Combining MDE and Scrum on the rapid prototyping of web information systems

Abstract

Rapid application prototyping RAP is recommended to obtain quick feedback from clients, allowing the validation of software requirements before acceptance tests. In this regard, model-driven engineering MDE and agile methods are two important approaches that suggest the use of techniques for RAP. Some fundamental differences between them exist: MDE focuses on software reuse through annotated system models while agile methods recommend the use simpler models to achieve quick feedback from clients. In order to comply with agility principles but still concerned about the future reuse of the developed software, the quick design of annotated models must be considered. This paper presents a MDE-based RAP methodology and tool support to quickly generate web front ends and models based on the MVC architectural pattern. In addition, we report a case study that has joined MDE and Scrum by applying our methodology and tool support for complete development of web information system in a Scrum-based industrial software project. We also present lessons learnt from the case study and point out some issues for future research in software engineering to facilitate the introduction of MDE in target contexts.