What's the best software for discussing proposed research projects and managing them once decided upon? I'm looking to create a community centered around research topics for both the school where I work and for the alumni association from the school I graduated. Idea would be for people to propose, discuss, and then collaborate over the internet in conducting the research. Ideally, software would:
1.) not require extensive coding or alteration
2.) have a very user-friendly, professional-looking, inspiring and attractive GUI interface (sure, you can accomplish this only with Google Docs - but it's not as motivating as using a more appealing GUI interface, if possible, and Google Docs doesn't promote an implied 'work flow', so to speak)
3.) allow upload, download of sensitive documents (both .doc, .pdf, and videos) that could be encrypted, password protected, and sent via https
4.) accommodate authentication - possibly
5.) Have an interface that promotes a logical research work flow - for example, projects can be in
a.) "discovery" phase, where people throw out an idea and other comment on it,
b.) "accepted" phase, where the idea has been accepted by a group and is ready for planning,
c.) "planning" - people are discussing what will be done - tasks, personnel, etc.
d.) "active"
e.) "completed"
Free or low cost is preference, but anything that meets the requirements will be considered (and compared against free or low cost : )
Lastly - are there any 'model' sites where this is being done already?