Startup development models and methodologies
By: Rocket Dao
Tags: Venture Capital, Rocketdao Education, Methodology, Development, Startup

What is a product development model and why is it needed?

A product development model covers all the phases of product creation and involves everything that happens at each of these stages. For example, in the case of software development, the project usually goes through six major phases. They are:

Planning . We define what we are going to do and what problems we will solve. We set goals, find out what resources we need to implement the project. We study the market and competitors, and work out alternative variants of product development.

. We define what we are going to do and what problems we will solve. We set goals, find out what resources we need to implement the project. We study the market and competitors, and work out alternative variants of product development. System analysis . We determine and document end user’s requirements. What expectations do our customers have and how can we fulfill them, if ever?

. We determine and document end user’s requirements. What expectations do our customers have and how can we fulfill them, if ever? Design . We define the system elements, its components, security level, architecture, interfaces, data types. We design and discuss.

. We define the system elements, its components, security level, architecture, interfaces, data types. We design and discuss. Development and implementation . By the beginning of this stage, the design has been already agreed, the development stage is coming. We complete coding, configure the system according to the requirements and functions. The system is ready to be installed and launched by the end of this phase.

. By the beginning of this stage, the design has been already agreed, the development stage is coming. We complete coding, configure the system according to the requirements and functions. The system is ready to be installed and launched by the end of this phase. Testing . In the end we determine whether the product functions as designed or the results turned out to be different. System testing is performed automatically, as well as is undertaken by a team of experts. We also offer potential users to test the software. We identify defects and detect bugs in the program and eventually rectify them.

. In the end we determine whether the product functions as designed or the results turned out to be different. System testing is performed automatically, as well as is undertaken by a team of experts. We also offer potential users to test the software. We identify defects and detect bugs in the program and eventually rectify them. System maintenance. We prepare and release system upgrades, evaluate system performance, remove/deactivate obsolete components.

This scheme is typical and varies depending on the way the development goes, on the specifics of teamwork, budget and product features. It is here where you should choose the suitable development approach, which is generally divided into classical and flexible.

Here is the list of traditional development models:

Code and Fix often known as Cowboy coding (coding, checking and fixing errors),

often known as Cowboy coding (coding, checking and fixing errors), Waterfall (the project flows through all phases consistently),

(the project flows through all phases consistently), V-Model (system testing is conducted simultaneously with a development stage),

(system testing is conducted simultaneously with a development stage), Incremental model (the project is broken down into multiple components, the team prepares each of them successively and produces a final total system),

(the project is broken down into multiple components, the team prepares each of them successively and produces a final total system), Spiral model (implies a thorough study of risks),

(implies a thorough study of risks), Iterative model (first the core model of the project is implemented, then iterations on its improvement follow),

(first the core model of the project is implemented, then iterations on its improvement follow), RAD-Model is Rapid Application Development model (high-speed product development).

Traditional models assume an emphasis on sequence, timing, and final product requirements.

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As for flexible models, we use the well-known Agile methodology. When we prepare a product using a flexible model, our project and requirements can change during each iteration (flexible model, when the project adapts to each iteration), and there are no timelines, the work can be carried out endlessly — you have an opportunity to constantly improve the product and add new functionality to it.

Finally, development methodology is applying a model in practice. Thus, Agile has a range of widespread methodologies: from nimble Kanban (when a team works with a task board) to rough Scrum and XP.

Now let’s look at more detailed characteristics of each of the above mentioned models.