The iterative process, also known as the iterative design process, is a product development method. This process can improve new products, new features, or business initiatives through tests and revisions. Many industries use this incremental development methodology to develop products and concepts, from software development and computer programming to business and culinary arts.
Industries use the iterative process as an effective [feedback loop](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/feedback-loop) for improvement. Consider the following advantages of an iterative approach:

- __Buildability__: The iterative process allows for continuous improvement at every stage. It also allows companies to build on existing products and create deliverables that match [customer needs](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/customer-needs). 
- __Collaboration__: The iterative process allows [stakeholders](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/stakeholder-explained) and team members to collaborate and <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communicate","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communicate</a> ideas. Implementing feedback throughout the development process can give the team a sense of ownership of the project.
- __Cost-effectiveness__: Identifying issues and debugging in the beginning stages of the [product life cycle](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/product-life-cycle-explained) will save money. Changes are easier to implement early in the iterative process.
- __Flexibility__: Unlike the waterfall method, which depends on already established sequential steps, the iterative process is an [agile](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/agile-methodology) project management style. This approach to [project management](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/project-management-guide) allows for significant changes midway through the development process, making it more adaptive to changes than other approaches. 
- __Speed__: The iterative process allows companies to make changes quickly. These implementations can help streamline the development strategy and uncover issues.
The iterative model is a continuous process that might vary from industry to industry. In general, the process follows these steps:

1. __Plan__. The starting point of the iterative process is the project plan. First, list the overall requirements, like deadlines and initial client input, and create a timeline for the first iterative cycle. Assemble a development team and engineering team to implement the research and development.
2. __Design__. The second stage is [design](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-design-sprint). It is essential to understand the project's technical requirements and establish an end goal for the final product. Create database models and a workflow for the project testing.
3. __Implement__. Develop the product [prototype](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/sara-blakelys-prototyping-tips) and meet as many of the requirements of the product as possible in the first iteration. Throughout the iterative development process, improve on previous iterations at this stage.
4. __Test__. In the fourth stage, gather user feedback from stakeholders, team members, [beta testers](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/beta-testing-explained), and [focus groups](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-run-a-successful-focus-group). Focus on the [usability](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/usability-heuristics) and functionality of the product, and identify areas of improvement. Have the testers contribute their input.
5. __Evaluate__. Compare this new iteration and the feedback with the project’s initial requirements and outline any opportunities for improvement.
[MasterClass at Work](https://www.masterclass.com/for-business) is the learning platform to help unlock the full potential of your employees and inspire a learning lifestyle in everyone. From negotiation to mindfulness to baking—these are just a few things your teams can explore.
An iterative process is a way to improve a product or business process through trial and error. Learn about the benefits of an iterative process model.

An iterative process is a way to improve a product or business process through trial and error. Learn about the benefits of an iterative process model.

Iterative Process Definition: 5 Benefits of an Iterative Process

The iterative process, also known as the iterative design process, is a product development method. This process can improve new products, new features, or business initiatives through tests and revisions. Many industries use this incremental development methodology to develop products and concepts, from software development and computer programming to business and culinary arts.

What Is Iterative Process?

Industries use the iterative process as an effective <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/feedback-loop' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/feedback-loop","linkCopy":"feedback loop","category":null}'>feedback loop</a> for improvement. Consider the following advantages of an iterative approach:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Buildability: The iterative process allows for continuous improvement at every stage. It also allows companies to build on existing products and create deliverables that match <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/customer-needs' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/customer-needs","linkCopy":"customer needs","category":null}'>customer needs</a>. </li><li class="">Collaboration: The iterative process allows <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/stakeholder-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/stakeholder-explained","linkCopy":"stakeholders","category":null}'>stakeholders</a> and team members to collaborate and <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communicate","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communicate</a> ideas. Implementing feedback throughout the development process can give the team a sense of ownership of the project. </li><li class="">Cost-effectiveness: Identifying issues and debugging in the beginning stages of the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/product-life-cycle-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/product-life-cycle-explained","linkCopy":"product life cycle","category":null}'>product life cycle</a> will save money. Changes are easier to implement early in the iterative process. </li><li class="">Flexibility: Unlike the waterfall method, which depends on already established sequential steps, the iterative process is an <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/agile-methodology' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/agile-methodology","linkCopy":"agile","category":null}'>agile</a> project management style. This approach to <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/project-management-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/project-management-guide","linkCopy":"project management","category":null}'>project management</a> allows for significant changes midway through the development process, making it more adaptive to changes than other approaches. </li><li class="">Speed: The iterative process allows companies to make changes quickly. These implementations can help streamline the development strategy and uncover issues. </li></ul>

Benefits of Iterative Development

The iterative model is a continuous process that might vary from industry to industry. In general, the process follows these steps:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Plan. The starting point of the iterative process is the project plan. First, list the overall requirements, like deadlines and initial client input, and create a timeline for the first iterative cycle. Assemble a development team and engineering team to implement the research and development. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Design. The second stage is <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-design-sprint' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-design-sprint","linkCopy":"design","category":null}'>design</a>. It is essential to understand the project&#39;s technical requirements and establish an end goal for the final product. Create database models and a workflow for the project testing. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Implement. Develop the product <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/sara-blakelys-prototyping-tips' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/sara-blakelys-prototyping-tips","linkCopy":"prototype","category":null}'>prototype</a> and meet as many of the requirements of the product as possible in the first iteration. Throughout the iterative development process, improve on previous iterations at this stage. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Test. In the fourth stage, gather user feedback from stakeholders, team members, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/beta-testing-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/beta-testing-explained","linkCopy":"beta testers","category":null}'>beta testers</a>, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-run-a-successful-focus-group' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-run-a-successful-focus-group","linkCopy":"focus groups","category":null}'>focus groups</a>. Focus on the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/usability-heuristics' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/usability-heuristics","linkCopy":"usability","category":null}'>usability</a> and functionality of the product, and identify areas of improvement. Have the testers contribute their input. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Evaluate. Compare this new iteration and the feedback with the project’s initial requirements and outline any opportunities for improvement. </li></ol>

How Does an Iterative Process Work?

<a href='https://www.masterclass.com/for-business' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/for-business","linkCopy":"MasterClass at Work","category":null}'>MasterClass at Work</a> is the learning platform to help unlock the full potential of your employees and inspire a learning lifestyle in everyone. From negotiation to mindfulness to baking—these are just a few things your teams can explore.

MasterClass at Work

An iterative process is a way to improve a product or business process through trial and error. Learn about the benefits of an iterative process model.

An iterative process is a way to improve a product or business process through trial and error. Learn about the benefits of an iterative process model.
