A detailed systems design (including appropriate diagrams) should be produced and agreed with the users. Proposed record, file and data structures should be described and design limitations should be included. Design of data capture forms, input formats (with examples of screen layouts) and output formats should be included. A detailed summary of the aims and objectives should also be included. These items are the design specifications, which should be agreed with the user.
5–6 marks A clear set of objectives with a detailed and complete design specification, which is logically correct. There is evidence to show that the end user has seen and agreed these designs. There are also detailed written descriptions of any processes/modules and a clear, complete definition of any data structures. The specification is sufficient for someone to pick up and develop an end result using the software and hardware specified in the requirements specification.
3–4 marks The major objectives of the new system have been adequately summarised, but omissions have been made. There is a brief outline of a design specification, including mock-ups of inputs and outputs, and the process model has been described (including a diagram: structure diagram, data flow diagram or system flowchart). There is some evidence that the end user has seen these designs. However, there is a lack of completeness with omissions from the process model, inputs and outputs. Data structures have been identified but there may be inadequate detail.
1–2 marks Some vague discussion of what the system will do, with a brief diagrammatic representation of the new system.
Create a detailed system design including:
- data structures
- input-output format
Candidates should be able to:
a. specify the objectives of the proposed system and relate them to the requirements specification;
b. design and document data capture forms and/or screen layouts, drawing up detailed mock-ups of the proposed interface;
c. design and document report layouts, screen displays and/or other forms of
output (for example, audio output), drawing up detailed mock-ups of the proposed interface;
