Software design methods

The purpose of a design method is to provide the framework that enables the designer to develop the design in a systematic manner [Budgen2003]. Design methods consist of

1. A representation part that provides descriptive forms of models of the problem and its solutions.
2. A process part that describes how to transform the models. Each transformation takes a model as input and outputs another model, with the designer adding information. A transformation may keep the descriptive form of the model the same (elaboration) or change or reinterpret it (transformation of viewpoint). Each transformation is a design decision that the designer should record.
3. Heuristics that provide guidance on how to execute the process part for specific classes of problems.

Most design methods lack a strong theoretical underpinning and are empirical in nature. They usually provide strategic guidance, rather than detailed instructions.