Prototype
This refers to a preliminary working version of an information system for demonstration and evaluation purposes. Steps in prototype development:
1) Identification of user requirements
The system designer (Usually an information systems specialist) works with the user only long enough to capture his or her basic information needs.
2) Development of an initial prototype
The systems designer creates a working prototype quickly, using fort-generation software, interactive multimedia or computer aided software engineering (CASE).
3) Use of the prototype
The user is encouraged to work with the system in order to determine how well the prototype meets his or her needs and to make suggestions for improving the prototype.
4) Revise and enhance the prototype
The system builder notes all the changes the user requests and refines the prototype accordingly. After the prototype has been revised, the cycle returns to (3). (3) And (4) are repeated until the user is satisfied.
When no more iterations are required, the approved prototype then becomes an operational prototype for the application. Sometimes the prototype itself is adopted as the production version of the system.
