Good project management allows you to focus on the most logical direction you need to steer your project towards. This is why a helpful set of project management tools is becoming less of an option and more of a need. Whatever time is wasted on out-of-date management tools is time you'll never get back. This is why we've compiled a list of the Top 5 Project Management Tools that allow designers to effectively plan out and execute a project with little or no hassle.
SUBERNOVA
SUBERNOVA is like a project management for rockstar freelancers. This application comes packed with a variety of features geared towards designers such as invoicing, project management, and contact management. SUBERNOVA has a beautiful web interface that lets you find what you need to do with ease. And it also has an app for your iPhone, allowing you to sync between your web and mobile account.
We'd like to take this time to mention that members of DesignersCouch gets a 15% discount on SUBERNOVA when they verify their account on DC.
activeCollab
This a popular project management and collaboration tool that allows you to set-up an easy to use collaboration area on your website. You'll be able to plan, progress track your projects and also communicate with your team and clients until projects are complete. Features included are printing and exporting, time tracking, calendar and schedule functionality, along with ticket management as well.
TeamworkPM
Teamwork is an online project management tool that helps you manage your projects and [BLOCKED]. Collaboration between you and your clients is a plus since both parties will be able to share ideas, any form of information, notes, files and more. You can also create task lists, schedule milestones, add messages, track time, upload files, manage people/clients, and get email integrated into your account for frequent and accurate reports in real time.
Daylite
Daylite is an awesome productivity application that is very easy to use as it is geared more towards the Mac user. It comes with vital features such as scheduling, project and task management, mail integration, and more. Another important feature of Daylite is its mobile integration, especially designed for the iPhone. You'll be able to track and manage your projects on the go through a beautiful interface.
Backpack
Simply said, Backpack is an organizational tool on steroids. It's great for organizing your projects and creating different pages for every project so that you're able to keep track of files, tasks, notes, screenshots, logos, images, and more. You have the ability to comment on each item along with notes or changes that need to be made. With Backpack different types of information can be presented logically, mixed & matched to create the exact order you need. When you add a project you could add a note section describing what you want to achieve, a discussion-list of important items that need to be discussed, and a section for tagline ideas, lists, and grid-aligned images.
Conclusion
Choosing the right project management tool is sometimes a trial and error process. You may come across a tool that partially satisfies your thirst for excellent project management, but even if you're willing to settle down and compromise, I would suggest to keep looking for the right tool that can complete most if not all of your needs.
Project management plays a very important role in the success of your project, and one must take a moment to analyze what it is they really need out of their ideal application. Take a close look at a few of the tools above, and make a decision based on how comfortable you feel and the level of satisfaction you find yourself with.
