Rapid Application Development (RAD) is an iterative, feedback-driven process that allows stakeholders to get what they need as quickly and efficiently as possible. It’s also flexible, allowing teams to make changes when needed without having to go through the lengthy process of requirements gathering and design documentation.
1. Requirements Analysis
The first step in the RAD process is identifying business needs and defining requirements for the new system or application. This step includes gathering input from key stakeholders and creating user stories to capture requirements for the new system.
The requirements analysis phase is an important part of the RAD process because it ensures that all stakeholders are on the same page and provides a solid foundation for building the new system.
Requirements analysis can be done using several different approaches, such as interviews, surveys, and workshops with users; these techniques help ensure that everyone understands what they want from their new software system.
2. Design & Prototyping
After requirements are gathered, the next step is to design and prototype a solution that meets those requirements. Designing a new system begins with the creation of an initial mockup or wireframe, which helps stakeholders visualise how their application will look and behave.
The Rapid Application Development process encourages users to participate in this stage by providing feedback about how well the mockup represents their needs.
Once stakeholders are satisfied with the design, the next step is to create a working prototype of their application. This allows users to test whether the system actually works as expected, which helps uncover any potential issues early on in the process.
3. Implementation
The third stage of the RAD process is implementation phase. This is when developers actually build the application and get it ready for users to test.
Because of the iterative nature of this process, this stage often involves multiple iterations in which stakeholders review new versions of their application, provide feedback about whether or not they meet their needs, and then repeat.
4. Testing & Deployment
The last stage of the RAD process is testing and deployment. This is when developers test their application to make sure it works as expected, and then deploy it for users to use.
Again, this process often involves multiple iterations in which stakeholders review new versions of their application, provide feedback about whether or not they meet their needs, and then repeat until they have an application that meets all requirements.
The four phases of RAD include analysis phase, design phase, rapid construction phase, and testing. These phases allow the project to be completed in a timely manner, with quality, and with minimal cost.
RAD is used for projects that are time sensitive or the client wants a quick solution. The RAD process is iterative. This means that the project is repeated until completion.