Software Development Methodology - Joint Application Development (JAD)

- Joint Application Development(JAD)is a process that is originally used to develop computer based systems.
- Joint Application Development is a process that accelerates the design of information technology solutions.
- JAD uses customer involvement and group dynamics to accurately depict the user's view of the business need and to jointly develop a solution.
- JAD is thought to lead to shorter development times and greater client satisfaction because the client is involved throughout the development process.
- JAD centers around a workshop session that is structured and focused. Participants of these sessions would typically include a facilitator, end users, developers, observers, mediators and experts.
- In order to get agreement on the goals and scope of the project, a series of structured interviews are held.
- The sessions are very focused, conducted in a dedicated environment, quickly drive major requirements.

Concept of Joint Application Development

- User who do the job have the best understanding of that job.
- The developers have the best understanding of the technology.
- The software development process and business process work in the same way.
- When all groups work equal and as one team with a single goal, the best software comes out.

Principles of JAD Process

- Define session objectives.
- Prepare for the session.
- Conduct the JAD session.
- Procedure the documents.
JAD improves the final quality of the product by keeping the focus on the upfront of the development cycle thus reducing the errors that are likely to cause huge expenses.

Advantages of Joint Application Development

- JAD decreases time and costs associated with requirements elicitation process.
- The experts get a chance to share their views, understand views of others, and develop the sense of project ownership.
- The techniques of JAD implementation are well known as it is the first accelerated design technique.
- Easy integration of CASE tools into JAD workshops improves session productivity and provides systems analysts with discussed and ready to use models.
- Enhances quality.
- Creates a design from the customer's perspective.