While doing research on process for web and social media development, I came across this quote by Saul Bass (who is among many things, the creator of the AT&T logo and frequent collaborator with Alfred Hitchcock). When asked asked about his design process:
“The process of defining what it is that you wish to communicate inevitably defines the objectives of the design process. Then, the search is for imagery or form that will adequately- and, one hopes, interestingly- express this. Where one goes from this starting point can be unexpected and may not follow a totally rational methodology, but it is helpful to frame the problem in rational terms as a beginning point.”
The main point I took away was this: The objectives are your foundation. What do you want to accomplish? The process will change, and is inconsequential. In fact, attempting to apply a formal approach may even be harmful. Just like the creative nature of graphic design, the dynamic nature of web technologies may not allow for methodological or “tested” approaches to project management and implementation of web products.
