The incremental development approach is a top down implementation of distinct functional elements of the product. The development of each increment is accomplished as a separate waterfall type of development. The incremental development methodology differs from the evolutionary approach in that under the incremental strategy the end product is well-defined.

A technique for producing all or part of a production system based on an outline definition. The technique involves iterations of a cycle of build, refine, and review so that the correct solution gradually emerges. This technique can be difficult to control, but nonetheless is very useful when properly used; also called quick build and interactive development.