Prototyping

Creating early models of the software to test concepts and ideas.

Also Known As

Blue-Green Deployment (in DevOps)
Canary Releases (in DevOps)
Early Models
Mockups
Pilot Models
Set-Based Concurrent Engineering (in Lean Software Development)

Addresses / Mitigates

Feature-Fit Risk: Allows early validation of features and design with stakeholders.
Communication Risk: Facilitates clear communication of concepts and requirements.
Implementation Risk: Helps identify potential issues before full-scale development.

Attendant Risks

Schedule Risk: Prototyping can be time-consuming and delay the project timeline.
Funding Risk: Creating prototypes can incur additional costs.

Used By

DevOps: Canary releases and blue-green deployments are used to test new features in a controlled manner.
Lean Software Development: Lean uses set-based concurrent engineering to explore multiple options and narrow down to the best solution.

Description

"Prototyping is an iterative, trial-and-error method of system development in which requirements are converted to a working system that is continually revised through close work between an analyst and user until the latter is satisfied that an acceptable system has been developed." - Prototyping, Wikipedia

Prototyping in software development involves creating early models or mockups of the software to test concepts and gather feedback. This practice helps in validating design choices, identifying potential issues, and ensuring that the final product meets the users' needs and expectations.

See: