My recent use of Trello has made me more aware of the power of personalization in software.

I typically prefer using somewhat sterile, minimalist software to log my tasks and ideas. I don’t need to make things too cutesy.

That said, now that I have been using Trello and Coda to track some projects I am starting to see that the use of custom backgrounds and icons can be a powerful way to promote the connection between a user and the tool he uses.

The ability to add your own background makes you feel it’s now yours; a custom solution.