Software design SWDN
Specifying and designing software to meet defined requirements by following agreed design standards and principles.
Updates for SFIA 9
- There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 9.
- Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Software engineering, Application of SFIA skills for cloud-based working, Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Making SFIA easier to consume (updates to skill name/skill description).
- Added reference to software architecture
- Content changes have been made to levels 2, 4, and 6.
- 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
Activities may include — but are not limited to:
- designing software applications, components, interfaces and related characteristics (including security)
- using design concepts and patterns to develop software design and provide the basis for software construction and verification
- evaluating alternative solutions and trade-offs to facilitate design decisions
- taking into account functional and non-functional requirements such as the target environment, performance, security and existing systems
- developing prototypes/simulations to enable informed decision-making
- adopting and adapting software design models, tools and techniques based on the context of the work.
Depending on requirements and project or work assigned characteristics, software design techniques can be predictive (plan-driven) or adaptive (iterative/agile) approaches.
Levels of responsibility for this skill
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Software design: Level 1
This skill is not typically observed or practiced at this level of responsibility and accountability.
Software design: Level 2
Creates and documents detailed designs for simple software applications or components.
Applies agreed modelling techniques, standards, patterns and tools.
Contributes to the design of components of larger software systems.
Reviews own work.
Software design: Level 3
Undertakes complete design of moderately complex software applications or components.
Applies agreed standards, guidelines, patterns and tools. Assists as part of a team in the design of components of larger software systems. Specifies user and/or system interfaces.
Creates multiple design views to address the different stakeholders' concerns and to handle functional and non-functional requirements. Assists in the evaluation of options and trade-offs.
Collaborates in reviews of work with others as appropriate.
Software design: Level 4
Designs complex software applications, components and modules.
Uses appropriate modelling techniques following agreed software design standards, guidelines, patterns and methodology. Creates and communicates multiple design views to balance stakeholders' concerns and to satisfy functional and non-functional requirements. Identifies, evaluates and recommends alternative design options and trade-offs.
Models, simulates or prototypes the behaviour of proposed software to enable approval by stakeholders, and effective construction of the software. Verifies software design by constructing and applying appropriate methods.
Reviews, verifies and improves own designs against specifications. Leads reviews of others’ designs.
Software design: Level 5
Specifies and designs large or complex software applications, components and modules.
Adopts and adapts software design methods, tools and techniques. Undertakes impact analysis on major design options, makes recommendations and assesses and manages associated risks. Specifies prototypes/simulations to enable informed decision-making.
Evaluates software designs to ensure adherence to standards and identifies corrective action. Ensures that the software design balances functional, quality, security and systems management requirements.
Contributes to the development of organisational software design and architecture policies and standards.
Software design: Level 6
Leads the selection and development of software design methods, tools and techniques.
Develops organisational policies, standards, and guidelines for software design and software architectures.
Ensures adherence to technical strategies and systems architectures (including security).
Software design: Level 7
This skill is not typically observed or practiced at this level of responsibility and accountability.