Prototyping - a Technique for Participative Information Systems Design

Abstract

Prototyping as a technique in Information Systems Development (ISD) is introduced and scrutinised. A number of taxonomies of ISD Prototyping are reviewed in the context of a some ISD process enactment models. Three contingencies, innovativeness, dialectic style and organisational affectedness, are suggested in addition to those promoted elsewhere for selecting development process paths. The need for Participative Systems Design is established and Hirschheim 's classification of Participative Systems Design methodologies is used to examine whether Prototyping can be used with the methodologies in question. A research agenda is suggested for verifying the effectiveness of prototyping for participative Information Systems Development.