\ Let's break down the Spiral Model, Incremental Model, Rapid Prototyping, and Agile Process in

terms of:

1. What it is (Theoretical difference)

2. When to use it

3. Realistic example scenario (Requirements-based)

1. Spiral Model

What it is:

• The Spiral Model combines iterative development with systematic aspects of the
Waterfall model.

• It focuses heavily on risk assessment and mitigation at every phase.

• Follows four main phases in a loop: Planning → Risk Analysis → Engineering → Evaluation.

When to Use:

• When the project is complex and high-risk, especially with changing requirements.

• Best for large-scale, high-budget, critical systems (like defense or banking software).

Example:

Requirement: Develop a national-level online voting system.

• High security, many stakeholders, long duration.

• Risks like voter fraud, legal compliance, performance under load.

• Spiral is great here since you assess risk after every loop and adjust.

2. Incremental Model

What it is:

• The product is built and delivered in small pieces (increments).

• Each increment adds functionality and builds on the previous one.

• Every increment goes through requirements → design → implementation → testing.

When to Use:

• When core functionality is known, but additional features can be added over time.

• Useful when partial delivery of the product is okay.

 Example:

Requirement: Build a basic e-commerce website.

• Start with core (user login, product listing).

• Then add search, cart, payments, reviews, etc. in future increments.

• You can go live early and keep improving.

3. Rapid Prototyping

What it is:

• A working prototype is developed quickly to understand and refine requirements.

• The prototype is thrown away once actual development begins (or sometimes evolved).

When to Use:

• When user requirements are unclear or evolving.

• When you need frequent feedback from users to shape the final product.

Example:

Requirement: Mobile app for a fitness startup with no defined feature list.

• Build a quick prototype showing mockup of workouts, tracking UI.

• Show it to users and get feedback.

• Refine, repeat, then move to final product.

4. Agile Process (e.g., Scrum)

What it is:

• Agile is iterative and incremental, emphasizing collaboration, customer feedback, and

small, rapid releases.

• Work is done in sprints (2-4 weeks) with a working product delivered each sprint.

When to Use:

• When the project has frequent requirement changes.

• When close collaboration with the customer is possible.

• Perfect for startups, modern apps, web platforms.

 Example:

Requirement: Social media app with features like posts, likes, comments, DMs.

• Build post feed in Sprint 1.

• Add likes/comments in Sprint 2.

• DMs in Sprint 3, and so on.

• Stakeholders review after each sprint and adjust plans.

Summary Table

Model Best For Key Feature Example Project

Large, complex, high-risk Risk analysis in National online voting

Spiral
systems each cycle system

Gradual build of E-commerce site with add-

Incremental Predictable, modular projects
system on features

Rapid Unclear or changing Fast prototype for

Fitness app for a startup
Prototyping requirements feedback

Frequent changes, customer- Iterative, sprint- Social media app or startup

Agile
driven design based dev web platform

Let’s go deeper into each model with a realistic scenario-based example to better understand
when and how each one fits.

1. Spiral Model

Theoretical Recap:

• Combines Waterfall + Prototyping + Risk Management.

• Ideal for high-risk, mission-critical projects.

• Emphasizes risk analysis in every phase of the spiral.

Scenario Example:

Project: Building an air traffic control system for an international airport.

• This involves massive risk—if the software fails, it could cost lives.
 • Requirements might evolve due to regulations or hardware changes.

• Spiral allows for progressive refinement with risk mitigation at every stage:

o First spiral: Study feasibility and identify risks like system overload or security
breaches.

o Next: Build a basic simulation, test it with dummy data.

o Then: Add real-time radar integration, and so on.

2. Incremental Model

Theoretical Recap:

• Product is built and delivered in increments.

• Each increment is a working module, improving the product bit by bit.

Scenario Example:

Project: Developing a University Management System.

• Core features needed upfront: student registration, class scheduling.

• Later increments: fee management, hostel management, online exams, etc.

• You deliver core system first, then roll out new modules semester-wise.

Flow:

• Increment 1: Core system (Admissions + Course registration)

• Increment 2: Add grading system

• Increment 3: Add online attendance

• Increment 4: Add student portal

3. Rapid Prototyping

Theoretical Recap:

• Quick development of a mock version of the software.

• Used to understand and refine unclear or evolving requirements.

• Usually discarded or heavily reworked after validation.

Scenario Example:

Project: A startup wants to create a smart grocery shopping assistant app.

 • They don’t have a clear idea of what users want: recipe suggestions? AI shopping lists?
Voice input?

• So you build a quick prototype showing:

o A sample shopping list

o Basic voice input

o Product scan mockups

Users test it, give feedback, and based on that the real development starts.

4. Agile Process (e.g., Scrum)

Theoretical Recap:

• Based on iterations (sprints), regular user feedback, and continuous delivery.

• Ideal for projects with frequent changes and close stakeholder collaboration.

Scenario Example:

Project: Developing a Food Delivery App (like Zomato or Uber Eats) for a startup.

• You and the client work in 2-week sprints.

• Sprint 1: Basic UI, restaurant listing.

• Sprint 2: Add cart & location tracking.

• Sprint 3: Payment gateway + promo codes.

• Client tests the app after each sprint and gives input.

• Priorities shift often—Agile handles this well.

TL;DR with Scenario Examples

Model When to Use Scenario Example

Air traffic control system for international

Spiral High-risk, complex systems
airport

Projects with modular University Management System built

Incremental
requirements module-by-module

Rapid Unclear requirements needing Grocery shopping assistant app for an

Prototyping validation unsure startup
Model When to Use Scenario Example

Fast-changing, user-focused Food delivery app for a startup with frequent

Agile
environments client input