Activity 4: Prototyping with SRP

Objective: The objective of this activity is to develop a prototype of a digital product while applying the Single Responsibility Principle to ensure modular and maintainable code.

Materials Needed:

Pen and paper or a whiteboard

Sticky notes (optional)

Development tools (e.g., IDE, code editor)

Instructions:

1.       Select a Prototype Project: Choose a simple digital product or application to prototype. It could be a basic website, mobile app, or any other digital interface.

2.       Identify Functionalities: Break down the functionality of the prototype into distinct tasks or functionalities. For example, if you're prototyping an e-commerce website, you might have functionalities such as user authentication, product browsing, and checkout.

3.       Apply SRP Principles: For each identified functionality, create a separate module or class that encapsulates its responsibilities. Ensure that each module or class has only one reason to change, adhering to the Single Responsibility Principle.

4.       Sketch Module Structure: Sketch out the structure of your prototype on paper or a whiteboard. Use diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate how the different modules/classes interact with each other.

5.       Implement Prototype: Begin implementing your prototype using your preferred development tools. Focus on writing clean, modular code, with each module/class responsible for a specific aspect of the functionality.

6.       Test and Iterate: Test your prototype as you develop it, ensuring that each functionality works as intended. If you encounter any issues or find areas for improvement, iterate on your design and code accordingly.

7.       Reflect on SRP Adherence: Throughout the development process, reflect on how well you're adhering to the Single Responsibility Principle. Consider whether each module/class has a clear and single responsibility, and make adjustments as needed.

8.       Document Design Decisions: Document the design decisions you make while applying SRP to your prototype. Explain why certain responsibilities were separated into different modules/classes and how this enhances the maintainability of the codebase.

9.       Review and Refine: Once your prototype is complete, review the entire codebase to ensure consistency and adherence to SRP. Refactor any areas where the principle may not have been fully applied.

10.   Share and Discuss: Share your prototype with colleagues or classmates and discuss the application of SRP in its development. Solicit feedback on the modularity and maintainability of your code.

Conclusion:

Through this activity, you've gained hands-on experience in prototyping while applying the Single Responsibility Principle. This approach not only leads to a more modular and maintainable codebase but also fosters better understanding and collaboration among development team members.

This activity will not only give you hands-on experience with prototyping but also help you gain a deeper understanding of user needs and preferences in interface design.