An iterative process is a cycle of development that is repeated multiple times until a desired outcome is achieved. It is based on the idea that the product or process should continually improve with each iteration. It often involves feedback from stakeholders and users to ensure that the product meets their needs. It is becoming increasingly popular in software development, product design, and other creative processes.
In its most basic form, an iterative process consists of four steps:
- Define: Identify the problem or task and determine the desired outcome.
- Plan: Set goals and create a plan of action to achieve them.
- Do: Execute the plan and take action.
- Review: Evaluate the results and adjust the plan if necessary.
The cycle can be repeated multiple times, with each iteration bringing improvements to the product or process.
Here are 8 examples of iterative processes:
- Agile Software Development: Agile is an iterative approach to software development that focuses on delivering working software in short cycles. It emphasizes collaboration and feedback from stakeholders.
- Design Thinking: It uses creative problem-solving to develop solutions to complex problems and involves a series of activities such as research, brainstorming, prototyping, and user testing.
- Lean Manufacturing: Lean manufacturing focuses on optimizing processes to reduce waste. It involves analyzing processes to identify areas for improvement and implementing changes to increase efficiency.
- Iterative Design: – It involves continuous improvement of a product or service based on feedback from customers and stakeholders.
- Iterative Modeling: It is used to develop complex models. by refining a model with each iteration until it meets the needs of the stakeholders.
- Iterative Testing: it is used to test software by running tests and analyzing the results in order to identify any bugs or issues.
- Iterative Prototyping: It involves creating an initial prototype and refining it based on feedback from stakeholders and users.
- Iterative Decision Making: It involves gathering data and analyzing it to identify the best course of action.
