At the design stage the following would need to be designed:-

• Design data structures

• Design and write algorithms

• Producing data flow diagrams

• Recommend suitable hardware
• Design HCI

For example, regarding HCI designs which would be helpful for a beginner, there are a number of features that would need to be considered such as :-

• similar interface to other common packages

• easy-to-use / easy-to-learn (qualified)

• (extensive) help facility / useful error messages

• attractive use of colour / layouts, fonts, etc.

• robust / not easy to crash / error tolerant, etc.

• graphical user interface / windows icons mouse pointers / avoid text input

• should have menus / drop-down menus

• can be customised for beginner use 

Exam Tip: Examples of extended answers are:

One feature which would be helpful is that there is similarity between packages, for example, similar

menu options in the same menu, such as ‘Save As‘ in the ‘File’ menu.

One feature which would be helpful is the ability to click on icons like the C: drive to view the contents to perform operations and not have to type commands that a beginner would not know.

Systems can be represented in diagrammatic form showing the flow of data and information processing requirements.

A well known method is to include Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs).

The Design stage would also outline suitable hardware and software needed to address the requirements of the problem.

The rounded rectangle represents a PROCESS.  The letters on the DFD would represent the following:-

A - customer enquiry / request / requirements (must be a suitable noun)

B - dealer enquiry / query / jewellery details (must be a suitable noun)

C - availability report / result of query / suitable items details (must be a suitable noun)

D – jewellery available or not available (must be a suitable noun)