RAD in Action

Rapid Application Development, or RAD, is a technique for compressing the analysis, design, build, and test phases of a software development project into a series of short, iterative cycles. By combining a ‘high-octane’ development environment with early-and-often milestones, Creative Data can greatly increase user acceptance and overall customer satisfaction.

Our RAD techniques take advantage of multichannel tactics to overcome the limitations of the traditional ‘waterfall’ approach to software development. As a result, we can get a head start on detecting if a particular requirement is unfeasible or especially expensive. We test out assumptions and code throughout the project, so we uncover errors earlier in the build phase. And, by combining RAD with our rigorous business modeling process, we can accommodate the changing requirements and priorities that are typical of any business environment today.

A key aspect of RAD is the iteration that generates self-correction and effectiveness. We defer to studies that show how hard it is for human beings to perform complex tasks correctly the first time. Therefore we encourage people to take a good stab at a problem and then perfect it through repeated fine-tuning.

Fundamental to the principle of iterative development is the obligation to deliver a working element of the final system at the close of each iteration. This properly engineered, fully operational software is not a mere prototype. It’s a functional component that will play a role in the completed solution.

Central to our RAD approach is close, ongoing collaboration between users and developers. We staff our projects with small, integrated teams comprised of developers, end users, and IT technical resources. Our consultants promote team building, the sharing of expertise, and bidirectional communication throughout the engagement. Because our clients see what we build as we go along, rather than simply a completed work at the close of the project, we can be sure to:
• Build what users need
• Correct the software and/or misconceptions as they arise
• Shift the design to accommodate new needs and other changes
• Resolve bugs early on
• Allow our clients to achieve a faster ROI

In short, our RAD approach combines short, iterative development cycles with small teams in a way that optimizes speed, unity of vision and purpose, effective informal communication, and first-rate project management. Why? So you get the best solution, in the shortest time, at a reasonable cost.