Rapid prototyping is a process wherein a working
model or prototype is developed for the purpose of testing the various
product features like design, ideas, features, functionality,
performance and output. This process of development of working model is
quite quick. The user can give an early feedback regarding the
prototype. Rapid prototyping is, generally, a significant and essential
part of the system designing process and it is believed to decrease the
project cost and risk.
The prototype that is developed by the
process of rapid prototyping is based on the performance of earlier
designs. Hence, it is possible to correct the defects or problems in
the design by taking corrective measures. The product can be produced
if the prototype meets the requirements of all designing objectives
after sufficient refinement. There are many advantages of rapid
prototyping.
Rapid Prototyping -Advantages in brief: Rapid
prototyping has manifold advantages. It can provide with concept proof
that would be required for attracting funds. The prototype gives the
user a fair idea about the final look of the product. Rapid prototyping
can enhance the early visibility. It is easier to find the design flaws
in the early developmental stages. Active participation among the users
and producer is encouraged by rapid prototyping. As the development
costs are reduced, rapid prototyping proves to be cost effective. The
user can get a higher output.
The deficiencies in the earlier
prototypes can be detected and rectified in time. The speed of system
development is increased. It is possible to get immediate feedback from
the user. There is better communication between the user and designer
as the requirement sand expectations are expressed in the beginning
itself. High quality product is easily delivered by way of rapid
prototyping. Rapid prototyping enables development time and costs.
There are many innovative ways in which rapid prototyping can be used.
Despite all these benefits, there are many people who believe that there are many disadvantages of rapid prototyping.
Disadvantages
of Rapid Prototyping: Some people are of the opinion that rapid
prototyping is not effective because, in actual, it fails in
replication of the real product or system. It could so happen that some
important developmental steps could be omitted to get a quick and cheap
working model. This can be one of the greatest disadvantages of rapid
prototyping. Another disadvantage of rapid prototyping is one in which
many problems are overlooked resulting in endless rectifications and
revisions. One more disadvantage of rapid prototyping is that it may
not be suitable for large sized applications.
The user may have
very high expectations about the prototype's performance and the
designer is unable to deliver these. The system could be left
unfinished due to various reasons or the system may be implemented
before it is completely ready. The producer may produce an inadequate
system that is unable to meet the overall demands of the organization.
Too much involvement of the user might hamper the optimization of the
program. The producer may be too attached to the program of rapid
prototyping, thus it may lead to legal involvement.
The cost
reduction benefit of rapid prototyping also seems to be debatable, as
sufficient details regarding the calculation basis and assumptions are
not substantial.
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