You can launch the Vivado Design Suite and run the tools using different methods, depending on your preference. For example, you can choose a Tcl script-based compilation method that you manage sources and the design process yourself. This is also known as Non-Project Mode.
Alternatively, you can use a project-based method to automatically manage your design process and design data using projects and project states. This is also known as Project Mode. You can run either method in Tcl scripted batch mode or interactively in the Vivado IDE.
For more information on the different design flow modes, refer to the Vivado Design Suite User Guide: Design Flows Overview (UG892). For more information on design flows, refer to the Vivado Design Suite QuickTake Video: Design Flows Overview.