Use whatever tool works for you. I like Enterprise Architect. Lets me break apart any kind of complex problem, whether it's components, hardware, logical structures, rule systems, etc. Plus it's programmable so I can take some of that design work and translate it into working code quickly.
A lot of guys, especially in start-ups, don't get modeling. They think you're trying to plan too much. The trick is to model quickly and at a high conceptual level. That gives you your organizational structure (within 20% or so) to manage complexity. You can still code and adapt quickly. If you over-plan (or model), however, you limit your options and force a lot of decisions up front which might could wait for later. That's counterproductive.
We use integrated project management/ task/action management/ workflow management /content & contact management : http://www.streamfocus.com (public launch in the near future)
I'm not talking about the people that biz schools churn out -- I'm talking about people who can actually manage projects.
They're incredibly rare. And gifted.
And once you work with one, you'll realize that all of the project management tools out there are crutches for people without the talent. Weak, floppy, minimally useful crutches.
I've worked under someone like that and the tools he used were . . . a notebook, a pen, and a highlighter. (It wasn't a software project, but it was complex)
In UML.
Use whatever tool works for you. I like Enterprise Architect. Lets me break apart any kind of complex problem, whether it's components, hardware, logical structures, rule systems, etc. Plus it's programmable so I can take some of that design work and translate it into working code quickly.
A lot of guys, especially in start-ups, don't get modeling. They think you're trying to plan too much. The trick is to model quickly and at a high conceptual level. That gives you your organizational structure (within 20% or so) to manage complexity. You can still code and adapt quickly. If you over-plan (or model), however, you limit your options and force a lot of decisions up front which might could wait for later. That's counterproductive.