I’ve been thinking and working on a simple idea, that probably will sound bad for some old school project managers. I’ve been living, working, and teaching about the PMI standard for almost 3 years, and I’ve been working on agile software development since forever – because in software development, scope is a moving target so you cannot count on your “printed gantt chart”.
The Idea
To build a simple, extremely simple an online tool (webapp) to handle projects, but no only software projects -which is, I believe, the common approach. Build a set of easy-to-use tools to breakdown work (using drag-and-drop automagic for WBS or even to create Product Backlogs as you will probably build the WBS graphically. I’m not sure about how it will result, but I’m sure you get the point behind the idea. My mind is thinking about a built-in worksheet (like in a spreadsheets tool) to dynamically generate reports that works also as input forms – so you don’t have the Import/Export pain (if you use any online tool every day you know what I’m talking about).
I love little colored pieces of paper, boards (aka information radiators), eDocs with names and tasks and colors (I do love eDocs) – I’m not sure why Google does not have a Project Tool in its office suite.
I’m not sure when, while performing as PM, Professor, Speaker, and VP of Special Projects for PMI Colombia Chapter, I will get the time to work on this personal project.