Russell, I think there are several issues w/ the question. 1) software design is a double noun where both nouns can't be defined any further and add value. When reading it people know what software is, and understand that design in its most simple use as "plan" is really enough. 2) many people are actually defining what is GOOD software design. Which is a whole different question. 3) or they are answering what do I do as a software DESIGNER
The context of the story from the candidate implies to me that the real question is "What is good software design here at your company?" B/c quite honestly, what is good software design there is going to be different elsewhere. There is always going to be some outlier situation per Fredrick's comment where the POV of personal practice is going to add a qualifier that doesn't map against someone else's POV of their practice. Or you get so generic that it becomes almost meaningless and useless to define. Now Jared's point is also important: There is now a continuum between software and hardware and services. Taking one & focusing on it today at this high a level means that you are missing too big of the picture, even if you are designing a widget. "Code" since I'm here, I want to take on the use of the word "code". Why? If "design" is the plan and not the actual implementation why is "code" in some people's definition. Can't I create a plan to build something w/o building it. Does an architect weld rivets or do drywall, or plumbing himself? Now I do believe that one can put into a plan the rules to establish what the code should or might be, AND there needs to be a plan for implementing code, but traditionally this has been called Computer Science or Software Engineering in my experience (in terms of practice). Now, my 10 word attempt: Software Design is the plan for implementing the User Interface. Good SD is the above that achieves durability, fit, and desirability. -- dave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=43357 ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
