steps is still visible.
- Complete the task by clicking. When the work is done, clicking the hexagon fills it completely and closes the task, replacing the tick.
Checkbox versus hexagon
| Task state | Checkbox | Segmented hexagon (author’s design) |
|---|---|---|
| Written but not started | Empty; no way to tell it apart from an untouched item | Partly filled after the title and description are in place |
| Work in progress | Still empty | Filled sections for completed steps; opacity shows smaller increments |
| Finished | Ticked | Fully filled, and the task closes on click |
The motivation argument, and its limits
The author’s rationale draws on the Endowed Progress Effect, the idea that people who feel they have already advanced toward a goal are more motivated to finish it. The article presents this as the reason visible progress matters. It does not cite a named study, researcher, publication year, or measured result for the claim, so the effect should be read as the author’s rationale rather than established evidence that this interface improves completion rates.
#1 Best Overall
- Unique Hexagon Shape: HexPad sticky notes feature a fun and distinctive hexagon design that stands out from ordinary square notes, making your reminders and messages impossible to miss; perfect for adding a creative touch to your home, office, or classroom.
- Made in the USA: HexPad hexagon sticky notes are proudly made in the USA, ensuring high quality materials and craftsmanship you can count on.
- Pack Details: Includes 4 pads with 100 sheets per pad, giving you 400 total neon yellow sticky notes; the bright neon yellow color keeps your notes visible and eye-catching on any surface.
- Premium Strong Adhesive: These self-stick note pads feature a strong adhesive that reliably sticks and re-sticks to walls, monitors, desks, refrigerators, glass, whiteboards, and virtually any smooth surface without falling off.
- Clean Removal: HexPad notes remove effortlessly without leaving behind sticky residue or causing damage to surfaces, books, or documents; ideal for students, teachers, and office workers who need reliable notes without the mess.
The source is also a first-person design proposal. It does not include a comparative test against checkboxes or any independent usability evaluation of the hexagon. Its value is as a concrete, reproducible idea: the marker logic is simple enough to try in any task tool that allows custom icons or states.
Trying the idea
The author points to a tool of their own, the VS Code extension Cortex – Working Memory for Developers, as the place to try the system. The article does not state current availability, pricing, or terms, so check the extension’s listing in the VS Code Marketplace before installing. If you prefer not to use an extension, you can approximate the behavior by setting up three states in any list app: a title-and-description stage, one sub-step per section, and a final closed state.
Rank #2
- Color: Multicolored; Material: Paper; Size: 6 x 5.2 inch(L*W); Packing List: 72 x Large Paper Cutouts, 80 x Adhesive(Total 8 Sheets, 10 Pieces Each Sheet)
- Advantage: Made from durable cardstock, our cutouts are built to last. The sturdy construction ensures that the cutouts maintain their shape and resist creasing, making them great for both indoor and outdoor use. The colorful and vibrant designs of our cutouts make them stand out and catch the attention of anyone who sees them. They add a bright color and visual interest to your crafts and decorations, creating a joyful atmosphere.
- Instruction: Our cut-out is pre-cut, saving you time and effort. Simply remove them from the packaging and start making them into your craft projects. They can be easily attached to walls, window, doors, bulletin boards, or any surface using tape, glue, or string.
- Application: They are suitable for scrapbooking, card making, party decorations, home decor, classroom displays, bulletin boards decoration, or any DIY project. Cut-outs can also be used as an educational tool, incorporated into courses about nature, life cycles, or even art projects.
- Note: Our paper cutouts are a great addition to your crafting supplies. These well-designed shapes can be used in a variety of creative projects, adding a touch of beauty to your decorations.
Where to apply it
The hexagon works best for tasks that have several visible stages, such as writing a feature, preparing a report, or migrating a system. For a single-action item like “send invoice,” a checkbox is still the faster mark, and the added states would be clutter.
The source is dated September 16 on the article page. The year is not printed beside that date, so the 2026 context should be treated as inferred rather than confirmed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Two wide adhesive strips left and right to prevent curl and easy to re-position
- Capture, cluster and connect ideas or issues
- Design, facilitate and run better meetings
- Ideas or issues don't get stuck on flipchart paper
- Custom made from genuine 3M Post-it papers, inks, and adhesives
Rank #4
- STICKY NOTES STICKER - The 250 hexagon shaped sticky notes pad offers a wide range of neon colors (yellow, orange, white, pink, blue and green) that will allow you to visually organize your notes and point pages visually appealing
- RELIABLE ADHESION - These sticky notes are made with a high quality glue that ensures they stay in the desired place | Write your notes with pencil, pen or marker and don't worry about the notes peeling off or coming off
- VERSATILITY OF USE - Whether you need to mark a book, notebook or planner, this notepad is ideal for multiple applications | You can use it to highlight important information, mark key sections or remember to do
- CONVENIENT SIZE - With dimensions of 6 x 7 cm, these sticky notes offer ample space to write your notes without any escaping
- FUN & PRACTICAL - Taking notes has never been so much fun | Hexagon shaped sticky note pad allows you to add a splash of color and style to your daily organization | Each note is like a small visual reminder that will make your notes more enjoyable and attractive.
Rank #3
- 150 PCS in 5 Pastel Colors: Includes 150 blank game cards in 5 matte colors, 30 cards per color. Cornflower Blue, Macaron Pink, Lavender Blue, Mint Green, and Apple Green help organize card types, players, map zones, classroom categories, or creative themes
- Dual Finish and Vibrant Colors: Each blank playing card has one pastel matte side and one white laminated glossy side, making these blank playing cards to write on useful for notes, drawings, sorting, and game design. Great for teachers, game designers, crafters, students, and DIY families
- Smooth Writing and Long-Lasting Use: This blank deck of cards is made from thick 350 GSM cardstock for a sturdy feel and smooth writing with gel pens, Sharpies, fine liners, permanent markers, and paint pens. Let ink dry before stacking to help reduce smudging during shuffling, handling, and playtesting
- Sized for Board Game Design: Each precision-cut hex card measures 83 × 95 mm / 3.25 × 3.75 in, a practical size for blank board game prototypes, custom map tiles, RPG maps, strategy layouts, STEM activities, classroom projects, and DIY puzzles
- Built for Prototyping and Creative Learning: These board game playing cards help turn ideas into custom games, flash cards, vocabulary games, storytelling prompts, learning activities, and design prototypes. Great for creating a blank board game board layout or custom blank trading cards
“
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
