Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Prototyping (LiSui)

Prototyping
is the process of quickly putting together a working model (a prototype) in order to test various aspects of a design, illustrate ideas or features and gather early user feedback. Prototyping is often treated as an integral part of the system design process, where it is believed to reduce project risk and cost. Often one or more prototypes are made in a process of iterative and incremental development where each prototype is influenced by the performance of previous designs, in this way problems or deficiencies in design can be corrected. When the prototype is sufficiently refined and meets the functionality, robustness, manufacturability and other design goals, the product is ready for production.

Process of prototyping involves the following steps:
Identify basic requirements

Determine basic requirements including the input and output information desired. Details, such as security, can typically be ignored.

Develop Initial Prototype
The initial prototype is developed that includes only user interfaces.

Review
The customers, including end-users, examine the prototype and provide feedback on additions or changes.

Revise and Enhancing the Prototype
Using the feedback both the specifications and the prototype can be improved. Negotiation about what is within the scope of the contract/product may be necessary. If changes are introduced then a repeat of steps #3 ands #4 may be needed.

Advantages of prototyping

May provide the proof of concept necessary to attract funding

Early visibility of the prototype gives users an idea of what the final system looks like

Encourages active participation among users and producer

Enables a higher output for user

Cost effective (Development costs reduced)

Increases system development speed

Assists to identify any problems with the efficacy of earlier design, requirements analysis and coding activities

Helps to refine the potential risks associated with the delivery of the system being developed

Disadvantages of prototyping

User’s expectation on prototype may be above its performance[clarify]

Possibility of causing systems to be left unfinished[citation needed]

Possibility of implementing systems before they are ready.[clarify]

Producer might produce a system inadequate for overall organization needs

Producer might get too attached to it (might cause legal involvement)[verification needed]

Often lack flexibility[citation needed]

Not suitable for large applications

Project management difficulties[verification needed]

Type of prototyping:

1 comment:

prsp said...

Look for the types of prototyping again. Are the ones you got correct?