System Life Cycle: Prototyping Types

Prototyping is an iterative process in the system life cycle where a preliminary model of the system is created. This prototype is then tested and refined to better understand user needs and system requirements. It helps to identify potential problems early in the development process, reducing risks and costs. There are two main types of prototypes: evolutionary and throwaway.

Evolutionary Prototyping

Evolutionary prototyping involves creating a prototype that is progressively refined until it meets the user's requirements. The prototype is developed in stages, with each stage adding more functionality and detail. The final prototype eventually becomes the final product.

Characteristics of Evolutionary Prototyping:

• The prototype evolves into the final product.
• User feedback is incorporated throughout the development process.
• Suitable when requirements are not well-defined.
• Can lead to changes in the final product if user feedback is significant.

Advantages:

• Improved user understanding of the system.
• Reduced risk of developing a system that does not meet user needs.
• Early identification of design flaws.

Disadvantages:

• Can be time-consuming and expensive.
• May lead to scope creep if user feedback is constantly changing requirements.

Throwaway Prototyping

Throwaway prototyping involves creating a prototype that is discarded after it has been used to understand user requirements. The prototype is not intended to be part of the final product. It is used to explore different design options and gather user feedback. Once the requirements are clear, the prototype is discarded, and a new system is developed based on those requirements.

Characteristics of Throwaway Prototyping:

• The prototype is discarded after use.
• Focuses on exploring different design possibilities.
• Suitable when requirements are relatively well-defined.

Advantages:

• Faster and less expensive than evolutionary prototyping.
• Allows for more experimentation with design options.
• Reduces the risk of carrying over design flaws into the final product.

Disadvantages:

• Requires careful planning to ensure that the prototype is used effectively.
• May not be suitable for complex systems with many dependencies.

Feature	Evolutionary Prototyping	Throwaway Prototyping
Prototype Fate	Evolves into the final product	Discarded after use
User Feedback Integration	Incorporated throughout development	Used for requirements gathering
Requirements Definition	Suitable for unclear requirements	Suitable for relatively clear requirements
Time & Cost	Can be time-consuming and expensive	Faster and less expensive

Suggested diagram: A diagram illustrating the flow of an evolutionary prototype, showing iterations of development and user feedback leading to the final system. A separate diagram showing a throwaway prototype being used for exploration and then discarded after requirements are gathered.