iterate
IH-tuh-rayt
/ˈitəˌreɪt/
To repeat a design process, making incremental improvements and modifications each time based on testing and feedback.
Iterate implies a purposeful cycle of designing, testing, analyzing, and redesigning to converge on an optimal solution.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'iteratus', past participle of 'iterare' (to do a second time, repeat), which comes from 'iterum' (again). In computer science and engineering, it evolved from simple mathematical repetition to describe the entire modern philosophy of agile, cyclical product development.
Word relationships
- refine: Refine means to polish or improve a single design, while iterate specifically implies a cyclical process of repeating the design-test loop.
- reiterate: Reiterate means to say or state something again for emphasis, whereas iterate means to perform a process again to improve it.
- finalize: To finalize is to complete the design process and lock in the final version, ending the cycle of iteration.
Commonly confused with
- reiterate: Reiterate is used for speech (repeating a statement), while iterate is used for processes (repeating a cycle of design).
Word family
- iteration (noun): A single cycle of a repetitive process, or a specific version of a design.
- iterative (adjective): Involving repetition of a mathematical or computational procedure applied to the results of a previous application.
Collocations
- iterate on a design
- design iteration
- rapidly iterate
- iterate through options
Example sentences
- "Good design requires you to iterate constantly based on user feedback and testing results." A software engineer describing the development of a user interface.
Memory hook
Think of 'litter'. Just as a dog has a 'litter' of puppies that look slightly different, a designer has a 'litter' of design versions (iterations) that evolve over time. Iterate to elevate.
When not to use
Do not use when you are simply repeating a task mindlessly or performing repetitive manual labor without making improvements.
Fun facts
- James Dyson famously created 5,127 iterations of his bagless vacuum cleaner prototype over five years before he was satisfied with the final design.
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