Applying UML and Patterns: An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design and the Unified Process, Second Edition

2.3. The UP Phases and Schedule-Oriented Terms

A UP project organizes the work and iterations across four major phases:

1. Inception— approximate vision, business case, scope, vague estimates.

2. Elaboration— refined vision, iterative implementation of the core architecture, resolution of high risks, identification of most requirements and scope, more realistic estimates.

3. Construction— iterative implementation of the remaining lower risk and easier elements, and preparation for deployment.

4. Transition— beta tests, deployment.

These phases are more fully defined in subsequent chapters.

This is not the old “waterfall” or sequential lifecycle of first defining all the requirements, and then doing all or most of the design.

Inception is not a requirements ...