Software Design Document Overview

Study Notes

Design Phase Overview

Development of a Design Document Specification (DDS) using the Software Requirements Specification (SRS).
The DDS acts as a blueprint guiding the implementation process for the development team.
Thorough review of the DDS by stakeholders is essential for alignment with project goals.

Objectives of the Design Phase

Define System Architecture: Establish the overall structure, including front-end (web application), back-end (server), and database components.
Detail Component Design: Specify functionality and interaction of components; front-end utilizes React.js, back-end employs Node.js, and the database is MySQL.
Create Interface Designs: Develop layouts for user interfaces including a login screen, dashboard, and settings page.
Develop Data Models: Outline data storage and manipulation; user data stored in a user table with fields such as name, email, and password.
Establish Security Measures: Plan security protocols; passwords are hashed and secured with bcrypt encryption.

Creating the DDS

The DDS serves as a central output from the design phase, guiding developers during implementation.
Clarity in the DDS helps ensure understanding among all project participants regarding software functionality and structure.

Components of a DDS

System Architecture: Overview of hardware, software, and network structure; hosted on AWS with traffic managed by a load balancer for multiple EC2 instances.
Detailed Design of Modules: Specifications covering inputs, outputs, and processes for each module; user authentication module verifies credentials against the database.
Interface Design: Includes layouts and descriptions for user interfaces and APIs; the dashboard interface displays real-time analytics via charts and graphs.
Data Design: Models database schemas and data flows; includes tables for users, products, orders, and payments.
Security Design: Details security protocols; uses HTTPS encryption for data transmission and implements role-based access control.

Reviewing the DDS

Stakeholder review of the DDS is crucial to ensure it meets project requirements and constraints.
The review process should be comprehensive, covering all design aspects.

Criteria for DDS Review

Completeness: Confirm all SRS requirements are addressed; includes all specified features and functions.
Accuracy: Ensure correct implementation of requirements; data models and interfaces meet specified needs.
Feasibility: Assess if the design can be implemented within constraints such as time, budget, and technology.
Consistency: Check for coherence throughout the document, ensuring no conflicting information is present.

Description

This quiz explores the essentials of the Design Document Specification (DDS) within the software development process. It emphasizes the importance of aligning the DDS with the Software Requirements Specification (SRS) and the need for thorough stakeholder reviews. Understanding the specifics of the Design phase is key to successful project implementation.