1. Making a great Project 2 OCR 1994/2360

2. Design Some candidates dive in, make a database or spreadsheet, then try and make a design afterwards. This won’t work. It’s too obvious. Take care to plan it all out FIRST!

3. Design 1 – data structure A data structure explains how the data is related. Whether you use a database or a spreadsheet, every record is divided into fields. You should be able to decide on a title, data type, and length for each field. For detailed advice on spreadsheet design click here

4. Design 1 – data structure Set your data structure out in a table. Now make an alternative design – perhaps some fields are missing, or are not needed, or you could divide one field into two or more. Both the designs must do the job! Never set out to make a “bad” design!

5. Design 1 – data structure Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each table. Now choose one of them and say why it is best for the job.

6. Design 2 – input formats In a well-designed database, the end user should NEVER see the data table. You should use forms to access the data. The forms will be used to enter new data and amend existing data.

7. Design 2 – input formats Design a suitable layout for the data form. DO THIS ON PAPER OR IN A GRAPHICS PROGRAM – never in the database itself. Make sure it has all the fields that are on your chosen data structure. Now design an alternative layout for the form – perhaps the fields could be laid out differently.

8. Design 2 – input formats You don’t have to use a relational database (ie one with more than one data table). But if you do, you must design input forms for every table.

9. Design 2 – input formats Once again, describe the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Choose which one you will use. Give reasons why it is the best one for the job.

10. Design 2 – input formats It is a good idea to link your forms and outputs with a main user screen or switchboard. You can use buttons on the switchboard to open forms, reports, and letters. Design a switchboard. Design an alternative. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Choose which one you will use. Say why.

11. Design 3 – output formats Most outputs will be the results of searches or queries. Your User Requirements should tell you what the user wants to be able to search for. Start by listing the queries that will be needed.

12. Design 3 – output formats In a well-designed database, the end user should never see the queries. They will either see a report, intended for print, or a screen form. If several searches could be carried out on the same field, you could use a parameter query.

13. Design 3 – output formats Produce a design for each query output – make it clear whether it is a screen form or a print report. (Remember, not using the database software itself!) Produce an alternative design for each one. You should also design the layout of any mailmerged letters here.

14. Design 3 – output formats Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each output layout Choose the ones you will use. Say why they are the best for the job.

15. Design 4 – hardware & software Here you get to say what equipment you need. Research possible computer systems. Make sure they are suitable for the job. DO NOT get too technical – you should understand the specification. Consider peripherals which might be needed, such as printers.

16. Design 4 – hardware & software List just two suitable hardware specifications. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Say why you have made your choice.

17. Design 4 – hardware & software Now research suitable software. Normally you will require database software. You should compare at least two data- handling programs and their ability to do the job. You might also need a wordprocessor or DTP.

18. Design 4 – hardware & software Don’t waste time comparing operating systems – different versions of Windows or Linux or MacOS are not relevant. Don’t waste time on incidental software like antivirus or firewalls. Don’t waste time comparing different versions of a program or package, eg MS Office.

19. Design 4 – hardware & software Give the advantages and disadvantages of the software you have compared. Make a choice and give valid reasons for your choice. Remember your reasons must be relevant to the problem and your user’s requirements.

20. Design complete… That’s it! You should now have a suitable design for a solution to the problem. Your next step will be to carry out your design.