What is Prototyping in System Analysis and Design?
While reading ‘prototyping in system analysis and design,’ what comes to your mind? Well, it refers to a system, and you have to design a prototype in order to create a visual demonstration. Now, that can be done in the best possible way with a design. A prototype empowers you to test the concept before you jump in to write even a single line of code. That would save you thousands of dollars, countless hours, and all the extra effort. As Tom & David Kelley said,
“If a picture is worth 1000 words, a prototype is worth 1000 meetings.”
A powerful design prototype of your concept can help you determine the possibility of investment. If you are planning to design a software system, then prototyping in system analysis and design is the thing that would save the day for you. It is also referred to as ‘software prototyping’ or ‘extreme prototyping.’ You can take a glance at this very process with help of three simple stages.
| 1st Stage | 2nd Stage | 3rd Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Static Prototype | Functional Prototype | Implementation & Development |
This gives you the idea to create prototypes, however, it is not as easy as it sounds. That’s why we need assistance and professional services from Business Analysts, Designers, and Developers.
Don’t worry, let’s get to know what all the fuss is about.
What is Prototyping in System Analysis and Design?
Design Prototyping can involve web applications, mobile applications, and even software systems. For example, if you wish to create a content management system, the best way to go about it would be to develop a mockup or prototype in order to demonstrate your demands and requirements.
Once you set on to build a model for system design, system designers usually prefer going for a prototype to build the software system. A system that would be intuitive, powerful, and user-friendly. This is one of the most important phases in the analysis phase and moving towards the final development.
Different types of prototypes are created based on business needs and convenience. So let’s see different types of prototyping in system analysis and design, that can help you to demonstrate the product concept and image.
Unveil different types of Prototyping in System Analysis and Design
With Different prototyping tools and expert system designers, you can create the prototype of your choice. For example:
| Name of the Type | Prototyping Stage | Why are they created? |
|---|---|---|
| Concept Prototype | Conceptual Stage | To analyze the concept approach. |
| Feasibility Prototype | Concept Defining Stage | To know the issues within the concept. |
| Horizontal Prototype | Function Defining Stage | To clarify the concept with user-interface screens and demonstrate. |
| Vertical Prototype | Testing Components Stage | Test the key components within the design concept and improve. |
| Functional Prototype | Presentation Stage | Streamline the main order of information, display it and analyze usability. |
How to do Prototyping in System and Analysis Design?
With prototype led development, some people prefer creating system design prototypes with scripting languages. There are prototypes made using HTML and JavaScript. But you can also make prototypes in different forms such as:
Basically, prototyping is considered to be the art of transforming intangible information into a tangible product that the users can touch, use, and feel. The prototyping in system analysis and design has been used in engineering for so many years now. It can be in the form of:
- Prototype Sketch, Paper Sketches
- Paper Screens
- Design High-Resolution Images
- Functional and Operational Prototypes
You can take a look at the process below, which can show a simple process of creating a prototype in system analysis and design.
A Process to Create a Prototyping Design Model
| Requirement Gathering | Designing the Concept | Building the Prototype Design | Run Usability Tests on Functional Prototypes | Refining the Prototype: Improvise, Add and Update | Implement to move towards Development |
Move Closer to the Final Plan- Create a Prototype Design
With the passage of time, there have been numerous changes and improvements in the area of prototyping in system analysis and design. Everyone likes to build something unique, that demonstrates their idea or vision. That can only happen if you create custom and personalized prototypes.
Do you have an idea? Transform that into reality and see how it looks. It would enable you to decide, whether you want to go for it or not.
Let’s move!
