Time and representational devices in Rapid Application Development

摘要

This paper discusses an ethnographic study of a commercial prototyping software development project. A distinguishing feature of the development was its concentration in one span of time and in one room, with both users and developers participating. This gave rise to a working practice based around the use of low technology representations of design. The case study explores practical issues important for prototyping f time management, user involvement, everyday design representations and the development environment. The mundane nature of design representations facilitated user parti- cipation. The public representations of work on the walls showed the current state in design of different components of the system and facilitated collaborative activities. The case study was part of a larger research project (1995- 1998) which investigated the commercial use of prototyping in the UK. The development was influenced by a recent trend in commercial prototyping practice, Rapid Application Development (RAD). Implications of the case study for RAD and participatory design are discussed.