How can you avoid common pitfalls when using a waterfall system development lifecycle model?

3 Manage scope and change requests

A third pitfall of the waterfall model is that it can be difficult to accommodate changes or new requests once the project is underway, as they can disrupt the established plan and schedule. Therefore, you need to manage the scope and change requests carefully, and evaluate their impact and feasibility before agreeing to them. You also need to document and communicate any changes or modifications to the project plan, and adjust the budget, timeline, and resources accordingly.

4 Involve users and stakeholders throughout

A fourth pitfall of the waterfall model is that it can result in a lack of user involvement and feedback, as the final product is delivered only at the end of the project. This can lead to user dissatisfaction, low adoption, or poor usability. Therefore, you need to involve users and stakeholders throughout the project, and solicit their input and feedback at each phase. You can use techniques such as prototypes, mockups, surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather user requirements, preferences, and opinions, and incorporate them into the design and development of the system.

5 Learn from lessons and best practices

A fifth pitfall of the waterfall model is that it can limit the learning and improvement opportunities, as the project is considered finished once the system is deployed. However, this does not mean that the system is perfect or optimal, or that there are no areas for enhancement or innovation. Therefore, you need to learn from the lessons and best practices of the project, and conduct a post-mortem analysis to identify what worked well and what did not, and how to improve for future projects. You can also collect and analyze user feedback, metrics, and data to evaluate the system performance and impact, and suggest or implement improvements or updates.

6 Choose the right model for the right project

A sixth and final pitfall of the waterfall model is that it can be inappropriate or ineffective for some types of projects, especially those that are complex, dynamic, or uncertain. Therefore, you need to choose the right model for the right project, and consider the factors such as the project size, scope, duration, complexity, uncertainty, and flexibility. You can also use hybrid or agile models that combine or adapt some elements of the waterfall model with other approaches, such as iterative, incremental, or adaptive models, to suit your project needs and context.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?