Joint Application Development (JAD) is a development methodology system originally used for designing a computer-based system, but can be applied to any development process. It involves continuous interaction with the users and different designers of the system in development. JAD centers around a workshop session that is structured and focused. Participants of these sessions would typically include a facilitator, end users, developers, observers, mediators and experts.  JAD allows for a faster development process and minimizes errors at the same time. JAD also improves the quality of the final product by focusing on the up-front portion of the development lifecycle, thus reducing the likelihood of errors that are expensive to correct later on.

The opposite of JAD is RAD (Rapid Application Development)

Joint Application Design - A Case Study
This is a case study that walks through the process of a successful JAD session at a large company. It demonstrates the power of this process, as well as some of the potential pitfalls.

Trainers Direct
This on-site Trainers Direct seminar shows examples of a JAD development system.

University of Texas Human Resource Services
This human resources overview provides a FAQ detailing JAD, what is required, and what to expect.