What does the output of the Waterfall methodology become?

In the Waterfall methodology, the output of each phase serves as the crucial input for the next phase. This linear approach means that once a phase is completed, the results, findings, or work products generated are utilized to inform and guide the following phase. For example, the requirements gathered during the initial phase are used to design the system; similarly, the design outputs are then used to develop the actual system.

This organized progression is fundamental to the Waterfall model, as it ensures that each stage is based on verified output from the preceding step, promoting a clear and traceable pathway through the project lifecycle. Each phase must be completed satisfactorily before moving on, reinforcing the importance of output as the basis for the next phase's activities.

Thus, understanding this sequential nature helps clarify why the output functions as input for subsequent phases, ensuring that the development process follows a structured and documented methodology, which is key in project management.