B · AM / PM columns — split the day into two narrower columns side by side. Blocks no longer stretch wide, the whole shift fits without scrolling, and the now-line lives in the afternoon column. Trades the single continuous spine for density.

C · Calendar overlay — a thin "your role" rail on the left, and appointments/calendar events as real positioned cards filling the open space at their actual time (Google-Calendar style). The separate Appointments card disappears; the rail becomes tasks-only. Best when the day has several bookings; emptier on light days.