Controlling prototyping and evolutionary development

The control and management of prototyping is a neglected research area. Whilst there is now some acceptance of prototyping as a technique which can be used to enhance software development, there is little evidence available that gives practical assistance on its effective use. Most prototyping work concentrates on individual case studies and a qualitative judgment on how it can be used to improve some aspect of software development. This paper suggests how control can be formally applied. It contrasts the controlling mechanisms behind structured life cycle techniques with methods advocated for controlling prototyping. A model for controlling prototyping is described. This emphasises the essential need for formally defining methods of monitoring and terminating the prototyping process. It is suggested that by using this form of approach is it possible to properly organise and plan prototyping, either as part of an evolutionary or as part of a life-cycle development method.