Developing Multimedia Applications with the WinWin Spiral Model

Barry Boehm, Alex Egyed
USC-Center for Software Engineering

Julie Kwan
USC University Libraries

Ray Madachy
USC-CSE and Litton Data Systems

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA

Abstract

Fifteen teams recently used the WinWin Spiral Model to perform the system engineering and architecting of a set of multimedia applications for the USC Library Information Systems. Six of the applications were then developed into an Initial Operational Capability. The teams consisted of USC graduate students in computer science. The applications involved extensions of USC's UNIX-based, text-oriented, client-server Library Information System to provide access to various multimedia archives (films, videos, photos, maps, manuscripts, etc.). Each of the teams produced results which were on schedule and (with one exception) satisfactory to their various Library clients. This paper summarizes the WinWin Spiral Model approach taken by the teams, the experiences of the teams in dealing with project challenges, and the major lessons learned in applying the Model. Overall, the WinWin Spiral Model provided sufficient flexibility and discipline to produce successful results, but several improvements were identified to increase its cost-effectiveness and range of applicability.