Real Life Examples of Software
Development Models
1. Incremental Model
1. Microsoft Office: Incremental updates introduce features like collaboration tools or
cloud storage integration.
2. Google Chrome: Browser updates with security improvements and new features are
rolled out incrementally.
3. Windows Operating System: Windows updates with additional features and
performance improvements in increments.
4. Fortnite (Video Game): Regular game updates with new maps, characters, and gameplay
mechanics.
5. Mozilla Firefox: New features and patches are delivered in small increments, ensuring a
smooth user experience.
6. Mobile Banking Apps: Banks release features like contactless payments or multi-
currency support incrementally.
7. Adobe Creative Cloud: Adobe releases new tools and features for Photoshop and
Illustrator over time.
8. Salesforce CRM: Salesforce regularly introduces new tools and dashboards as
incremental updates.
9. E-commerce Websites (e.g., Amazon): Features like payment options or AI-based
product recommendations are rolled out incrementally.
10. Ride-hailing Apps (Uber, Lyft): Continuous updates include new features like safety
alerts, ride-sharing options, and payment methods.
2. Agile Model
1. Spotify: Updates and new features like playlists and discovery options are iterated in
sprints.
2. Amazon: Regular updates and optimizations to the online shopping experience.
3. Netflix: Agile methodologies are used to enhance recommendations and user interface
design.
4. Uber: Agile principles drive feature development, including driver ratings and safety
protocols.
5. Facebook: Frequent updates to the social media platform based on user feedback.
6. Airbnb: Updates to booking and search functionality based on user preferences.
7. Zappos: E-commerce giant Zappos uses Agile to enhance customer service features and
platform updates.
8. Spotify’s 'Squads' Model: Independent teams continuously deliver features based on
market demands.
9. WhatsApp: Continuous updates to improve messaging, video calling, and encryption.
10. Google Ads: Agile teams iteratively enhance the functionality of Google Ads with new
targeting and analytics features.
3. Waterfall Model
1. NASA Software: Waterfall is used for mission-critical software with well-defined
requirements.
2. Construction Software: Infrastructure projects with strict stages and approval
processes.
3. Medical Device Software: Clear specifications and regulatory compliance make
Waterfall an ideal model.
4. Automotive Industry: Car manufacturing software often follows Waterfall to ensure
safety standards are met.
5. Government Systems: Systems for tax filing or voting typically follow Waterfall to
ensure completeness.
6. Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES): Systems controlling factory automation
follow Waterfall for precision.
7. Banking Software: Critical transaction systems use Waterfall due to strict requirements
and testing protocols.
8. Embedded Systems in Aircraft: Systems that control flight navigation and safety follow
Waterfall due to stringent safety requirements.
9. Railway Signaling Systems: Precise and predefined requirements drive the use of the
Waterfall model in railway safety systems.
10. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Large-scale ERP solutions often use Waterfall
for full deployment in structured phases.
4. Prototyping Model
1. App Development Startups: Prototypes are used to demonstrate functionality to
investors and early adopters.
2. Smartphone Design (Apple/Samsung): Prototypes of new phone features are tested
with users before final release.
3. Tesla Dashboard Interface: Prototypes are created to test the user interface of new
software for Tesla vehicles.
4. Virtual Reality Headsets: Prototypes are built to showcase VR environments and
interactions before full-scale development.
5. Game Development (EA, Ubisoft): Prototypes are often used to test game mechanics
and receive early feedback from users.
6. Web Design Agencies: Prototypes of websites are presented to clients before full
implementation.
7. Medical Devices: Prototypes are created to test device functionality and usability before
clinical trials.
8. E-commerce Platforms: Prototypes are often built to test the functionality of shopping
carts, payment gateways, and product pages.
9. Augmented Reality (AR) Apps: AR app prototypes are tested to demonstrate
interactions with the real world.
10. Wearable Devices (Fitbit, Apple Watch): Prototypes of new health-tracking features
are developed to test performance.
5. Spiral Model
1. Military Software Development: The U.S. Department of Defense uses the Spiral model
for projects like missile guidance systems.
2. SAP ERP System: Large-scale ERP systems where risks and complexity are managed
iteratively.
3. Telecom Systems (Verizon, AT&T): Iterative development of network management
systems where risks are assessed at each phase.
4. Nuclear Power Plants: Control systems in nuclear plants use Spiral due to ongoing risk
assessments and safety protocols.
5. Air Traffic Control Systems: Software for managing air traffic follows the Spiral model
due to high risk and complexity.
6. E-commerce Platforms: Platforms like Amazon's marketplace use the Spiral model for
complex features and security measures.
7. Medical Billing Software: Complex systems with privacy concerns follow Spiral
development for continuous risk assessment.
8. Spacecraft Navigation Systems: High-risk projects, such as space exploration, use the
Spiral model for iterative development.
9. Financial Management Software: Software for stock trading or complex banking
systems follow the Spiral model due to ongoing risk assessments.
10. Insurance Platforms: Complex software for managing policies and claims may use
Spiral for iterative risk management.