Course Overview

Systems Design Techniques

Our Systems Design Techniques Training Courses take a 'tool-kit' approach to systems design, presenting models from the Unified Modeling Language (UML), such as sequence diagrams and state machine diagrams, alongside established models like the normalised data model and structured English. It is appropriate to designers working in all software environments, including those primarily working on system enhancements. The aim is that, at the end of the programme, participants will have a good understanding of the models and methods used but, more importantly, will be able to apply them in project situations.

Systems Design Techniques Training Courses are delivered by trainers who bring their substantial experience of practical systems design projects to the programme. The case study on which the course is built is based on a genuine assignment. A comprehensive manual, containing detailed information about systems design techniques and providing references for further reading, is supplied as part of the course.

ISEB qualifications

Systems Design Techniques prepares participants to sit the examination for the ISEB Certificate in Systems Design Techniques. This involves a one-hour, open book examination that may be taken at the end of the course or at a public examination session. The certificate in Systems Design Techniques is a specialist module for the ISEB Diploma in Solution Development.

SFIA Mapping

This course supports skills DESN level 4 and DBDS level 3.

Course Content

1. Introduction
   • Objectives and constraints of design
   • Design and implementation in the systems development life cycle
   • The products of analysis
   • Design approach and architecture
2. Input and output design
   • The design boundary
   • Output design and technology
   • Input design and technology
   • Selection of appropriate output and input technologies
3. Human-Interface Design
   • Design of input and output screens
   • Dialogue types
   • Usability and style guides
   • Dialogue modelling
   • Prototyping the interface
4. Logical Data Design (normalisation)
   • Notation and conventions of relational data analysis
   • Principles of progressive normalisation
   • Rationalising results
   • Building the normalised (Third Normal Form) data model
5. Logical Process Design
   • Class diagrams (UML)
   • Interaction Diagrams (UML)
   • Sequence Diagrams (UML)
   • Communication Diagrams (UML)
   • Structured English
   • Data Action Diagrams
6. Systems Controls
   • Risk in systems development
   • Physical security
   • Logical security
   • State machine diagrams (UML)
   • Backup and recovery procedures
   • Software controls
   • Audit trails
   • Legal requirements of the designer
   • Ethical issues affecting the designer
7. Physical Design
   • Optimising the physical design
   • Principles of physical data design
   • Design of codes and keys
   • Principles of physical process design
   • Common design patterns
   • Interface and sub-system design
   • Component diagrams (UML)
   • Deployment diagrams (UML)
   • Principles of re-factoring
   • Principles of round-trip engineering
8. Testing
   • Test cases from design models
   • Design and code inspections
   • Unit or component testing
   • Component integration testing
   • System testing
   • System integration testing
   • User acceptance testing
   • Requirement traceability
9. Systems Implementation
   • Implementation planning and preparation
   • Changeover methods
   • Handover procedures
10. Training
    • Analysing training needs
    • Methods of training delivery
    • Evaluating training
11. Post-implementation
    • Post implementation and post project reviews
    • Benefits realisation
    • Types of maintenance
    • Change control
    • Build and release strategy
    • Regression testing
    • Objectives and constraints of design re-visited