As a solutions provider to hundreds of complicated, communication-intensive interactive projects, we have used many project tracking / sharing solutions. Some are good; some are bad. Clients may have their own preferred tools, and we adapt to them immediately, but when we recommend a tool, it’s Basecamp.
The most important part to get right on an interactive project is communication. Creating a perfect plan before embarking on a project with many things that can go right or wrong, have multiple interpretations as to what “feels right” as a user, and having team members that are potentially spread all over the world is fraught with danger. Almost every project you research lists lack of clear communication as its number one problem. How do you solve for that?
#1 Transparency
Nothing helps communication more than a clear view of a project. Basecamp allows clients and all staff members to see what is happening at any time. From messages that are visible at all times to To Do lists that can include pictures and other files, as long as everyone is committed to the goal of transparency, getting a snapshot of the current project at any time is a huge boon for all team members and managers.
#2 Ease of Use and Communication
Most of our clients learn how to use Basecamp within minutes or hours. Messages and To Do items, when added or changed in any way, are sent through email to all the parties that are added to the email update list. This keeps the amount of email communication focused upon tasks that are relevant to them, instead of being inundated by everything. Launching Basecamp to see details or respond requires one click in an email. And Basecamp runs in a browser. How much easier can that be?
#3 Project Memory
While there are many ways to track the history of a project, one of the biggest challenges to a distributed group is to find a way to have new people brought onto the project and have them “catch up” to where the project is at the moment. Basecamp allows all users to go through the project’s history at their own pace, without having a manager spent an inordinate amount of time away from their main responsibilities of keeping the entire project running.
In Summary
Distributed teams in different time zones require special attention to communication. Nothing beats co-location for full communication, but Basecamp’s ability to provide transparency, ease of use that leads to better communication, and project memory has provided us a great tool to provide with what our clients want… success!
About Meta 3D Studios
Meta 3D Studios, founded in 2005, is an application and game development company in Austin, Texas that creates custom-branded interactive experiences for clients, including A&E Networks, Discovery Channel, Mattel, and Syfy Channel. Meta 3D Studios services small- to large-sized game and app clients with their interactive product, art, and animation needs, and helps to launch hundreds of diverse projects worldwide. Visit our Case Studies for more information about Meta 3D Studios and how we work with our clients.
Our goal is to help and assist you in getting your projects successfully completed and launched worldwide. With a background of hundreds of projects from all continents and corners of the world, it is our continued commitment to offer an attractive and diverse selection of affordable services to our valued clients. We’re here to make your project awesome.
Please contact us at info@meta3dstudios.com for more information.
