Software prototyping is a well–known term associated with various myths. If we remove all misconceptions and give a simple definition, a software prototype is just a basic product, very similar in appearance and functionality to the final software product. However, this does not apply to all types of prototypes.
Prototypes do not always contain the exact logic used in a real software application. Prototyping allows a software publisher to evaluate a product, make sure it does what it's designed for, and determine if improvements are needed. It also gives the manufacturer the opportunity to get a real idea of what the final product will look like before additional resources such as time and money are invested in completing the product.
Why do we need a software prototype?
There are many reasons why an entrepreneur or brand needs a software prototype model:
Combining the vision
Software prototypes can help you assess the progress and direction of development of applications that are still under development. They demonstrate additional functionality and where the final software product is moving, without adding significant additional resources. Prototypes can be useful at all stages of software development (for example, one prototype for MVP, another for the first iteration, etc.), helping to effectively track the development process and the direction of your project.
External involvement
Some software development projects require the participation of external stakeholders, investors or customers. In order to properly demonstrate working software, prototypes can be extremely useful for third parties to participate. Entrepreneurs and developers can improve software based on external feedback, which can be crucial to securing third-party funding.
Estimation of deferred time and resources
Software prototype models can also be used to evaluate any SRS changes (Specification of Software Requirements) at the last minute. Models are useful for checking whether software is compatible with new requirements and whether changes can be made before deadlines or resources are exhausted. You can also use software prototypes to confirm the actual state of the software when all resources are exhausted.
Types of software prototyping
Various types of software prototypes are used in the industry. The following are widely used prototyping types:
One-time/rapid prototyping
ЭThis type is one of the most important types of prototyping models. It is based on a pre-requirement of software applications. The team can quickly develop a one-time prototype to show how the initial system requirements will look visually. In this model, customer feedback helps to make changes to requirements, and after receiving user feedback, a prototype is created again to meet the customer's needs.
In fact, with this approach, the prototype is abandoned as soon as the stakeholders understand the actual requirements for the product.
Evolutionary prototyping
Evolutionary prototypes are created by the team gradually and are refined based on customer feedback. This type of prototyping allows the team to save a lot of time and effort on development. This is because developing a prototype from scratch for each process interaction can sometimes be very tedious.
Incremental prototyping
This type of step-by-step prototyping allows you to divide the final product into several small prototypes, and then develop them individually. In the end, the various prototypes are combined into a single software product. This approach is useful for reducing the feedback time between the application development team and the user.
Extreme prototyping
The extreme prototyping method is mainly used in the field of web development. It usually goes through three consecutive stages:
- To begin with, the basic prototype with existing pages is presented in HTML format. These pages have limited interactivity, but they are enough to demonstrate the different ways the user uses the application.
- Then you can simulate the data processing process using the prototype service layer.
- In the end, the implemented services are integrated into the final prototype.
Prototyping process in software development
Most development companies adhere to a fixed software prototyping process, just like when developing the software itself:
1. Identification of the main requirements: this step involves understanding the main requirements for the product from the point of view of the user interface. The software publisher determines the functionality, who the user is likely to be, and what the user wants from the product.
2. Development of the initial prototype. At this stage, the developer will review the requirements provided by the publisher and begin to assemble a model of what the finished software product will look like.
3. Prototype Review: after the prototype is developed, it is offered to the customer and other stakeholders of the project for review. Feedback is collected in an organized manner and used for further product development.
4. Revision of the prototype. The final step in this process is to make changes to the prototype based on feedback from the customer, publisher and beta testers.
Advantages of prototyping
Some of the main advantages of prototyping software applications:
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Software application development is not always an easy task. It can be quite complicated, especially when the software is complex and the team has to think about everything the client needs. Initially, engineers can share a few ideas with the client, and after approval, designers can get to work by creating a draft version, which, if necessary, can be clarified later.
Reduces risk
One of the most important advantages of software prototyping is risk reduction. If the developer wants to avoid the scenario from the very beginning and reduce the risk of software failure, he must implement prototyping. This concept allows developers to offer the perfect solution according to customer feedback.
Offers a visual guide
Software prototyping comes with a better feature known as visual guidance. It allows developers to see quick results.
The basic prototype of the system allows both customers and developers to get a complete picture of the system. While a high–precision prototype is an approach that allows you to see exactly what a software solution will look like after it is developed. The high-precision prototype allows you to interact with it by passing through different screens, making sure that the application works smoothly and perfectly, and pressing buttons.
Allows you to detect errors at the beginning
With the help of prototyping, developers very easily understand the problems in the system. They can detect errors in the product concept. And thanks to early detection, problematic issues can be resolved efficiently and quickly. This means that bugs will not be able to disrupt the development process, as bugs are detected and eliminated from the actual product. This also reduces the cost and time to implement changes.
Saves time and money
When new software is introduced in any organization, its study and understanding of its functions can be difficult for employees. Even when employees begin to learn more about the system, it is not at all necessary that the team will be satisfied with it. A company should hire a development company that creates prototypes and accepts feedback on them before getting started. Thanks to this, the business owner can give feedback and force the system to develop in accordance with the requirements.
This means that prototyping is one of the best ways if you want to identify problems at an early stage. This is beneficial to both developers and business owners.
Improves customer engagement
Software prototyping also allows customers to participate in the development of the system. And it can be beneficial to both members of the development team and customers. The reason is that it allows customers to share their criticisms and opinions. Which, in turn, allows the development team to be fully aware of the needs of customers.