In Need of Process

Sometimes I do struggle when it comes to process.

Not from the idea or action of partaking in, but from the constant lack of process and understanding of structured protocol that seems to exist within the creative industry currently.

Most of my days currently seem to be spent dealing with issues, that if a suitable process had been implemented at the start, then my time just wouldn’t be needed again. Unfortunately though, often when I raise the idea of implementing processes and protocols, I’m met with an echo of moans from creatives’, claiming that such principles can stifle ideas, drown creativity in a team and really hold very little benefit to projects at all (although I do know several brand designers that swear by creative processes).

This is where things are often misunderstood. I’m not concerned with ensuring processes are being followed within the creative but in the preceding sections and areas that support it. Simple processes should be there as a foundation to raise the level of creativity. As does restraint often not give a team more room for creativeness?

Speaking from a development angle, I often find the most creative and unique solutions come from areas where very specific restrictions are enforced. But in evidence, if you look at some of the solutions to cross-browser issues and DOM problems that often appear on sites like www.alistapart.com surely you can only agree?

Personally I hope to soon start finding processes increasingly adopted in my professional life. That finally creative teams will see process as a friend rather than foe, keep their bloody folders tidy and then maybe my life will get just a little bit easier