Iterative Design vs. 

Incremental Development
by Sophie Kensington

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Iterative Design: The Future of Innovation in a Rapidly Changing World

In today's fast-paced technological landscape, the methods we use to develop and innovate are just as important as the innovations themselves. A classic example of this is unfolding right now aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who are effectively "stuck" in space due to the Incremental Development approach practiced by Boeing.

Incremental Development is a well-established method that builds on past milestones to achieve success. It's a strategy that has been a key tenet for many organizations, including Boeing, in developing complex systems. This approach involves carefully planned steps, each building on the last, ensuring reliability and safety—critical factors in aerospace and other high-stakes industries. However, the downside is that this method can take years and cost billions of dollars. When setbacks occur and engineers have to "go back to the drawing board," the process becomes slow and expensive.

The Case for Iterative Design
In contrast, Iterative Design, as practiced by Elon Musk's SpaceX, offers a different pathway. Iterative Design involves rapid prototyping, frequent testing, and constant revision. This approach allows for quick changes and adaptations, significantly reducing both time and cost. SpaceX's ability to iterate quickly and learn from each test flight has been a key factor in its success, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space travel much faster than traditional methods.

Why Education Needs to Evolve
Despite the clear advantages of Iterative Design, many educational institutions continue to teach Incremental Development as the standard approach for industrialization and technological advancement. While there's no doubt that Incremental Development has its place—particularly in industries where safety and precision are paramount—it's becoming increasingly important to consider the benefits of Iterative Design in a rapidly changing world.

Educators have a unique opportunity to prepare future leaders for the challenges of the modern world by introducing them to the principles of Iterative Design. Encouraging a mindset of flexibility, creativity, and resilience will help students thrive in environments where change is the only constant. By understanding both approaches—Incremental Development and Iterative Design—students can be better equipped to choose the right strategy for the right problem, balancing reliability with innovation.

As we look toward the future, it's crucial that we re-evaluate the methods we prioritize in our education systems. While Incremental Development has a proven track record, the agility and cost-effectiveness of Iterative Design cannot be ignored. By embracing both strategies, and knowing when to apply each, we can better prepare students to become adaptable, innovative leaders ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.