Prototypes

A Research Method

Introduction

• Prototype means:-– Simplified program or system that serves as a

guide or example for complete program or system

• Prototypes are constructed because:- – They have some of the characteristics of the

complete system, but are simpler to develop• Prototypes concentrates on:-

– Aspects that need to be studied, and neglects the others

The Role of a Prototype

• Constructing a prototype does not constitute research as such

• “It is not the main course, it may be the dessert”

The Role of a PrototypePrototypes may be used in one of the

following roles:1. Proof of concept prototypes

– After proposing a new concept or theory, especially a new model, researchers construct a prototype

– The idea is to ‘prove’ that the concept can work

– Typically a research project will propose a new concept and then argue to show that the concept has merit

– It adds little scientific value to the project

The Role of a PrototypePrototypes may be used in one of the

following roles:2. Prototypes for Experimentation

– Can be used to determine facts about the prototyped system

– Must realistically represent the concerned aspects

– A field test is where the prototype is deployed in situations where the actual system is intended to be

The Role of a PrototypePrototypes may be used in one of the

following roles:3. Focussing your mind

– When one constructs a model or works with similar conceptual ideas it is often difficult to visualise or conceptualise these abstract ideas

– Develop a prototype to help developing the model or concept

– Developing a prototype forces one to look at detail that may be overlooked otherwise

– Will not add a lot of scientific value

The Role of a PrototypePrototypes may be used in one of the

following roles:4. Exploratory research

– In previous cases prototype was intended to aid the research process

– To learn lessons from an existing concept

Constructing the Prototype

• Prototypes differ from production systems as they are suppose to be simple

• Also have limited lifespan• Some issues when constructing prototypes:

– Many full-scale software-engineering aspects can be avoided

– Rather concentrate on simplicity than efficiency– Major aspects may be left unimplemented

Conclusion

• Not a primary research method, always used with others

• An excellent vehicle to demonstrate your research

• Do not overemphasis prototype – source code hardly important, normally an appendix