Game design project management platforms

It kinda starts like: "I want to Design 'X'..." And then the next step is that I'll google around for Game Names appropriate to the THEME of the game, I like very much thematic games even if they may be "euro-ish" in design. Once I have a name I design a Logo and how I want the game to look on a box (Logo). After having put together some semblance of something "commercial" (something that could sell...), I jot down ideas into a Text Document.

And that's about it. I'll refine the Text Document, create versions 1.0a, 1.1a, 2.0b, 2.1b, etc. etc. With MAJOR changes or refinements.

Sometimes I'll use a Spreadsheet to document cards and so forth, etc. etc. But not always.

Lastly when the game has gone through development and been playtested many times and I feel it is ready, I'll work on the Rendered Rulebook depending on the nature of the game. That too might have versions too... Files for cards in Illustrator for prototypes and a file for Photoshop when I render the cards.

It sounds like a lot... But it's actually very simple. I work alone and share ideas on BGDF.com ... I don't have a Team working on DESIGNING, I have had artists in the past that I've worked with and I've had other people with whom I have collaborated with on different projects.

I've never needed something to manage time... But then again "Plains of Aria" (PoA) took about 5+ YEARS to "Design" (no prototype ... I am currently working on it...) So I let the concept come and go and I work on different designs when I cannot further add or work on a design... I move on to another design and come back when I have NEW or FRESH ideas...

I know I'm not alone... Many Game Designers say that it takes YEARS to make a Board Game. So I'm in good company.

Cheers!