Lecture Notes: Prototyping and Evolutionary Models Prototyping Model Overview The prototyping model is a software development approach that emphasizes the early creation of a working prototype to refine requirements and gain user feedback before final development. Key Features ● ● ● Prototype: A simplified version of the final product used for demonstration and evaluation. Iterative Development: Multiple iterations of prototyping and refinement based on feedback. Risk Reduction: Helps identify potential issues and risks early in the development process. Need for Prototyping ● ● ● User Understanding: Illustrates input formats, messages, reports, and interactive dialogues to gain better understanding of user needs. Design Refinement: Helps refine the design based on user feedback and usability testing. Technical Feasibility: Evaluates the feasibility of technical solutions and identifies potential challenges. Types of Prototypes ● ● Low-Fidelity: Simple, paper-based or screen-based prototypes that focus on the overall layout and functionality. High-Fidelity: More detailed prototypes that closely resemble the final product, including visual elements and interactions. When to Use Prototyping ● ● ● Unclear Requirements: When user requirements are not fully defined. Technical Challenges: When technical feasibility is uncertain. User Interface Design: To refine the user interface and ensure a positive user experience. Evolutionary Model (Incremental Model) Overview The evolutionary model, also known as the incremental model or successive versions model, involves developing the software in increments or versions. Each version adds new features or functionality to the existing system. Key Features ● ● ● Incremental Development: The system is developed in stages, with each stage delivering a working product. Early Delivery: Users can start using the core functionalities early on. Flexibility: Allows for changes and adaptations based on feedback and evolving requirements. Applications ● ● Large Projects: Suitable for large projects that can be divided into smaller, manageable increments. Object-Oriented Development: Well-suited for object-oriented software development, as the system can be easily partitioned into units or objects. Advantages ● ● ● Early User Feedback: Users can provide feedback on the partially developed system. Reduced Risk: Risks are spread across multiple iterations, reducing the impact of potential issues. Flexibility: Allows for changes and adaptations based on evolving requirements. Disadvantages ● ● Complexity: Managing multiple versions and ensuring consistency can be challenging. Difficulty in Defining Increments: Dividing the system into meaningful increments can be difficult. Conclusion Both the prototyping and evolutionary models offer valuable approaches to software development. The choice between these models depends on factors such as project size, complexity, and the need for early user feedback. In some cases, a combination of prototyping and evolutionary development can be effective.