Progressive elaboration is a procedure in which the initial plan of the project is discussed with little information available.

Progressive elaboration is a procedure in which the initial plan of the project is discussed with little information available. Then as the project progresses you refine the plan and add further details to it. With the passage of the time, as more information is available and project plan is refined further and a more detailed plan is developed. This is the main idea behind the progressive elaboration. You have to understand this topic and answer the following questions:

A. Explain progressive elaboration using a desktop application example (bank application) 

B. Explain progressive elaboration using a web application example (E-Commerce website).

C. How progressive elaboration can be used in agile methodology? Explain with an example.

Solution:

A. Explain progressive elaboration using a desktop application example (bank application):

Progressive elaboration in the context of a desktop bank application involves starting with a basic plan and gradually refining it as the project progresses and more information becomes available.

In the initial stage, the project team discusses the high-level requirements and objectives of the bank application. They might identify key features such as user authentication, account management, transaction history, and balance inquiry.

As the project progresses, more detailed information is gathered, and the plan is refined. The team might start breaking down the features into smaller components, defining specific functionalities for each feature, and identifying the technologies and frameworks that will be used.

For example, during the progressive elaboration process, the team might identify the need for additional features like fund transfers, bill payments, and loan applications. They would then define the specific requirements for these features, such as transaction limits, payment methods, and validation rules.

Additionally, the team might gather feedback from stakeholders, conduct usability tests, and incorporate user interface design elements. The plan evolves as more information is acquired and decisions are made regarding the application's architecture, database design, security measures, and integration with external systems.

B. Explain progressive elaboration using a web application example (E-Commerce website):

In the case of a web application like an E-Commerce website, progressive elaboration involves starting with a basic plan and gradually adding more details as the project unfolds.

Initially, the project team might discuss the high-level goals and requirements of the E-Commerce website, such as product catalog, shopping cart, user registration, and payment processing.

As the project progresses, the team gathers more information and refines the plan. They might break down the features into sub-features, such as product search, filtering, sorting, and reviews. The team also identifies the technology stack that will be used, such as the programming language, frameworks, and content management system.

During the progressive elaboration process, the team adds more details to the plan. They specify the design elements, user interface components, and responsive layouts that will be implemented. They might also integrate additional features like order tracking, wishlist, and social media sharing.

Furthermore, the team considers scalability and performance requirements, defines the database structure, and plans for secure payment gateways and inventory management systems. The plan evolves based on the availability of more information and feedback from stakeholders.

C. How progressive elaboration can be used in agile methodology? Explain with an example:

Progressive elaboration is a fundamental principle in agile methodology, which emphasizes adaptability and continuous improvement. Agile projects often begin with a high-level plan and progressively add more details as the project team gains a better understanding of the requirements and priorities.

For example, consider an agile software development project to build a mobile application for a travel booking platform. In the initial planning stage, the project team defines the core functionality, such as searching for flights, hotels, and car rentals, and making bookings.

During the first sprint or iteration, the team develops a minimal viable product (MVP) with basic search functionality. They gather feedback from users and stakeholders and identify additional features and improvements through this iterative process.

In subsequent sprints, the team progressively elaborates on the plan. They might refine the search functionality to include filters, sorting options, and personalized recommendations based on user preferences. They might also add features like booking history, payment integration, and social media login.

Throughout the agile project, the team continuously incorporates new information, user feedback, and changing priorities. They adapt the plan and add more details as the project progresses, allowing for flexibility and the ability to respond to evolving requirements and customer needs.