Prototyping: A Methodological Assessment

The attractiveness of prototyping for problem-solving, and thus for the development of information systems and decision support systems, can be explained by referring to a specific modelcycle. It is demonstrated that prototyping can be looked upon as a specific instance of the methodology of simulation in a broad sense. Recent experiences with the application of a simulation approach to the development of information systems may be generalized towards prototyping. Emphasis on conceptual modeling and attention to the construction of a simulation model system are also valid for prototyping. This puts specific demands on the activities of verification, validation and experimentation. Prototyping is not only related to concrete model systems, but also to abstract ones. Prototyping is not restricted to the solution of datalogical and technological problems. It is also applicable to systelogical and infological problems as is demonstrated by some examples.