27 Jan 2004 | Charbel said...

I like the way the page is layed out, but there's too many colors it makes it hard for the person to browse quickly and get an overall managerial view of the projects.

Maybe you can also have the "edit" link appear aligned to the right of the same line...That way, browsing through the page, all the red "edit" links are out of the way of the actual text and real content.

27 Jan 2004 | RS said...

We've removed the 'Edit' links Charbel is talking about. They were unnecessary -- you can edit from within a project.

27 Jan 2004 | Drew said...

Too many colors?

I'd say there aren't enough.
There's not much of a visual hierarchy.
It's just header, two columns

if there's any differentiation in each columns, I can't tell
It's all white to me.
Different spaces should be broken up into blocks of color so users can just gravitate toward the giant color field instead of having to read each headline to find out what's what.

I think your white-minimalism might be working against you here . . .

27 Jan 2004 | JF said...

I think your white-minimalism might be working against you here...

It will all make sense when you actually use the app. Using is believing.

But, thank you -- we'll note your comment and consider a change should people have an issue with the Dashboard as released.

27 Jan 2004 | dayvin said...

I've seen "Logout" and "Log out" plenty of times ... but never "Log-out." What gives?

28 Jan 2004 | Bryan said...

Jeez people. Hard to figure out? Looks clear to me: All clients/projects on the left, timely pieces of projects on the right. I like it.

28 Jan 2004 | One of several Steves said...

I have no comments on colors. I'm too busy being amused by comments like "Can we make the swoosh more elliptically swooshified."

Sad thing is, I'm pretty sure I remember an actual client saying more or less precisely that once.

28 Jan 2004 | Drew said...

It will all make sense when you actually use the app. Using is believing.

Word to that.

28 Jan 2004 | Diggin said...

Def digging this.

28 Jan 2004 | Genius said...

Nobody asked for your opinions. Keep it to yourself.

28 Jan 2004 | Nick said...

Sweet.

28 Jan 2004 | Justin said...

With built-in comments like "Deliver swooshier comps," it'll be so easy to satisfy clients. The system has accounted for every eventuality ;)

Looks like a great system. I might not have a need for it right now, but I know a few who would probably benefit, and I'll be sure to send them your way. Can't wait to see it in production =)

28 Jan 2004 | Mike said...

Where are the "To-Do"s listed? I think if I first logged into a system for a project, the very first thing I'd like to see is a list of things that I need to do in order to successfully reach a milestone. I just think I'd need more of a sense of urgency; the e-equivalent of a Project Manager hounding me at every turn.

Just my $ .02 :)

28 Jan 2004 | JF said...

Where are the "To-Do"s listed? I think if I first logged into a system for a project, the very first thing I'd like to see is a list of things that I need to do in order to successfully reach a milestone.

To-Do lists aren't worked into the dash because you can create as many as you want and those lists can have an unlimited number of items. So, it didn't really make sense to show anything about To-Do's on the dash, but we'll keep our ears open and see what people say once they start using it.

28 Jan 2004 | Austin said...

Is there any word on a pricing structure yet?

Will a subscriptions cover a fixed number of clients (w/ a large number of projects), or a fixed number of projects (w/ a large number of clients)?

And how secure is the system?

28 Jan 2004 | JF said...

Is there any word on a pricing structure yet?

That will be announced upon launch, which is coming very very soon.

Will a subscriptions cover a fixed number of clients (w/ a large number of projects), or a fixed number of projects (w/ a large number of clients)?

It's based on "active" projects. An "active" project is one with new posts or comments in the past 30 days. Projects become active and inactive autmatically.

Right now we're planning on launching with 3 tiers: One for managing up to 10 active projects at a time, one for managing up to 25 active projects at a time, and one for managing unlimited projects. We're also going to have a free plan for people who just need to manage 1 project at a time.

And how secure is the system?

We take careful precautions to protect our customers' information. Your project site is password protected and we will not sell or share your information or any data you enter. Clients can only see their projects, while you can see all your client's projetcs. Although we offer safeguards to protect your data, please keep in mind that we can not guarantee 100% security. Take appropriate measures with your links, passwords, and user accounts.

28 Jan 2004 | JF said...

Further, the Basecamp server is located in a state-of-the-art data center with full power back-up and redundant internet connections up the wazoo.

28 Jan 2004 | Jonny Roader said...

"Although we offer safeguards to protect your data, please keep in mind that we can not guarantee 100% security. "

Have you had it pen-tested?

29 Jan 2004 | Ryan Thrash said...

An "active" project is one with new posts or comments in the past 30 days. Projects become active and inactive autmatically.

This sounds like a great feature, but when the job is done and delivered, I'd really like to be able to turn it off and get it out of the "active" queue very quickly. Possible?

29 Jan 2004 | mindful_learner said...

Hi guys,

I admire the design work that 37 signals produce and your take on usable design, BUT (you knew there was a 'but' coming didn't you) I do wonder about the likelyhood of Project Management software such as Basecamp. There have already been too many big failures (anyone remember Macromedia Sitespring?). I suspect there are several big problems with this type of software and Basecamp in particular.

1) Most people already have several places to view when running a project. They probably keep e-mails and To Do lists in something like Outlook. They probably have shared documents and files in particular directories on a network. They probably have bug trackers and maybe an Intranet. Products like Basecamp just force people to look at another place where key information is kept. They are unlikely to give up the tried and tested tools they already use and migrate everything over to Basecamp.
2) This type of software doesn't integrate with the other tools I just mentioned - so it can't become a 'one stop shop'
3) The 'posting/blog' idea seems to go against most people's aim on a project - spend less time reading stuff and spend more time getting things done. I mean, we already have the problem that NOBODY reads the minutes of the meetings they didn't attend. People prefer to catch up on this essential stuff in face-to-face meetings. Also, there is a real danger that people get into the mindset of, 'oh the guy wasn't available so I posted a comment or a post it isn't my fault that he didn't read it later on'.

Essentially, I think all these tools try to automate and make efficient what is naturally a fuzzy and messy process. Even teams using a well worn process have all sorts of chaotic work-around elements on a project. I just don't think you can delegate all this stuff to a tool. People don't work that way.

Actually, I hope I'm wrong. I like what I see and I always want to see well designed products succeed. Actually, I'm probably wrong...I usually am :0)

Good luck guys, sorry if this sounded like a bit of a downer
Mindful_learner

29 Jan 2004 | JF said...

They probably keep e-mails and To Do lists in something like Outlook. They probably have shared documents and files in particular directories on a network. They probably have bug trackers and maybe an Intranet. Products like Basecamp just force people to look at another place where key information is kept.

The biggest issue with project management (as it's usually handled) is that it's done in a vacuum. YOU may be organized. YOU have have your stuff in order in your inbox. YOU may have your post-it notes lining your monitor. But, projects are collaborations. Projects are conversations. And when stuff is spread out all over the place (5 different inboxes, 5 different desks, 5 different monitor bezels, 5 different offices), it's very difficult to communicate. What happens is that there ends up being a lot of isolated conversations going on which inevitably leads to miscommunication.

Basecamp is a different type of project management. It's mostly about communication. Quick, simple, easy communication. Centralized communication that puts everyone on the same page. And communication doesn't have to just mean "posts" -- it also means schedules and to-do items/tasks. This stuff needs to be centralized. And not just for you, or your company, but for everyone involved. Including your clients.

I think all these tools try to automate and make efficient what is naturally a fuzzy and messy process. I just don't think you can delegate all this stuff to a tool. People don't work that way.

I TOTALLY agree. Which is why Basecamp is very flexible. It's not about changing your workflow, making you learn a new "system," packed with features that attempt to be to everything to everybody, etc. It's a centralized place to talk. To keep up to date on the details of a project. To post updates, design reviews, ideas. To find out what needs to get done, when it needs to get done, who's responsible for doing it. It's a centralized repository for links to all those scattered files, relevant URLs, logos, fonts, the project specs, the original proposal, competitor's sites, etc. It's project management for the rest of us.

And, as I've said before, YOU may think you're organized, but what do your clients think? Does your current way of doing things make a good impression on your clients? Don't you think your clients would like to have a centralized place to keep up to date on what's going on? How many times do you have to hear the same question because someone can't find the original answer? Leaving the clients out of the project management process is probably the biggest mistake most shops make. Basecamp helps brings them in. It gets THEM involved.

More soon.

29 Jan 2004 | JF said...

One more quick comment...

Basecamp is NOT out to replace email, IM, phone, etc. It's built to work along side them. We understand projects are chaotic. The more rigid the project management system, the less effective it is. Basecamp is all about flexibility and creativity.

For example, we usually create a "transcripts" posting category and paste in IM conversations, important emails, notes from key phone calls, etc. That way they are centralized so everyone can refer to them later. Now, Basecamp doesn't have a "transcript repository" feature, but with a little creativity we created our own "feature" by creating a category for that type of content. We've also often create a "competition" category where we can post links, screenshots, interesting ideas, new features, redesigns, etc., from the client's competition. This way everyone can stay on top of what the competition is doing. Now, Basecamp doesn't have a "competition tracking" feature, but you can create your own by simply creating a new category. Get the idea?

29 Jan 2004 | Darrel said...

Looks good. The only complaint is the name 'dashboard'. Probably due to previous projects where I was working with consultants in creating a PM web app where they insisted on the dashboard metaphor as well. It's just a bit too literal of a term compared to what the page actually is.

29 Jan 2004 | JF said...

Looks good. The only complaint is the name 'dashboard'. Probably due to previous projects where I was working with consultants in creating a PM web app where they insisted on the dashboard metaphor as well. It's just a bit too literal of a term compared to what the page actually is.

Yeah, I sort of agree. But the alternative would be to just make up another word that would be even less familiar. The Dashboard section is sort of a catch-all for a bunch of "stuff" so I think we'll stick with it for now.

29 Jan 2004 | Joshua said...

Basecamp is looking ideal for small teams like mine where we all work in different cities...

I'm very much looking forward to getting to try the real thing.

Way to go, guys - it's looking fantastic so far.

29 Jan 2004 | James said...

Can it sync with iCal? Are there thoughts for this cross-app functionality in future verions? Just a thought.

James

29 Jan 2004 | JF said...

Can it sync with iCal? Are there thoughts for this cross-app functionality in future verions? Just a thought.

See: Apple iCal integration

30 Jan 2004 | Hilarie said...

Truly scrumtrellescent.

31 Jan 2004 | Marty said...

No Calendar?
Teams/people schedules (sub)task assignments?

I realize I'm not seeing it on the inside here, but I'm comparing your dashboard with another PM extranet application... one that has already gone through several revisions.

02 Feb 2004 | James said...

This sounds like a great feature, but when the job is done and delivered, I'd really like to be able to turn it off and get it out of the "active" queue very quickly. Possible?

Hear, hear! The 30-day thing doesn't seem right to me. I may well have a project that I consider active and want to keep seeing despite a 30-day lull, and I also would be very annoyed to see projects I've just finished still showing up in the list. The active/inactive setting seems like it should be a manual thing, rather than automatic.

02 Feb 2004 | JF said...

Hear, hear! The 30-day thing doesn't seem right to me. I may well have a project that I consider active and want to keep seeing despite a 30-day lull, and I also would be very annoyed to see projects I've just finished still showing up in the list. The active/inactive setting seems like it should be a manual thing, rather than automatic.

Shortly we'll be adding a manual switch to flip a project to completed. So, there will be Active projects, Inactive projects, and Completed projects.

02 Feb 2004 | Susannah said...

My apologies if an answer to this question has already been posted.

Can this sync with Outlook, or any other calendar program? Any compatibility with MS Project at all?

We're anxious to try this out! Can't wait for the launch. So far looks like you guys have hit the proverbial nail on the head.

02 Feb 2004 | JF said...

Can this sync with Outlook, or any other calendar program? Any compatibility with MS Project at all?

Right now both to-do lists and milestones sync with Apple iCal and, from what I've read, Outlook should be able to suck down the calendar info as well (and we provide a more Outlook friendly URL), BUT I don't know if Outlook can poll the server and download changes/updates automatically like iCal can. Anyone know?

04 Feb 2004 | Ronny said...

very interesting project

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