Rapid Prototyping with Fourth Generation Systems: - An Empirical Study

Abstract

The focus of this paper is on design and evaluation techniques supporting active end-user involvement in Information System (IS) development based on rapid prototyping with Fourth Generation Systems. The paper discusses experiences on the development and use of mainly two sorts of prototypes denoted horisontal and vertical prototypes. The experiences result from an interview study, carried out by the author and two colleagues, in nine Danish development projects.

A central result from the study is that users did not give sufficient response on presented horisontal prototypes. Moreover, unexpected iterations became necessary in most of the projects studied although horisontal prototypes had been accepted by the users. In contrast vertical prototypes, which are capable of handling realistic data from the use domain, appeared to stimulate extensive and constructive response from users before the final system tests. These observations lead to the daim that the developers should be aware of the tacit knowledge which plays an important role in users' work practices. To utilise the users' tacit knowledge, the design techniques based on prototyping should involve the end-users more actively, and the evaluation techniques should support testing in a work-like setting early in the development process.

Three proposals on techniques to meet these requirements are given. The first proposal is aimed at having end-user representatives participating in certain design activities where Fourth Generation Systems are being used. The second proposal is aimed at utilising the potential of simulating functionality behind horisontal prototypes. The final proposal is aimed at performing ongoing evaluation activities in conjunction with design activities.