Prototype

Prototype Design Approach

What is a Prototype ?
Prototype is a model of the original system. It is a scale down but functional version of the desired system. A prototype is a working system that is developed to test the ideas and assumptions about the new system. It consist of the working software that accepts input , perform calculations , produces printed or displayed information or perform other meaning full activities. Customer evaluate on this prototype and changes will be reported.

What are it's advantages & dis-advantages ?
Advantages

• Customer Can evaluate and can suggest changes before the original design.
• Sometimes the prototype can be evolve into the product to build.
• The prototype can be easily developed using fourth generation languages and with the help of CASE tools.

Disadvantages

• Prototype will not include error checking , input data validation, security.
• It will not offer user help .
• Need to redesign
  

What are the steps for the prototype design ?

• Identify the user's known information requirements and features needed in the system.
• Develop a working prototype.
• Revise the prototype based on feedback received from customer.
• Repeat these steps as needed to achive a satisfactory system.