Introduction

You’ve likely heard of the Waterfall methodology, one of the approaches used for managing software development projects since the 1970s.
In this methodology, every project stage must be completed before moving on to the next. This approach is somewhat rigid and heavily relies on defining and preparing requirements before starting project execution.

At first glance, the Waterfall methodology might seem unsuitable for modern applications, especially with the advent of more flexible project management techniques. However, it is still widely used in managing certain types of projects. According to a 2020 survey, 56% of project management experts reported using Waterfall or similar methods.

Stages of the Waterfall Methodology

Requirement Gathering

At this stage, the requirements of the digital product are thoroughly defined. These include:

• The resources needed to execute the project.
• The responsibilities of each team member.
• A timeline for the entire project.
• Detailed descriptions for each phase of implementation.

Design Phase

Once all requirements are gathered and prepared, the design phase begins. The design team focuses on:

• Outlining and scheduling project milestones.
• Clearly defining the deliverables.
• Preparing detailed designs for what will be delivered.

Implementation Phase

After the design is finalized and approved, implementation begins. During this phase, developers work on building the required digital product. The team is responsible for:

• Preparing an implementation plan.
• Collecting data and conducting the necessary research.
• Distributing tasks and resources effectively among team members.

Verification Phase

Once the development phase is complete, the verification phase begins. This involves testing the product to ensure quality and functionality. Each use case must be thoroughly tested to guarantee the best user experience.

Maintenance Phase

After the product launch, developers address any bugs or issues encountered by end-users. The team also begins releasing updated versions of the digital product, free of the discovered defects.

Advantages of the Waterfall Methodology

1. Clear Project Structure: The methodology prevents ambiguity thanks to thorough planning from the start. The end goal is clearly defined.
2. Cost Predictability: Having a clear and strict plan ensures the project's duration and costs are known upfront.
3. Ease of Monitoring: Progress is easily measurable as the phases are distinct and sequential.
4. Reusable Process: After successfully implementing a project, the same process can be reused for similar requirements.
5. Better Risk Management: Detailed pre-planning helps identify potential design issues before coding begins.
6. Higher Accountability: Each phase comes with clear objectives and timelines, ensuring the team understands their responsibilities.
7. Fewer Delays from Changing Requirements: Knowing all requirements at the project's start minimizes unexpected client requests later.

Limitations of the Waterfall Methodology

1. Longer Delivery Times: Due to the sequential nature of the phases, delivering the final product takes longer compared to iterative methodologies like Agile.
2. Limited Flexibility: Any unexpected event can disrupt the entire project or delay delivery.
3. Reduced Client Input: After the requirements phase, the client’s ability to provide feedback becomes minimal.
4. Numerous Post-launch Change Requests: Since the client has limited involvement during development, there are often numerous requests for changes after the launch, such as adding new features, which can create maintenance challenges.

Conclusion

Despite its limited flexibility and the rise of more adaptive methodologies, the Waterfall methodology remains a viable choice for projects requiring a fixed scope and clear objectives. Its ability to provide a comprehensive and well-defined plan from the start makes it ideal for projects with precise requirements that are unlikely to change.

However, the rigid nature of this methodology, combined with the lack of continuous client interaction, makes it less suitable for dynamic projects. Choosing the best methodology depends on the project's nature, requirements, and the level of adaptability needed.

Ultimately, the Waterfall methodology highlights the importance of pre-planning and structured workflows, proving that detailed organization can minimize risks and save time in projects with well-defined needs.