This use model is for script-based users who do not want Vivado tools to manage their design data or track their design state. The Vivado tools simply read the various source files and compile the design through the entire flow in-memory. At any stage of the implementation process, you can generate a variety of reports, run design rule checks (DRCs), and write design checkpoints. Throughout the entire flow, you can open the design in-memory, or any saved design checkpoint, in the Vivado IDE for design analysis or netlist/constraint modification. Source files, however, are not available for modification in the IDE when running the Non-Project mode. It is also important to note that this mode does not enable project-based features such as source file and run management, cross-probing back to source files, design state reporting, etc. Essentially, each time a source file is updated on the disk; you must know about it and reload the design.
There are no default reports or intermediate files created within the Non-Project mode. You must direct the creation of reports or design checkpoints with Tcl commands.