ExoBlog - About Software Prototypes

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About Software Prototypes

Location: Blogs ExoBlog (by John)Project Management
Posted by: exocubic	3/3/2007 12:15 PM
Software projects are filled with good and bad examples of prototype usage. Some prototypes become the real thing, and sometimes that is OK. Prototyping can vary from project to project for a variety of reasons, but should the outcome be left to happenstance or can we, instead, truly understand the kinds of prototyping and thus be intentional about their various outcomes? Typically, a prototype can go through several stages. Elementary - this is a non functional prototype, typically used in a static mode to demonstrate how the workflow will occur, agree on general look and feel of the application, and establish high level product requirements. These are generally considered disposable. Expanded - this is a partially functional prototype used to test concepts and workflows. These are typically disposable "mini-applications" with some reusable parts / algorithms. Evolutionary - this is a working prototype built onto a release candidate of the product to experiment with new features. I couldn't resist starting them all with "E", sorry! Of course, there is plenty more we could add to the list, but the point is to understand that every prototype is not equal, does not serve the same purpose, and sometimes we avoid them out of fear when, instead, we should be embracing them to serve a purpose that can be well defined and finite.

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