Linear Methods

USoft Approach is very different from more commonly used methods. Most of the current development methods are linear models (waterfall approaches). Some characteristics of these linear methods are:

·	The methods are subdivided in a set of closed phases.

·	Every phase has pre-defined results.

·	A new phase starts after its predecessor is finished and has been signed off.

·	Every phase is more detailed and less abstract than the preceding phase and focuses on more than one subject: e.g. the data structure, rules and user interface aspects are modeled in parallel.

Although linear methods offer advantages there are some problems:

·	At a very early stage there will often not be enough knowledge about the problem, the organization or the possible solutions to set out the right course. Linear methods assume that all the knowledge is available but that the real problem is organizing and controlling the process.

·	Users see their application only at the end of the project.

·	Often specifications are no longer valid at the end of the project.

·	When specifications change, budgets are exceeded.