Software Architect's Handbook

Prototyping

Prototyping is a requirements elicitation technique that involves building a prototype that stakeholders can use to some degree, or at least see. Some people are more visually-oriented than others, and having a prototype can trigger ideas regarding requirements.

The disadvantage of prototyping is that it can take time to build a prototype. However, with most modern technologies a prototype can be built quickly. There is also the option of simply creating visual diagrams of the software, rather than a prototype. For web applications, this involves creating wireframes, which are visual representations of web pages that let a person see the layout and structure of web pages.

The scope of a prototype can be as broad or narrow as you ...