Prototyping in Web software development

T-76.5650 Seminar in Software Engineering Aalto University School of Science Erkki Tapola <erkki.tapola@aalto.fi>

!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