What’s New in the Made by Ada Template Library (Winter 2024)

The days are shorter, the coffee is darker, and the to-do lists are longer. It’s the perfect time to refresh your productivity systems. I’ve been busy behind the scenes, and I’m thrilled to share the latest updates to the Made by Ada template library.

This season, I’ve focused on three things: making templates more adaptable, improving the setup experience, and adding a couple of new tools that I’m genuinely excited about.

## A Fresh Look for Old Favorites

First, I gave my most popular templates a visual refresh. The layouts are cleaner, the colors are more consistent, and the typography is easier on the eyes. But the changes go deeper than aesthetics.

I’ve simplified the property names and added clearer descriptions. For example, in the Content OS template, the ‘Status’ property now has tooltips that explain what each status means. This might seem small, but it makes a huge difference when you’re first getting started.

I also added more flexibility to the ‘Projects’ database. You can now choose between a list view, a board view, and a calendar view, depending on how you like to visualize your work. The data stays the same; you just get to pick the perspective.

## New Template: The Client Hub

One of the most requested templates is finally here: The Client Hub. It’s designed for freelancers and service providers who juggle multiple clients. It centralizes client info, project timelines, invoices, and communication in one place.

The Client Hub includes a client database, a projects database, and a tasks database, all interconnected. You can see at a glance what’s overdue, what’s coming up, and what’s on your plate. It also has a simple dashboard that gives you an overview of all your active clients.

I’ve already tested it with a few beta users, and the feedback has been great. One freelancer told me it saved her a full hour each week that she used to spend searching for client details.

## New Template: The Weekly Review

The Weekly Review is another new addition, born out of my own need for a simple, structured reflection tool. Every Friday, I take 30 minutes to review my week, plan the next one, and clear my head.

This template guides you through that process with prompts like ‘What went well?’ and ‘What needs attention?’ It also includes a space to capture highlights and lessons learned. It’s minimal, but it’s powerful.

I’ve been using it for a month, and I’ve noticed a significant increase in my focus. I’m more aware of where my time goes, and I’m better at prioritizing what matters.

## Listening to Your Feedback

I read every email and message you send, and I take your suggestions seriously. This season, I’ve implemented several changes based on your feedback.

One common request was for more detail in the setup guides. So I’ve rewritten the guides for every template, with step-by-step instructions and screenshots. I’ve also added a ‘Troubleshooting’ section that addresses common issues.

Another request was for more integration with other tools. I’ve added optional sections for embedding calendars, toggling to-do lists, and linking external resources. These are optional, but they’re there if you need them.

## What’s Next?

I’m already working on the next batch of templates, including a project tracker for indie hackers and a goal-setting template that actually works. I’m also planning to add more video walkthroughs, so you can see exactly how to use each template before you buy.

If you have any ideas or requests, don’t hesitate to reach out. I love hearing from you, and I genuinely use your suggestions to shape what I build.

Until then, stay productive, stay creative, and remember: the goal is not to have the perfect system, but to have a system that helps you do your best work.