The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Systems design DESN

Designing systems to meet specified requirements and agreed systems architectures.

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

  • Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Application of SFIA skills for cloud-based working, Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels), Cyber physical systems.
  • New level 2 added to support entry-level roles.
  • You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
  • Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

A system is a structured arrangement of components, both physical and digital, designed to work together to meet specific requirements, considering factors such as scalability, security, human interaction and adherence to organisational and regulatory standards.

Systems design activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • using design concepts to develop a systems design and provide the basis for systems construction and verification
  • designing or selecting system components
  • designing systems compatible with contemporary computing architectures and selection of components such as cloud computing service models and edge computing
  • designing cyber-physical systems that integrate computational and physical components
  • considering human factors and socio-technical aspects when designing systems that involve significant human interaction
  • developing a complete set of detailed models, properties and/or characteristics described in a form suitable for implementation
  • adopting and adapting of system design lifecycle models based on the context of the work using predictive (plan-driven) approaches or adaptive (iterative/agile) approaches for system design
  • adhering to regulatory requirements and organisational standards including security.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...
  • Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

  • Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
  • Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
  • Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

2 3 4 5 6

Systems design: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

Assists in the creation and documentation of system design elements under routine supervision.

Follows established procedures and guidelines.

Helps create and maintain documentation.

Systems design: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Follows standard approaches and established design patterns to create new designs for simple systems or system components.

Identifies and resolves minor design issues.

Identifies alternative design options and seeks guidance when deviating from established design patterns.

Systems design: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Designs system components using appropriate modelling techniques following agreed architectures, design standards, patterns and methodology.

Identifies and evaluates alternative design options and trade-offs. Creates multiple design views to address the concerns of the different stakeholders and to handle functional and non-functional requirements.

Models, simulates or prototypes the behaviour of proposed system components to enable approval by stakeholders.

Produces detailed design specifications to form the basis for the construction of systems. Reviews, verifies and improves own designs against specifications.

Systems design: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Designs large or complex systems and undertakes impact analysis on major design options and trade-offs.

Ensures the system design balances functional and non-functional requirements.

Reviews systems designs and ensures appropriate methods, tools and techniques are applied effectively. Makes recommendations and assesses and manages associated risks.

Adopts and adapts system design methods, tools and techniques. Contributes to development of system design policies, standards and selection of architecture components.

Systems design: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Develops and drives adoption of and adherence to organisational policies, standards, guidelines and methods for system design.

Champions the importance and value of system design principles and the selection of appropriate systems design lifecycle models.

Leads system design activities for strategic, large and complex systems development programmes. Develops effective implementation strategies consistent with specified requirements, architectures and constraints of performance and feasibility.

Develops system design requiring the introduction of new technologies or new uses for existing technologies.

Keywords
Small change New level