Executive summary
This section examines how information systems are analysed and designed within the systems development lifecycle (SDLC). Learners first locate analysis and design within the wider lifecycle and study the components, approaches and methodologies of systems analysis. They then move into system design and modelling — the types of information systems, design concepts, and the major development methodologies. A dedicated focus on human-computer interaction (HCI) develops the learner’s appreciation of usability, accessibility and user experience. The section concludes with a practical system design project in which learners produce a system design document together with basic modelling and security/control design.
Aims
The section aims to equip learners to analyse a business need and design an appropriate information system in response. It develops their understanding of lifecycle models and methodologies, their ability to select and justify a suitable approach, and their sensitivity to how real users interact with systems — culminating in the production of professional design documentation.
Summary of learning outcomes
| LO1 | Understand the principles of systems analysis and its place within the systems development lifecycle. |
| LO2 | Understand system design and modelling, including information system types and design methodologies. |
| LO3 | Understand the principles of human-computer interaction and their role in effective design. |
| LO4 | Be able to produce a system design, including appropriate modelling and security/control considerations. |
Indicative content
- Principles of systems analysis: where analysis and design fit in the SDLC (feasibility, analysis, design and beyond); components of systems analysis; hard and soft systems; different SDLC models and choosing between them.
- System design and modelling: information system types (MIS, DSS, TPS, ERP); design concepts; methodologies including Agile, Waterfall, RAD and DevOps, and justifying a choice.
- Human-computer interaction: usability, accessibility, layout, colour, speed and security; identifying HCI issues; designing with users in mind and managing trade-offs.
- Design project: producing a system design document; basic modelling (context diagrams, simple UML); control and security design.
Assessment approach
Understanding is assessed through matching and scenario quizzes (for example, matching lifecycle stages to descriptions, or selecting a suitable methodology for a project), short-answer justifications, and an interface-critique activity for HCI. The summative task (LO4) requires learners to upload a system design document and an accompanying model with security/control design.
