Design Phase

Section 0: Module Objectives or Competencies

Course Objective or Competency	Module Objectives or Competency
The student will be able to explain what is involved in the design phase.	The student will be able to explain the purpose or function of the design phase.
	The student will be able to list and explain some of the tools and techniques used in the design phase.
	The student will be able to explain the output of the design phase.
	The student will be able to list and explain the personnel and tasks involved in conducting the design phase.

Section 1: Definition

Systems design – the process of determining the components and the interconnection among those components in the best possible way in order to solve a problem (i.e., the problem that was explained in the requirements specification.)

No concrete demarcation between analysis and design.
- Some view design as beginning immediately after the current logical system has been defined and the domain of change identified.
- Others end analysis with the future logical system DFD but before the logical specifications.
During the design phase of the system development life cycle, the analyst uses the requirements gathered during the analysis phase to create the specifications for the proposed system.
The design phase is characterized by the analyst's focus on how things must be done, rather than on what must be done.

Phase Name: Design
Major Function:	To design a new system that fulfills the requirements of the users and management.
Input:	Problem specification - the objectives, functions, and boundaries as determined in systems analysis.
Output:	Design Specification.
Principal Tools:	data dictionary data flow diagrams process specifications prototyping structure charts interface design tools
Personnel & Tasks:	Analyst Evaluates and orders all necessary hardware and software. Transforms the functional diagrams of the analysis phase into the hierarchical diagrams of the design phase. Designs the user interface, including input and output formats. Incorporates system security measures into the design. Determines staffing requirements and designs procedures workflow. Database designer Designs the required database. Users. managers, and team members Review the design specifications for accuracy and completeness.

Video: IT Software Development Lifecycle Part 2a - Design Phase

Video: IT Software Development Lifecycle Part 2b - Development Phase