Unit 12 Software Development

Assignment 2 – Design a
Program

Bianca Prisacariu
 2B.P2) Describe the purpose and user
requirements for the software program
Purpose of the program
• The purpose of the currency converter program is to convert different currencies based
on a given exchange rate to help the local travel company. The programming language
used will be Visual Basic and it will meet all the requirements the company needs.
User requirements of the program
• The user requirements of the currency converter program would typically include the
ability to input a specific amount of one currency and convert it to another currency. The
program should also be easy to use and provide accurate exchange rate.
• The program must have all currencies listed to meet client needs.
• The program must be able to convert from pound to each of the currencies.
 2B.P3) Produce a design
for a program, including: - A problem definition statement
- A proposed solution
- A test plan
 Problem Statement
• What is the problem scenario?
Steve’s Travels needs a program that converts different currencies based on a given exchange
rate.
• Who has the problem?
The local Travel company called Steve’s Travels.
• Who is the client and customer for this scenario?
The client and the customer for this scenario are the local people and people who need to
use the exchange rate program.
• Who will require the solution?
The software development company that will create the program.
Proposed solution
• How will you solve the problem?
• Consider design and planning
- The plan will be developed in Visual Basic, starting by creating a form, adding the
codes and using the programming tools.
• Programming language
- The programming language used will be Visual Basic
• Programming characteristics to be used
- “If” statements
• What will it be released as? Executable?
-Executable
Screen layout
• mock-up of my program
Data Dictionary
• Screen print the data dictionary in here
Written Algorithm
1. Input Amount
2. Input currency
3. Click button
4. Output amount to pay
Test Plan
• Screen print the test plan in here
 2B.M2) Produce a
detailed design for a •- Alternative solutions
program, including: - A detailed proposed solution using a range of design tools
- Test data
Alternative Solutions
• Alternative solution 1
• With this solution I would change the interface. I would also make the navigation easier, by adding more
tools such as menu strips or linked forms, again to improve the usability of the program, as it would be more
helpful to the user because there is more help. I would also change the size of the font and the style, as the
one I originally decided to use wasn’t the best for readability. Also, it may not be big enough for people with
eyesight problems.

• Alternative solution 2
• For this design I would alter the input method, by perhaps using a drop-down menu or check box, as this would
make it even easier for the user to use as they wouldn’t have to input as much data, because there would be
options available. Functionality – the usability Is the writing clear and readable, also the colours are suitable. The
user should be able to read the labels and writing easily.
Flow Chart
2B.D2) Justify the
design decisions, • how they will fulfil the stated purpose
including: and user requirements
• any design constraints
Justification - Purpose
• The objective was to create a currency converter for a local travel company. The design brief outlined
that it needed to be able to take a sum in pounds Stirling and to be able to convert it to an amount in
another currency. The user should be able to see and alter the exchange rate and the amount entered
in the initial currency. The initial amount and the exchange rate would be multiplied together to
generate a result at the end. This number will be the amount of money that person has in the other
currency. My design decisions were in favour of a simple and effective design.
Justification – User Requirements
• The program allows for the inspection and modification of exchange rates so that the user can modify
exactly what numbers they desire. This meets user requirements, and the brief states that there needs
to exist and ability for the user to view and edit the exchange rate and the initial amount placed in an
input label. Overall, this design meets the user requirements by providing a software program that can
convert different currencies based on a given exchange rate. The program is designed to be intuitive
and user-friendly, with a simple and easy-to use-interface.
 Design Constraints
• Look at your proposed solution and examine any design constraints. What is limiting
you or stopping you from designing the application the way you really want to?
• Design constraints were mainly timely. There was not enough time to formulate
extremely complicated ideas and plans, simply because there was not the time to build
on elaborate designs. On top of this, another factor which prevented more complex
designs was knowledge constraints about coding (e.g., real-time exchange rate changes).
Rejection of alternative solutions
• Explain why the alternative solutions mentioned in 2B.M2 have been rejected.
• I’ve rejected the alternative ideas because I consider that the current program is well
designed and meets all the user requirements. The final currency converter program is
easy to use, has all currencies listed and is able to convert from pound to each of the
currencies.