Prototype Systems Development

Prototype System Design

Prototype development is a simple and relatable way to problem solving. The Idea of prototype systems development mirrors the way people have been working out problems for years. The simple way to explain prototype development is that a person identifies a problem or need, designs a way to satisfy that problem or need and then test the solution to see if it works.

In prototype systems design a Aprototype is built, tested, and then reworked as necessary untill an acceptable prototype is finally achieved form which the complete system or product can now be developed. (1) The idea of a prototype has been used for years in the automotive and aircraft design industry. The prototype gives a scale model of how the product or system could function and allows inputs to be made to improve the product or system. AThe purpose of prototyping is to shorten development times and to reduce the costs of development. (2)      

Some advantages of prototyping are Aspeed, flexibility, simplicity, ease, and lower costs of development. (2) Some drawbacks of prototyping are that Aprototyping can lead to false expectations. [It] often creates a situation where the customer mistakenly believes that the system is finished when in fact it is not. (3)        Another disadvantage of prototyping is that Aprototyping can lead to poorly designed systems. Because the idea of prototyping is rapid development the design and system can sometimes suffer. This happens because the system is built in layers rather than looking at the system as a whole. (3)

A good example of a prototype built system was developed by Monarch Resources. AA team of five people developed a complete, full featured variable life insurance administration system in 89 days. This system included new business, underwriting, and policy service functions. The cost of the system was $250,000 and was used to support the roll out of a new product. Much of the system has been modified since its= design but is still in use.(2)

As you can see the core ideas behind prototype design are simple and ease. A system can be developed in stages and routinely improved in a short amount of time at relatively low costs. Designers just need to be careful not to overlook the whole picture and concentration needs to be on the customers needs and desires in a new system.                          

1.         Http://searchcio-midmarket.techtarget.com/definition/prototyping-model

2.         Prototyping: Systems Development in Record Time, Nickols, Fred; www.nickols.us/prototyping.pdf

            3.         http://www.ctg.albany.edu/publications/reports/survey_of_sysdev?chapter=7&section=1