Iterative design is a design methodology based on a cyclic process of prototyping, testing, analyzing , and refining a work in progress. In iterative design, interaction with the designed system is used as a form of research for informing and evolution a project, as successive versions, or iterations of a design are implemented.

An example of Iterative Design

Iterative design applies in many fields, from making knifes to rockets; let us consider the design of an electronic circuit that must perform a certain task, and must ultimately fit in a small space on a circuit board.

It would be useful to split these independent tasks into two smaller and simpler tasks, the functionality task, and the space and weight task.

A Breadboard is a useful way of implementing the electronic circuit on an interim basis, without having to worry about space and weight.

Once the circuit works, one can set about designing a proper circuit board meeting the space and weight criteria. Compacting the circuit on the circuit board requires that the wires and components be juggled around without changing their electrical characteristics. This juggling follows simpler rules than the design of the circuit itself, and is often automated.

Necessary Simplification

If one attempts to design the final compact and lightweight circuit board in the first instance, then one runs the risk of "walking before one crawls", and "biting off more than one can chew".