We’ve written about PM software before right here on our Modal Thoughts blog. As a matter of fact a little over a year ago we had and still have lots of dialog with other agency owners, PMs, and independents about Basecamp, Manymoon, rule.fm, Workforcetrack, etc. and we’ve determined after many months with Manymoon and playing with several other platforms that (drum roll please) that Basecamp is the decided winner.

Wanna know why we made the switch to Basecamp but don’t have a lot of time?- click here.

Why the Switch in the First Place?

In 2006 we made a platform change from PC to Mac. Yes, we’re a digital agency that used PCs- Dell XPSs as a matter of fact. But Microsoft Windows Vista slowed our productivity- it was clunky, crashed a lot, and did not play well with our Adobe Creative Suite. So enter the Mac OS and the departure from Windows- including the Office Suite.

We immediately noticed a return to productivity and actually realized some gains in small things like OS startup, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Adobe Creative Suite stability. And that change in platforms got us to thinking what else is holding us back? Where else can we be more efficient?

Enter Basecamp

We’d been following 37Signals since the early days when they were a consultancy and not a product company. Their views on clean, uncluttered design agreed with our principal design approach- easy to use, good looking interface design. When we saw the first release of Basecamp back in the early 2000s we were honestly a little concerned. We thought that although the UI design was clean, it was lacking key functionality like Gantt chart creation and more sophisticated timesheet management and feedback capture.

But we decided to try the “lean project management” approach and immediately fell in love. But would our clients appreciate it? Would they be able to successfully navigate the app to find their files, add their comments, and view key project milestones?

To our amazement they not only found the app easy to use but they started collaborating more amongst themselves. We’d end the day about 6 PM and discover the next morning that there was lots of chatter within their internal teams without our moderation. Finally, one place to store files, acquire feedback, and achieve consensus.

We were on the 37Signals train for six years. Besides Basecamp we also used Backpack, Highrise, and sometimes their chat app Campfire. We were dedicated users of the software as well as the lean project management approach but… the old dog got a little long in the tooth. No new updates in many months- we were a little weary.

Enter Google Apps and Manymoon

In 2009 we switched from a hosted Microsoft Exchange email system to Google Apps for Business. It was one of those efficiency and cost reducing moves that we usually make once a year that prompted us to make the switch. And what we discovered with Google Apps was a whole new approach to working- more collaboration, cloud-based office suite, and access to files and email on anything with a web connection. We were smitten!

We started creating status reports in Google Docs and then sharing those via email. Then we started capturing meeting notes and then reports using Spreadsheets and Docs. We were making huge gains in efficiency except in one area- project collaboration. Basecamp stopped providing any significant updates, clients were so use to the app that we didn’t have to remind them where their files were, and we couldn’t find a good way to create docs and share them without leaving Basecamp out.

That’s when Manymoon entered the picture. It promised collaboration and sharing all within the same Google environment at a little more of a 10th of the cost (year over year). So we watched Manymoon, even spoke to their founder and UI guy over the phone after our first review of the app. Their use of social media, personal outreach, and enthusiasm to improve won us over. Within 30 days we had moved two clients over to the new platform.

There were several hurdles: client registration and overall onboarding was complicated, lots of Manymoon branding caused confusion regarding who emails were coming from, and the UI and UX frankly was more complex than necessary. But with promises of a pending UI/UX update we muscled through it until… we saw a significant drop in client collaboration. Sure we were posting project status and reports extremely efficiently due to the Google Apps integration but we were not seeing clients posting feedback on uploaded docs.

A long standing client finally mentioned their frustration with the overall experience. They said, “You all are all about making things easy. From the apps that you build to the information architecture you create for us. Your project management software should be as easy- like it used to be.” And that was the kicker for us.

Back to Basecamp

Since we moved back to Basecamp we saw huge improvements in collaboration with our clients. They are where they used to be prior to the Manymoon switch. They didn’t miss a beat as the UI is pretty much the same. We love 37Signals’ Launchpad approach with consolidated access to products like Highrise and Backpack and have thoroughly been enjoying the updated calendaring feature which has solved a long standing start and end date issue.
 

Summary

At the end of the day Basecamp was more expensive but well worth the investment. The Google Apps integration with Manymoon was not as fruitful as we had believed and client adoption trumps any other factors. As a User Experience agency we can’t afford to use a product that’s not easy to use and frankly, at least somewhat attractive.

We’ve summarized the key factors for our decision for both platforms below in hopes that other agency owners, PMs, and independents can make their own informed decisions when it comes time reevaluate their project management platform.

Modal has been busy. You’ve probably noticed that we’ve been quiet on our Twitter chatter, ghosts on Facebook, and inconsistent on our blog posts. About the only thing that we’ve been consistent with is keeping up our Gowalla status. But we have good reasons for the lack of communication, very good ones indeed.

iPhone App

A month ago we launched our favorite chefs’ app entitled Yummy! App- Cooking with the Comfort Brothers. Filled with more than fifty delightfully, sassy recipes that will make you an instant hit at any dinner party. Download it now via the Apple app store and get a little Comfort Brother in your kitchen!

Overture Student Loan Marketplace Brand and Web Site

We love helping students increase their knowledge and fulfill their lifelong dreams. However a big hurdle can be finding the right loans to help fund their continuing education. That’s where Overture’s Student Loan Marketplace steps in. It’s rich with relevant content that helps students and their parents navigate the confusing financial aid waters while also providing tactical solutions by providing links to their Marketplace web app that helps you find and compare real loans. We designed the site, created the new brand, and provided an easy to use content management system known globally as WordPress. Check it out for yourself!

Power of Travel Coalition Brand and Web Site

Many of America’s workers have been hit hard by the economy. Those employed by the travel industry are no exception. But help is on the way! The Power of Travel Coalition site is a grassroots effort formed to combine the voices of individual workers into a powerful, informed, and action oriented group united to support their cause in government. We helped build a brand and web site that supports that action in a way that was authentic. Take a look and see how great a grassroots site can be when you put some creative minds together!

As you can see we’ve got good reasons to be a bit quite. It’s great to work with such a wide variety of clients and feel good about the causes that you are supporting. Stay tuned for Modal updates as we continue to bring good looking, easy to use web sites and apps into the marketplace.

Earlier this week the CEO of Google Eric Schmidt stated that all teenagers should be allowed to change their name when they become an adult (read more here). Why you might ask – so that they can have a clean slate on Google or social media sites.

The Low Down

I wish the CEO would have come out with a little bit more advice rather than this controversial statement aimed at the headlines. It was a bit reckless if you ask me. But the youth of America don’t have to fret – they can follow one simple rule- don’t post anything you don’t want anyone to see in the future. Sure this can be really hard. You may be in a picture near some not so PC activity but you can always explain your way out of that.

Remember you can always take control of your online self. Take control today!

Foursquare is a popular Social Media app that lets you “check in” when you get to certain locations via GPS in your SmartPhone. It has been a big hit with companies like Starbucks and no doubt your local watering hole. Users often like it when they become Mayor of Bob’s Pub or the Starbucks on Main Street for example.

Competition is Brewing

In the ongoing saga of who will get the most users- SM juggernaut Facebook will soon be taking a swing at location based functionality within its app.

While details are still under wraps one can only image what this means. What other company has the staff and the users to make this the next “it” app with this functionality? Facebbok is the largest social media site out right now with no signs of stopping its quest for users who post status updates around the clock.

Advertisers

Facebook will have advertisers lined up from day one. Why you ask? For starters they will be able to see what users are saying and where they are saying it at. Not only will you know what is going on but know where to look.

We’ll keep on this to see where Facebook takes it. Don’t forget that Facebook has competition creeping up as well. Our SM’ers will keep an eye out to see if any other apps plan on adding location based services soon.

Looks like Kanye West (@kanyewest) has found his way to Twitter. With over 200,000 followers already it looks like someone is interested in what he has to say.

So far the tweets have been used to promote his new single. And maybe this is yet another way to generate some buzz. And hey, why not?

One word of advice for Kanye, please don’t use Twitter to interrupt any award show winners!

Later this year a movie based on the popular social media giant Facebook will be released – The Social Network.
I ask – do we need this movie?

The Answer

No. Unless you have been living under a rock you should have an idea as to what is going on with Facebook as of late. How much of the nitty gritty details can be covered in a movie that has not been Tweeted or reported on CNN or CNBC already.

Save $12

Instead of going to see this movie I urge you to do your own research on the SM powerhouse. Here is the one google search that should keep you busy for a while.

* Mark Zuckerberg

Yep, Mark Zuckerberg. He is the co-founder and CEO of Facebook. He is famous for launching a social media platform with over 500 million users and he thinks this movie is fiction.

It looks like form over function backfired last week when Apple was “forced” to address the public last week regarding its iPhone 4 antennae reception issue. Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, noted that all mobile devices have reception issues. But it was clear the iPhone 4 had a real reception issue due to the placement of the receiving apparatus.

As a designer I love beautiful things. But when it comes to sending and receiving data I’d rather have function over form which is why I don’t own an iPhone. I simply need to have reliable data and voice connections. I can’t fly to NY and have a bunch of dropped calls. So that’s why I’m on a Motorola Droid on the Verizon network.

Not to sound like an advertisement for either brand but I have yet to experience memorable dropped calls in my time with Verizon. But I will say that the Droid has zero aesthetic qualities and the Android Marketplace is more of a flea market than a nicely executed retail store like the App Store but function won me over in this case.

But, as soon as Verizon and Apple come together I’ll drop the Droid faster than its red eye start screen can say, “DROOOOIIIIIIDDDDD”! Because a beautiful device with an awesome user experience AND great functionality (as far as connectivity goes) is the sweet spot all product companies should achieve.

Nokia and RIM’s recent comments dumping on Apple however illuminates more of their desire to build cheap and unattractive devices more so than stating they have superior products. After all both brands are attempting to copy Apple’s UI and UX. Let’s not forget that Apple revolutionized the smart phone device segment. And they did that by creating a device that had great looks, smart functionality, and amazing apps.

I would offer though that Apple focus on making good looking stuff that also is functional and when they have to decide between form over function, let function win over but not without exhausting all efforts to marry the two.

No. What – you don’t like deals? I get it, the idea of being the first one to hear about a bargain turns you off. Ok enough sarcasm. You really should check out @earlybird. It is an official Twitter account that offers deals to its followers. These are “sponsored” tweets- not all together a bad thing at the present. There is one catch. The deals are time sensitive and may be linked to items that are limited in quantity available.

Deals, Deals, and More Deals to Come

So what kind of deals are there? Buy one get one free tickets for the latest Disney movie for starters. This is only the beginning though. From what Twitter is saying the deals will include every thing from fashion, tech and travel.

Currently this feed only has about 50k followers. You still have a good chance to get on the ground floor of some pretty amazing deals!

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing a designer’s portfolio this past week. Her portfolio included the following categories: Print, Illustration, and Web. We largely focus on Web work here at Modal so of course I went right to the “Web” category and saw comps that looked like design exercises- not quite finished and lacking polish. But I wanted to give this portfolio a full review and started browsing the other categories which were more in depth. And what a pleasant surprise.

The print and illustration work was incredible! There was a passion and playfulness throughout the work that was lacking on the Web side. So I just had to ask the designer straight up- “why does your Illustration and Print work look so polished while your Web work doesn’t demonstrate that same passion and vigor?” And then the answer, “I’ve only been designing web sites for about a year. I’m a print designer.”

I’m amazed to still hear this answer. It’s the classic Print designer versus Web designer issue again. Look the designer’s understanding of color, typography, and use of a grid were awesome. It was as if the Web work was dialed back so far that it didn’t even resemble the other work. I knew that if she had taken her excellent work from the Print and Illustration sides and put that into the web sites they would have been gorgeous.

So what is the problem with Print v. Web? As a Print designer you were probably classically trained in typography, balance, shape, contrast, whitespace use, etc. Where many untrained Web designers may not know these basics but pick them up via NetTuts and other tutorial sites and create beautiful pieces. I don’t know if it’s a lack of training in the technology on the Print side or what. I am befuddled.

Help me straighten this out- I want to hear from Print designers who successfully made their way to the Web. Maybe we’ll discover an answer together- Web Designer vs. Print Designer.

Will a new king be crowned for Twitter this week? As you may have heard NBA phenom LeBron James has joined Twitter this week. This is a great move on LeBron’s part as he is in the midst of free agency trade negotiations. He has over 300,000 followers and that is the just the beginning.

Building Buzz!

LeBron is a talented basketball player. He is also just as savvy when it comes to marketing himself. He has surrounded himself with a business group that handles all things LeBron – a group of friends and past teammates that he has known for most of his life. One may ask why has it taken so long for “The King” to make his way to Twitter. I think this is a calculated and very smart play – just in time to announce what team he has decided to sign with.

Twitter will be a win – win for LeBron and the fans. His tweets may be serious or funny. Either way millions of fans will likely follow him @KingJames to see. Oh, let’s not forget his sponsors. I am sure they will love to get the occasional pitch via a tweet here and there.

Basketball fan or not this will be an interesting week for Twitter. A current trending topic and maybe another Twitter account to hit the million plus mark shortly. Only time will tell.