This thesis is concerned with the use of prototyping during the development of information systems. Prototyping is a process which involves early practical demonstration of relevant parts of the desired system. This is carried out with a view to improving both the quality and timeliness of the target system. The quality of an information system is largely determined by its adequacy as a tool for human users. Prototyping serves to enhance the communication between developers and users, and through this to increase the suitability of the resulting information system. An investigation into the traditional phase oriented approach to systems development reveals that in certain circumstances it can result in incorrect or at best disappointing systems. The prototyping approach is examined as a possible alternative. Particular attention is paid to its use with respect to typical characteristics of information systems. This is followed by an investigation into all aspects of prototyping. One aspect, that of the construction of prototypes, is dealt with separately and includes an examination of a variety of tools and techniques. Three of these approaches form part of an experiment in building prototypes. Each method is used to build prototypes of the same system. This provides the opportunity to compare approaches in terms of time, cost, and ease of maintenance, with the existing system. Prototyping is used during the development of a genuine system in a commercial environment. Special consideration is given to both the organisation and the control of prototyping. This project is closely monitored and documented in detail. In conclusion, recommendations are made concerning the use of prototyping during information systems development. Further research areas are also highlighted.

Zugl.: Regensburg, Universiẗat, Diss., 2009.

Using Emsuch [6] as a base this reports tries to find a solution to the problems that arise when trying to find survivors in collapsed buildings following an earthquake. Emsuch is a system that allows an user to retrieve information from the Home unit inside a house after an earthquake. But the results of the previous study [6] showed that the previous Emsuch is not very useful in disasters such as earthquakes. This is due to several reasons that were overlooked in that study such as electricity consumption and connectivity. So this study aims to improve the system by designing software that enables the user to quickly check each household that uses an Emsuch system. By using a case study and interviewing members of the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Forces a requirements document was created. From these requirements the system was designed to fulfil them all and then partly implemented and tested. The current prototype of the system has some major parts working, with a few parts non-functional or unimplemented. / Den här rapporten använder Emsuch-systemet [6] för att försöka lösa de problem som uppstår när armén letar efter överlevare i husmassor efter jordbävningar i Japan. Med Emsuch kan räddningsarbetarna hämta information från husen de går förbi under letandet. Under en tidigare studie [6] där grunden till systemet utvecklades identifierades flera punkter som leder till problem i de förhållanden som råder i de räddningsaktionerna. De två största utmaningarna är bristen på el och att infrastrukturen för kommunikation ofta är nere. Den här rapporten avser att utforma och implementera en lösning som gör att användarna i armén kan ansluta sig till varje enhet i förbifarten. Med en fallstudie som inkluderar en intervju med Japans markbaserade försvarsstyrkor i Sapporo togs ett kravdokument fram. Detta kravdokument användes som grund för implementeringen av systemet. En prototyp togs fram och testades delvis. Resultatet av testerna visade att Emsuch har potential för att användas i räddningsarbeten, men att det är flera delar som behövs fixas för att klara av verkliga situationer.