Interactive Project Management: Pixels, People, and Process (Voices That Matter) Illustrated Edition

"Interactive" is fast becoming the newest buzzword at the crossroads of corporate and technology. While this book is primarily about managing projects in the Interactive Industry, project management is almost always, by definition, interactive.. So what sets this book apart? The subtitle says it all - Pixels (read: product), People, and Process. Generically, projects tend to all have common components including schedules, due dates, dependencies, resource allocations and deliverables. But projects in the Interactive Industry have a few additional characteristics. They combine creative ideas with a need for advanced technology. There are usually two distinct tracks, one that focuses on user experience (the content and functionality visible to the end user) and one that develops the back end infrastructure that makes it all work. These two tracks, although separate, need to function cooperatively in order to achieve the desired end result. Finally, these projects are more iterative simply by nature of constantly evolving technologies in the long run and changes from clients in the short run. Are projects in that industry unique in these respects? No - which is why this book is useful for more than just projects in interactive media. As technology becomes a more integral part of our everyday lives, it's highly likely that interactive processes will affect the way we, manage projects and clients. This is not your typical project management read; the ideas are well-presented and while non-traditional in practical application, are universally applicable conceptually. Whether you're on the interactive bandwagon already, or are skeptical about the practice, this is a great read for anyone who manages projects or clients.

This book was a well-written overview of the various phases of managing interactive projects, including the key roles, documents and processes involved. As a seasoned large-scale IT project manager who is moving into the digital space, I found this book to be a helpful introduction to some of the subtle differences between managing traditional technology projects vs. interactive projects. The conversational writing style and breakout sections highlighting key points and questions kept me engaged while still providing an appropriate level of detail. I would recommend this book to anyone who may be transitioning from a role as a leader of more traditional IT/consulting engagements to a role as an interactive project leader. Some of the concepts and processes are very obvious if you have come from a traditional project management background (e.g. requirements traceability, the importance of testing, deployment planning, etc.) but I was able to see how similar methods and processes will apply in the interactive space, leveraging a more iterative development process.

I was looking for a project management book that was relevant to the business that I am working for, and this was it. There is wonderful take-aways and things that I could start applying now and processes to work on with the founder of the company. There is even a digital file you can download with all of their cheat sheets. This was a great foundation book to start my learning at in project management. I would recommend this to anyone who is new into the position and is looking for a place to start!

This book isn't just for the project manager. Anyone who works on digital/interactive projects should use it as a reference. Nancy and Meghan have covered the process from every angle. Documentation, roles & responsibilities, how to use email most effectively, even working with different types of people. They understand what needs to be in place for a successful team.It sometimes still amazes me that digital projects can be so foreign to those in Marketing & Advertising, but this book shows why. Interactive projects are complex, they require many subject matter experts, and they are very collaborative in nature - at least the successful ones are. This book breaks all that down and makes sense of every phase in the process.Those new to the industry, or those who've launched many an effort can all benefit from this book. And the Geek Girls present it in a way that's easy to understand and immediately applicable to your day-to-day work. Love it!

I've been working in project management for about 20 years. But - I still learn new things every day! This book opened (re-opened) my eyes to the big picture - project management isn't just about understanding the technical side - understanding the entire team picture is critical. Chapter 3 on EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE was particularly useful for me! I get the technology and the technical aspects of being a PM - but all too often, I forget the social/emotional side of the workplace. I also especially like the real examples Nancy and Meghan use from their experience in 'interactive project management' - it paints a vivid picture of what a 'day in the life of a PM' is like. Finally, don't let the cover fool you - it says GEEK GIRLS GUIDE - but it is also great reading for GEEK GUYS! I highly recommend this read!

Clearly, Nancy and Meghan understand and appreciate the intricacies of working with small and large projects and the nuances of the various layers and relationships (think project manager, marketing, IT, strategists, etc.).Before launching into the `process' (Ch 5 - Getting digital done right), they wisely nudge the reader into a great conversation about emotional intelligence and communication. After all "the web is about people: they make it and they use it."This a about `how to think' about successful interactive projects and the text is replete with great lessons about how to approach people, tasks, stages, and phases within a project. Part epistemology/theory and part process/praxis, there are pearls here for everyone on the team, from the project manager to the client and everyone who (and who doesn't) `interact' digitally. This is both `How to Get it Right' and 'Why It Works'!Interactive Project Management is about good processes and people, making people work better - and together!

What a great book! I have a strong software engineering background but Nancy and Meghan are right. They say "The interactive industry is a little like advertising and a little like software, but it’s also something altogether different…". As far as I know, this is the only book that bridges the gap between software engineering and advertising for use in Digital Projects.The provide good background for their supposition and then provide a step by step guide to a process they have used that really makes sense for this space. Breaking the process down into Front End and Back End as well as breaking it down into a Research and Execution phase is spot on. Their process is simple, clear and makes sense. And you can "tweak" it so it is suitable for your organization or situation.If you are starting to work in an "Agency" and come from a traditional "High Tech" background this will be very helpful. And it is a fun read....

This book is an excellent introduction to digital project management with great tips, pragmatic approaches to everyday scenarios and very clear break down of processes and working relationships. Recommended for those moving from project managing for print to the digital side.

....werden in diesem buch die interaktive branche und ihre tücken aus der sicht von top-performerINNEN beschrieben. sehr erfrischend und doch exakt, fundiert und inspirierend, auch nach über zehn jahren in der branche habe ich das buch gerne gelesen und neue denkanstöße gefunden!

Hard to implement, but great to try. Digital companies find it hard to follow processes, this book gives a good introduction to digital marketing production. Would recommend this book!