Imagine having a platform that speeds up the development process from months to weeks and results in exactly what your users want. Sounds like every business and developer’s dream. However, with the RAD model, this is no longer limited to imagination but a reality. The RAD model allows you to test, edit, and launch your product via low-code development precisely according to your user’s needs. Due to these benefits, over 60% of organizations plan to adopt the RAD model within the coming year.
The global RAD market value is expected to reach nearly $395.75 billion by 2029. These numbers show how this agile development framework is expected to shape the future. In this blog, we’ll explore the RAD model and understand its benefits for your business. Let’s learn what gives this model its billion-dollar worth!
What is the RAD model?
So, what exactly is the RAD model? RAD is short for Rapid Application Development. It’s a software development methodology that takes a different development approach. With RAD, you don’t have to follow a strict, lengthy plan. Instead, you can release a set of prototypes and get feedback from your clients every time you iterate. Although initially, it sounds like extra work, it’s a wise approach.
With this model, you won’t have to work for months on a project with little confirmation of whether your targeted users will like it. Or if you’ll find bugs at the end of the development. You can review the app development at every step without that worry.
A Brief Overview of the History of RAD
In the 1980s, a developer, James Martin, wanted something better than the waterfall model. This led him to discover RAD. He wanted to create a more effective approach to software development that could handle quickly changing needs and allow fast application delivery.
The traditional waterfall method at that time followed a strict plan and was slower. RAD significantly improved this and introduced flexibility with development projects. Additionally, it prioritizes user feedback, which results in the perfect project.
What are the RAD model phases?
RAD focuses on delivering flexibility and allows easy modifications for the outsource app development. It does this by following five main phases, these are:
Business modeling phase
Here, the application needs, functions, and priorities are defined. The app development company works closely with the business and the users to gather this information. This phase is usually brief and focuses on high-level and broad objectives, not detailed documentation.
Data Modeling:
Once the app development company gathers the info from the business modeling phase, they organize and categorize it. This phase helps understand how the information will flow through the system. It will also help map out the app’s data architecture. This means managing how it will be stored, retrieved, or manipulated.
Process modeling
After data modeling, the developers see how the application will handle processes and workflows. This includes how users will interact with the system and what tasks it will perform. It also manages how different app functions will link together. This phase often uses diagrams or flowcharts to visually represent how these processes will work before building an app prototype.
Application generation
This is where the development will actually begin. Since all the data is already gathered and visualized, starting is easy. This is where they create a rapid app prototype. RAD’s low-code development tools make code generation quick and help build the system early. The app prototype is created by testing and improving the project several times. Here they:
- Create the app’s User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design.
- Set up databases and connect them to the app.
- Integrate the components and features.
The purpose of the phases before this was to lay the foundation for quick and easy development.
Testing and turnover
Testing and turnover is the final phase in the RAD model. In this phase, once the outsourced app development is complete, it is tested one final time. It ensures the application is fully functional, bug-free, and ready to launch. This is done through system simulation, detailed documentation, and more.
These modeling phases help complete the development, design, and launch much earlier than traditional methods. Apps built on the RAD model are built with user feedback and low-code development tools. This raises the chances of successful applications for businesses. RAD is a form of agile methodology, and over 68% of companies have adopted some form of Agile methodology development in recent years.
What are some of the key features of the RAD model?
Now that we know what the RAD model is, let’s learn its key features:
1. Iterative development
RAD’s iterative nature means that prototypes are repeatedly developed, tested, and refined. Businesses can see the progress and give feedback regularly. This allows developers to understand and iterate on any technical issues early. This iterative development cuts the chances of big problems appearing in the end.
2. Users are involved
Have you ever opened an app and wished it had a specific feature? RAD does not leave a user wishing. It fulfills user requirements through constant feedback from users. The developers and designers gather user feedback and work according to it with the business’s insights. This results in the perfect app.
3. Low-code development
Since RAD works on constant iteration and pre-built components, it reduces the need to write extensive code. A lot of RAD tools can generate code automatically which makes it easier to manage code. Both RAD and Low-code development tools allow developers to work through a drag-and-drop interface.
4. Prototype-driven development
The app development company creates prototypes of the app before directly launching it when working with RAD. Creating prototypes and improving upon them before launching the full version helps avoid issues. This could include problems in the user experience (UX) design, development code, and user expectations.
5. Flexible architecture
RAD gives a way for developers to balance technicality with business needs. This allows easy flexibility. Developers can make changes without going through a lengthy process. It also means there is no need to start over. The low-code and quick development process simplifies this even more.
6. Cross-functional teams
RAD allows multiple people to work on the project at once. The cross functional teams can include:
- Developers
- Designers
- Testers
This allows for collaboration for rapid development, iteration, and testing without communication gaps.
Why Should You Use the RAD Model?
The benefits of RAD are unlimited. Think of how it makes development, testing, and launch, everything easier. The users and business are both happy with the end product. Here’s why you should use RAD methodology:
Quicker to Market
Since RAD works on iteration and improvement, the parts of software that work smoothly can be launched earlier, much like an MVP. The early market launch can give businesses a significant competitive advantage.
Enhanced User Involvement
Think of how perfect your app could be if qualified users give feedback during the development. This enhanced user involvement results in an app that resonates with the audience. It also represents your business perfectly.
Fewer risks
If you’re a business, you know how damaging a project failure could be. With RAD, you can avoid most potential risks thanks to its iterative development.
Embark on Your App Adventure with Our Expert App Development Services!
Improved Collaboration
It improves collaboration by being there for users, businesses, and the development team. Thanks to this, any issues can be solved quickly.
Reduced Development Costs
Thanks to early feedback from every party, development costs are reduced. How so? This is because every app prototype is tested and improved. It reduces the risk of managing massive debugging costs later on.
What are the challenges with RAD model?
Like every great thing, RAD also comes with some challenges, let’s see what they are:
Requires a lot of collaboration and effort
RAD demands intensive processing, constant iteration, and maintaining consistency. This means those who work on it need to put in extra effort to ensure everything is fine.
Reduced scalability
Rapid prototype-based development and quick delivery sound great. However, they aren’t the best regarding scalability with RAD. It is better suited for apps that won’t need to be scaled in the future.
No documentation
RAD has little to no documentation for the code. This means that issues will arise if there is ever a need to update the code.
It isn’t suitable for larger projects
Due to RAD’s prototype and feedback methodology, it’s only better for smaller projects. This could also include medium-sized applications, but large-scale applications are not suited.
Requires an experienced team
In RAD, requirements change quickly based on feedback. This is followed by fast development and user collaboration, which demands an experienced app development company.
These challenges can be avoided if you choose a development team that knows what it’s doing and you don’t need a scalable or extensive application.
Conclusion
You now have a complete understanding of the RAD methodology. It can help your business deliver fully functional applications that fit your user’s needs. RAD’s powerful and flexible approach can help your company build a successful application. All you need is an app development company with experienced developers. Linkitsoft is a software development company that is ready to make your app based on the RAD model.
Our skilled developers and design team collaborate together to create your app. They then test your app prototypes to ensure everything is bug-free. Contact Linkitsoft today and build your RAD Model app now. Don’t miss out!
