Book: Systems Analysis and Design Fifth Edition

Author: Kenneth Kendall

             Julie Kendall

Reference No.: QA 76.9 S88 K45 2002

Chapter: Eight

Quote: “The word prototype is used in many different ways.”

Review:

KINDS OF PROTOTYPES

            There are several conceptions of prototyping that can’t be put into one definition and can only be illustrated through different examples. Basically, these are four approaches to prototyping.

            Patched-Up Prototype. This has something to do with the construction of a system that works and has all the necessary features but is patched up and is inefficient, though, users could still interact with it. It’s a basic model with all the proposed features that will eventually be enhanced. An example of this is a dress that has all the features like sleeves, collars, buttons, zippers and belts but is not yet sewn and just pinned. This could be used but needs necessary carefulness to able to wear it.

            Non operational Prototype. This is a non-working scale model set up to test certain aspects of the design. It’s like a full-scale model of an automobile with precise size and shape of auto but is not operational or can’t be used. Its features are only essential to testing wind tunnel. One season for this is the undue cost and time required to code the useful idea of the system.

            First-of-a-series Prototype. This is the first full-scale model of a system that is completely operational and will be a series of design with identical features. This allows user to realistically interact with it while minimizing the many problems it would present. With this prototyping conception, full-scale prototype is first installed in one or two locations and then duplicates follow most likely to all locations just like in banking installation for electronic for electronic funds transfer.

            Selected Features Prototype. The last conception, which is an operational model just includes some of, but not all of, the features of the final system. It just previews possibilities of future features. This kind of prototyping uses modules and the model can be incorporated into the larger, final system after the successful evaluation of the prototype.