This section looks at systems development in the context of computer hardware and software development. From analysing current systems or ways of doing things to producing and implementing new ways through technology development.
The constant review and improvement in the way things are done, the methods that are used with a view to creating or adapting computer systems to best fit the need of the task.
THE SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE
The Systems Development Life Cycle and the Software Development Life Cycles are almost identical models, both following the same principle of cycling through the development and both have many slightly varying versions, most containing between 5 and 9 steps with the 5 step and 7 step models being the most popular. They provide a brief guide to following a systems development process with continual review and modification.
An illustration of the 5 step Software Development Life Cycle can be seen below.
Analysis stage: In this stage, the requirements for the software project are gathered, analyzed, and documented. This stage involves understanding the problem that the software will solve and identifying the goals and objectives of the project. Design stage: After the analysis stage, the design stage involves creating a blueprint of how the software will meet the requirements gathered during the analysis stage. This stage includes defining the architecture, interfaces, and data structures of the software. Testing stage: In this stage, the software is rigorously tested to identify and resolve bugs and ensure that it meets the specifications. This stage includes various types of testing such as unit testing, integration testing, and acceptance testing. Deployment stage: After the software has passed testing, it is ready to be deployed to its intended audience. This stage involves installing the software on the target platform, configuring it for the production environment, and making it available for use. Maintenance stage: This stage involves providing ongoing support and updating the software to address any issues that arise after deployment. This stage also involves implementing new features and improvements to meet the changing needs of the users.
DESIGN THINLING CONCEPT
Design thinking is a human-centered, iterative, and solution-focused approach to problem-solving that emphasizes empathy, experimentation, and collaboration. By applying design thinking to the design stage of the software development life cycle, teams can create more user-centric, innovative, and effective solutions.
Benefits of applying design thinking to the design stage:
Enhanced empathy: Design thinking encourages understanding users' needs, pain points, and motivations, leading to more user-centric designs. This focus on empathy helps create solutions that truly address user problems and enhance their experience.
Encouragement of experimentation: Design thinking promotes a culture of prototyping, testing, and iterating on ideas. This approach allows teams to quickly validate and refine their designs, reducing the risk of costly changes later in the development process.
Improved collaboration: Design thinking fosters a collaborative environment, involving stakeholders from different disciplines, such as designers, developers, and users, in the design process. This cross-functional collaboration leads to more well-rounded solutions and a shared understanding of project goals.
Holistic problem-solving: Design thinking encourages teams to think beyond technical specifications and consider the broader context in which their software will be used. This holistic approach can lead to more innovative solutions and uncover hidden opportunities.
Adaptability and resilience: By embracing an iterative and flexible mindset, design thinking prepares teams to adapt to changes and unforeseen challenges, which is essential in the rapidly evolving field of software development.
Incorporating design thinking into the design stage of the software development life cycle can lead to more user-centric, innovative, and effective software solutions. This approach ultimately results in better user experiences, increased user satisfaction, and a higher likelihood of project success.
1: Which of the following stages in the SDLC involves gathering and defining the software requirements based on user needs? a) Analysis stage b) Design stage c) Testing stage d) Deployment stage
2: In which stage of the SDLC is the software architecture and design created to meet the requirements defined in the previous stage? a) Analysis stage b) Design stage c) Testing stage d) Deployment stage
3: During which stage of the SDLC is the software tested to ensure it meets the defined requirements and is free of defects? a) Analysis stage b) Design stage c) Testing stage d) Deployment stage
4: At which stage of the SDLC is the software made available to end-users or clients, typically after successful completion of the testing phase? a) Analysis stage b) Design stage c) Testing stage d) Deployment stage
5: Which stage of the SDLC focuses on resolving issues, applying updates, and improving the software's performance after deployment? a) Analysis stage b) Design stage c) Testing stage d) Maintenance stage
6: Which of the following activities is primarily performed during the Analysis stage of the SDLC? a) Writing code b) Identifying user requirements c) Performing unit tests d) Installing the software on user systems
7: In the Design stage of the SDLC, which of the following tasks is commonly performed? a) Debugging code b) Training end-users c) Creating system and software design specifications d) Implementing software patches
8: Which of the following testing types is typically performed during the Testing stage of the SDLC? a) System testing b) User training c) Software design d) Requirement analysis
9: During the Deployment stage of the SDLC, which of the following activities typically takes place? a) Gathering user requirements b) Designing software components c) Installing and configuring the software for end-users d) Debugging code
10: Which of the following activities is primarily associated with the Maintenance stage of the SDLC? a) Writing code b) Designing user interfaces c) Conducting performance tests d) Applying updates and bug fixes
