Prototyping in Web software development
T-76.5650 Seminar in Software Engineering Aalto University School of Science Erkki Tapola <[email protected]>
!10.5.2012
Research questions• What benefits do prototypes bring?
• How should I use prototyping in a web application development project?
Importance• Prototyping can improve
product quality and increase value if used in the right way
• Creating a prototype is an investment
• Return on Investment (ROI) for making the prototype
”A prototype is a working model built to develop and test design ideas.”
!-- M. Walker, L. Takayama, and J.A. Landay
About software projects
• There is commonly a level of uncertainty
• Users may not be able to voice all the business needs without help
• There are various types of software development processes
purpose of Prototyping• Addresses the uncertainties to prevent costs at a later time
• Activates the users’ thinking and begins visual and conceptual communication
• Provides a basis for discussion about the business needs
• Find the maximum number of real usability issues with- out compromising cost and flexibility for designers
Horizontal vs. vertical
• A horizontal prototype implements all of the different functions, but not all of their functionality
• A vertical prototype implements a specific function in more detail
low fidelity vs. high fidelity
• High fidelity aims visually close to the desired end result
• Low fidelity allows the user to concentrate on the intended functionality and business requirements
Design vs. Functional
• A design prototype shows the visual aspects of the intended product
• A functional prototype shows the intended functionality
about sw development methodologies
• Agile or no agile, a prototype serves the purpose of obtaining knowledge and facilitating discussion
• Prototyping can be embedded in manytypes of software development processes
Using a prototype
• To start and facilitate discussion
• To help the user understand and communicate the business needs better
• To reduce cost in places where changes get more expensive as time passes
Thank You
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