Rapid App Development

Use RAD and low-code to speed up software development, reduce risk, and engage users. Launch better apps faster

Rapid Application Development

Discover how Rapid Application Development (RAD) and low-code can accelerate your software development process, reduce risk, and increase engagement with your customers and business users. Launch better applications and products faster with RAD.

Rapid Application Development (RAD) is a user-focused software development approach that prioritizes prototyping, testing, and refining. Unlike the rigid and planned waterfall model, RAD is flexible and responsive to user feedback. Despite being around for 30 years, RAD has gained renewed popularity due to the modern need for engaging user experiences across multiple platforms, including native mobile and web-based apps, as well as conversational apps. Incorporating RAD into your software development process can help you quickly launch user-friendly applications and stay ahead of the competition.

An Overview of the Four Stages in the RAD Life Cycle

Plan

During the User Design stage of the RAD process, business and IT stakeholders work together to promptly define project scope, with a focus on key objectives, while also allowing for flexibility in the prototyping phase.

User Interface

RAD is structured around a cycle of prototyping, testing, and refining, placing a strong emphasis on user design by providing a working model to users early and frequently. It guides feature development and design decisions while validating idea feasibility.

Construct

Low-code platforms optimize RAD construct phase, enabling seamless communication between business and IT. MDD features empower developers and business users to contribute ideas using intuitive visual models.

Cutover

The cutover phase of software development compresses multiple parallel stages from the traditional Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), including implementation, testing, integration, and maintenance.

What Are the Benefits of Rapid Application Development?

Mendix research shows that 71% of IT teams struggle to keep up with the increasing demands of their organizations, and 96% state that delayed solutions negatively impact business operations. With more projects and less time available, rapid development can provide several benefits:

Minimizes Risks

By utilizing short and agile sprints that can be repeated as frequently as necessary, RAD minimizes risks during the software development process. This iterative approach allows for the early detection of bugs and logic issues before they can significantly impact project delivery.

Enhances Quality

The Rapid Application Development process places significant emphasis on incorporating feedback from business stakeholders and end-users to enhance the overall quality of the final product. Using user feedback, RAD refines the big idea to meet business requirements and customer expectations.

Faster Solutions

RAD uses iterative releases and code reusability on a low-code platform to minimize processes and documentation, freeing up the team to focus on timely solution delivery. As a result, RAD ensures timely delivery of solutions, preventing delays and missed deadlines.

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