Building an Early Prototype
Before we begin reviewing the use-cases, focusing on the user interface prototype, let's revisit the Unified Process model. Figure 6-1 shows the process model with the focus of the project on the Elaboration phase.
Figure 6-1. Unified Process model: Elaboration phase
The Prototype
The user interface prototype serves many functions at this stage of the project:
It further refines the actor and use-case boundaries, clarifies any misconceptions, and provides missing details that remain to be collected.
It provides early feedback to the project sponsors of the many visual features that the application will provide.
It expands the detailed description of the use-cases by adding an additional section, on user interface artifacts.
In this chapter the following Unified Process workflows and activity sets are emphasized:
The prototype can also serve as an excellent eye-opener for many project participants. Many times in design sessions I have heard the statement, “I can't tell you what I want, but if I could show you a picture….” The user interface prototype is our first picture into the future.