Harold, a district manager for the multi-outlet chain of Sprocket’s Gifts, thinks that building a prototype can mean only one thing: a nonworking scale model. He also believes that this way is too cumbersome to prototype information systems and thus is reluctant to do so.

Question

a. Briefly (in two or three paragraphs,) compare and contrast the other three kinds of prototyping that are possible so that Harold has an understanding of what prototyping can mean.

b. Harold has an option of implementing one system, trying it, and then having it installed in five other Sprocket locations if it is successful. Name a type of prototyping that would fit well with this approach, and in a paragraph defend your choice.

Answer 1

a. Prototyping means more than just a nonworking scale model. It is also defined as constructing a patch-up prototype; it can either be a working model which has all necessary features, but is not efficient; or a basic model that will eventually be enhanced.

Another type of prototype is a full-scale model that is fully operational, used most commonly in situations where several similar information systems are planned.a

Yet another conception of a prototype is as a model of a system that has some, but not all, of the essential system features. This prototype uses self-contained modules as building blocks, so that if prototyped features are successful, they can be kept and incorporated into larger, finished systems.

b. A full-scale model would be a good prototype to be used. This approach will allow realistic interaction with the system, yet minimize the cost of overcoming any problems that may surface with the new system before implementing it in all locations.