Prototyping


We see prototyping as both a science and an art. At its core is the science - a strong commercial understanding of the business context, solid programming expertise, and rigorous documentation. The ‘art’ is a judgement call that can only be made from experience - how to balance the often conflicting demands of production cost, time constraints, depth of proof of concept, and the need to identify the risks inherent if the software is to be taken to full-scale production. Design & build We use a rigorous approach, developed from a broad and deep experience, to reduce the ‘art’ and increase the science of building software prototypes – it enables us to deliver robust prototypes that can be banked upon. Our approach is designed to:
	Prove the concept.
	Test mathematical and financial algorithms.
	Determine the best build technology.
	Determine the best architecture for full-scale production.
	Achieve a more accurate assessment of the cost and time required to take the prototype to full-scale production.

Pilot scheme A good prototype is meanigless without the support of an effective pilot scheme - one that produces thorough analysis of the key business objectives and assumptions. To design, deliver and monitor our pilot schemes, we deploy small scale teams who can react quickly, listen to user feedback, and steer projects through the maze that is the corporate world. Our pilot schemes:
	Test the core assumptions of the business case, such as the expected user take-up rates and expected efficiency gains.
	Identify additional business opportunities.
	Capture feedback.
	Reduce the risks in developing subsequent full-scale production software.

The end result is a working software product and documented analysis of the key sensitivities in the business case supporting development of the the full-scale product. In other words, if you were to take the prototype to market, we could tell you the critical factors that would make it a commercial success.