Throwaway Prototyping Model is especially useful when the project needs are vaguely and poorly laid out. It functions by providing proof that something can indeed be done in terms of systems and strategies. Throwaway Prototyping Model is used for certain projects and will eventually be discarded after the project has been completed. It is also known as Close-Ended Prototyping.
Throwaway Prototyping Model is implemented through the creation of prototypes and thereafter gathering feedback from end users to check if they find it good or not. This is valuable to get a better understanding of the actual needs of customers before a product or service is developed.
The Throwaway Prototyping Phases
There are 5 phases involved when using Throwaway Prototyping model.
• Identification of requirements and materials to be used
Although most requirements are unknown because the process works through “discovery method”, the basics should be identified so that the project can begin.
• Planning
The ability of the project management team to plan well is necessary for Throwaway Prototyping model to work. The team is a huge factor for its success; with this model you can expect numerous surprises coming your way so having the skills necessary to resolve problems is a must.
• Implementation, Prototyping and Verification
Once planning has been completed, implementation of the project will then take place. Prototypes will be created and introduced to end users who will utilize them for testing and evaluation purposes. At this time, they will be providing feedback, clarify needs and relay requirements.
• Prototype Enhancements and Revisions
As per requirements of end users derived through feedback and testing, the prototypes will be continuously altered until such time it has reached near-perfection.
• Finalization
Once everything has been set and issues have been properly addressed, the
prototype will then be “thrown away” and a product or service will be developed,
taking into consideration the feedback derived during the verification process.
Advantages of Throwaway Prototyping Model
There are many reasons why project teams use Throwaway Prototyping model. For one thing, it is very cost-effective. Since Throwaway Prototyping model uses a series of prototypes to detect and forecast possible problems, it can prevent these from taking place as soon as the product or service is introduced to the market.
Problems are usually a very costly occurrence, and if you can keep them from happening, expenses can be reduced. Next, project completion is quick. Since it allows early detection of issues, the transition from one step to the next will be smoother and faster.
Lastly, when you use Throwaway Prototyping model, you can be assured that the end result is something that will certainly work for you and your customers because it has been thoroughly tested through the use of prototypes. The end product is expected to be able to meet the wants and needs of the target market.
Disadvantages of Throwaway Prototyping Model
Since the process involved in prototyping is done in rapid speed, it is possible that a lot of aspects can be overlooked. We might be unable to have sufficient time to think of better solutions and conduct deeper analysis. As a result, the end product may not always be the best.
Confusion on the part of users and developers can also occur because it is likely to get so used to the prototype that differentiating it from the real one can become a challenge.
Throwaway Prototype Model provides a great avenue for creating products and services that works well for customers. From the collection of requirements, planning, creation of prototypes and testing them on your target market, you are ensuring that most of the things that need to be addressed will be taken care of during the process. We would recommend Throwaway Prototyping model for complex systems.
If the project you are working on does not have a clear-cut framework and systems, Throwaway Prototyping model would work best for you. So as long as you equip yourselves with proficient working team and focus on developing great prototypes, you will be able to come up with an end product that will be effective and highly functional for your customers.
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