More than 10 years after this article (It’s All in the Process, by Ann Senechal) was originally published, clients and designers are still trying to work out that delicate balance between form and function, we’re still trying to get it right. Now, there is one more addition to the mix–the user. How will they all play together to bring about a web that is both useful for users and profitable for business? User experience design.

When one things about design, they often think about “look and feel” and aesthetics. Design is much more than that, it is about planning, strategy, and outcomes. It is all about the process.

I have more than five tools in my toolbox, but this is just a start.

1. ActionMethod.com
   Aside from the fact that it looks cool. I love to use ActionMethod because of the way that it allows you to manage projects. It is a project management tool built for the creative mind. You can use it via online, desktop, or iPhone.
2. TweetDeck
   I like that I can now manage multiple accounts. This helps with my split personality. I also love that I can follow different topic side-by-side. For people who want to update their Facebook status as well, it’s in there.
3. PageOnce
   This Blackberry app does exactly what it says. It puts all of your accounts on one page so that you can keep up with them. Bank accounts, investment accounts, credit card accounts… keep track of everything.
4. Drop.io
   Quick and dirty file sharing application with the added benefit of an chat and conference calling.
5. Poynt
   This Blackberry application saved my family vacation this year. To make a long story short, our car broke down while out of town and we needed a place to get it fixed. We used the GPS-enabled features on this app to find a dealership close to where we were vacationing. We also used it to find the closest movie theater to go see Inglorious Basterds.