ABSTRACT: While prototyping has become an important topic in systems analysis and design, several questions remain unanswered. This paper addresses issues related to the implementation and function of prototyping in the traditional systems development life cycle. A definition of prototyping and a theoretical justification of the approach are developed. Finally, a model is presented which assists analysts and users in determining when, and to what extent, to use prototyping either along with or as a replacement for traditional systems development techniques.
Key words and phrases: prototyping, systems development, managerial learning