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February 24, 2010

LessProjects – Project Tracking without the Pain

LessProjects is a web-based project management application that sets itself apart from the competition by focusing more on getting things done than communicating with clients. Whereas other applications let users share status reports and updates with clients and outside vendors, LessProjects bills itself as a task-based system that lets users assign items that need to be done to specific team members and rank those items based on the level of importance.

For users of Google’s Gmail service, LessProjects makes signup a snap by integrating directly with the login you already use. From there, you’ll be asked to enter your company’s name to receive a unique subdomain where collaborators can find your projects. Each project is made up of “specs,” which are essentially to-do list items that can be moved between phases of the project. Each spec should be assigned a priority level, assigned to a team member, and given a status that can be changed as the task progresses.

For anyone who likes knowing where they’re at with a project at any time, LessProjects makes it easy by listing the percentage of the project that has been completed right on the main page. In addition, coworkers who wish to share advice or collaborate on a certain task can post sticky notes for others to see, much in the same way they might leave a Post-It note on the desk of a colleague. Finally, for users who juggle multiple projects at once, LessProjects lets you toggle between projects with ease, making it an essential tool for anyone looking for a more effective way to manage their task-based projects.

Practical Uses:

  • Assign individual team members their own tasks to complete
  • Leave a comment on someone else’s task with a helpful idea or tip
  • Organize tasks by level of importance
  • Plan out long-term goals for a project

Insider Tips:

  • Reorder any specs by dragging and dropping them into a new spot
  • Invite coworkers to join your team by signing up for the site
  • Upload a photo or icon to show up next to your spec assignments
  • Change the status of a spec as the task progresses along

What we liked:

  • LessProjects is a fast-moving website
  • Sparse interface clearly shows which projects need to be completed next
  • Ability to view specs by priority or status
  • Search box makes it easy to find specs by searching for keywords

What we didn’t like:

  • Pricing for paid plans is up in the air so you might be in for an unpleasant surprise if LessProjects becomes less affordable down the road

Alternatives:

Company Info:

  • Launched: 2009
  • Privately Held
  • Headquarters: Jacksonville, Florida
  • Founded by: Steven Bristol and Allan Branch
  • Web site: http://lessprojects.com

Costs:

  • Free

Comments

  1. Nick Tulip

    These guys are awesome. Their whole application portfolio just works and while I am biased, you would have to try them out for yourself to agree with me.

  2. Toggling between projects might have been my middle name, had it not been so many words. I usually like to juggle with more than one task and although it’s really tough, I usually manage to get out alive. I’m sure this app will serve me well. Thank you!

  3. I like doing projects with more coworkers, it’s a great chance to finish it faster, although it takes more time until all the minds think alike, unfortunately. This tool might prove handy, because I like working from the distance with others. It’s weird, but it helps me focus easier.

  4. Ugh, when you want something done, you have to do it yourself. I do admit there are certain cases in which another hand comes in… handy. But my parents taught me that I’m powerful enough to do it all by myself. So far, I’ve managed to do most of what I had planned.

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