4 Fundamental Steps Still Applicable in RAD Models

For a long time, many project managers have been stuck to the old style of planning, process, and documentation. RAD has quickly overturned this into a more rapid design with higher success rates than the conventional method. RAD for app construction is a model where solutions are developed in a parallel method. Subprojects are built, gathered, and integrated into a prototype. It eases work for technologists to build and improve product elements rapidly.

According to Creatio, RAD supports functional development in an incremental style. It, therefore, gives priority to the quick production of models and iterations. Above and beyond, rapid application development emphasizes the use of software together with operator feedback mechanisms over the other requirements.

This article focuses on delivering the four key steps that are still applicable in RAD models. Before we indulge in the phases, let’s look at some of the benefits of following RAD processes in the software development process.

The fundamental benefit developers get from RAD is accelerated design turnaround. It is, therefore, an attractive option for developers who work in such a dynamic environment. Besides, it makes the planning stage less engaging while taking more time developing prototypes.

Besides, RAD eases communication between managers and measures real-time progress, changes, and evolving issues. This way, it improves efficiency, information sharing and reduces the time taken to build apps.

The rapid Application Development process can be summarized in many ways. However, there are only four fundamental steps that are still applicable in the model. Let’s look at these steps and any other application development tasks.

Phases Of Rapid Application Development

1. Requirements Planning

The requirements planning phase is also referred to as scoping phase. It is done at the commencement of a project and involves stakeholder meetings. During these scoping meetings, joint decisions on project elements such as budgets are made.

Although this step is crucial, it is shorter than other methodologies used in project management.

At this time, team members confer to establish all project expectations, likely issues, and goals. Further, this stage can be broken down into:

• Research and identification of current problems
• Outlining and finalizing project requirements
• Approval by stakeholders

RAD makes it vital for every stakeholder to take part in evaluating the opportunities and goals of the project. Besides, getting approvals from all the stakeholders involved eliminates chances of miscommunication and change orders that may occur deep into the project.

2.  User Design

Once scoping is completed and the project is agreed upon, stakeholders jump directly into developing user design. This is done through several prototype iterations. This stage is very important and especially sets RAD apart from the other strategies used in project management.

Remember, it is the design that shows you the routes to achieving the project goals. If the designs are not clear or missing in the first place, time and resources will be wasted without delivering any practicable prototypes.

During this development stage, teams work together to ensure the outcome meets the needs of the clients. The model is, therefore, very similar to the customizable app-building, where customers test prototypes to ascertain that their needs have been met.

Therefore, developers design prototypes while users test them. The test results are then communicated among the teams and sections that did not work revised until they are satisfactory.

However, the design should be simple and flexible. This is because flexible projects are easier to tweak.

3. Rapid Development

This phase makes use of the design. Here, prototypes are implemented and built into working models. Since the consultative meetings addressed all the problems, working models are delivered more rapidly than would be possible with traditional approaches.

The phase can be broken down into:

• Preparation for construction
• Application development
• Coding
• Unit integration
• System testing

The stage brings together all the team members to make sure the end product satisfies the expectations of the customer. Therefore, clients still have more room to give inputs into the process. Further, they can make suggestions or propose changes that can help solve challenges as they come.

4. Cutover

Once the project is declared workable by the team, it is time to implement it. This stage, therefore, involves data conversion, changeover, testing, and training of users. Final improvements are implemented while clients and coders keep on inspecting the system for bugs.

Is RAD Advantageous?

If you are still wondering whether the RAD model is still applicable, see the benefits you are likely to derive from using the model in app development.

• Breaks projects into smaller, manageable chunks
• Project managers can easily optimize the performance and efficiency of teams by considering experience and skills when assigning tasks.
• App development time is shorter.
• Constant feedback increases efficiency and makes RAD different from other models.

Do You Have The Right Tools To Apply RAD?

Successful delivery of RAD depends on the ability of managers to outline development phases and effectively communicate with teams and stakeholders.