Effects of Design Flaws on Software Quality: Case Study Analysis
Software development plays an indispensable role in today's technology-driven world. This rapidly changing and evolving field requires the development of vital software in sectors ranging from business to education, healthcare to entertainment. However, the software development process is not just about writing code. The success of a project is closely related not only to the functioning of the software but also to how effectively and carefully the design phase is conducted. Design flaws can lead to the failure of software projects or the emergence of unexpected problems. In this article, we will focus on design flaws, which are one of the root causes of software errors. Through two case studies, we will demonstrate how design flaws can impact software projects and how these flaws can be addressed. In the first example, we will examine a passenger tracking system developed by an airline company and discuss the impact of design flaws on flights. Then, we will focus on the potential consequences of design flaws on security through a case study of a design flaw in an automobile manufacturer's security system. These examples will be used to emphasize the importance of the design phase in the software development process and to explain how errors made during this phase can be rectified. Good design is fundamental for the functionality, performance, and security of software and should therefore be carefully considered by software developers and designers.
Airline Passenger Tracking System Case Study
In 2023, an airline company decided to develop a new passenger tracking system. The system was designed to facilitate check-in, boarding, and disembarkation procedures for passengers on flights.
Design Flaw:
The system included a warning system to prevent passengers from being late for flights. This system sent a notification to the passenger 15 minutes before the time they needed to check in.
Result:
When the system was first introduced, many passengers were late for their flights. The reason was that the notification took longer than 15 minutes to reach the passengers' mobile phones.
Solution and Evaluation:
Research conducted after the incident revealed a design flaw in the notification system. The system used the company's existing messaging system to send notifications, which did not guarantee the timely delivery of messages. Following the incident, the notification system was redesigned. The new system used a third-party service to send notifications, which guaranteed the timely delivery of messages. This incident is an example of how design flaws can lead to software errors. Errors made during the design phase can negatively affect the functionality and performance of software.
Lessons learned from this incident include:
● The design phase is one of the most critical stages of the software development process.
● All requirements and limitations of the software must be taken into account during the design phase.
● Necessary measures should be taken during the design phase to protect the software from errors.
Automobile Security System Case Study
In 2017, an automobile manufacturer decided to develop a new security system. The system included a warning system to alert the driver when the vehicle began to veer off the road.
Design Flaw:
The system monitored the vehicle's lateral movement to detect when the vehicle was veering off the road. However, the system issued false alarms when the vehicle was making sharp turns.
Result:
When the system was first introduced, many drivers became anxious due to false alarms. Some drivers ignored the false alarms, leading to accidents.
Solution and Evaluation:
Research conducted after the incident revealed a design flaw in the system. The system used an inadequate sensor to measure the vehicle's lateral movement. Following the incident, the system was redesigned. The new system used a more precise sensor to measure the vehicle's lateral movement, significantly reducing the number of false alarms. This incident is another example of how design flaws can lead to software errors. Errors made during the design phase can also negatively affect software security.
Lessons learned from this incident include:
● All requirements and limitations of the software must be taken into account during the design phase.
● Necessary measures should be taken during the design phase to ensure the security of the software.
Conclusion: The Importance of Design Flaws and Software Development
In this article, we examined two case studies that demonstrate how design flaws can play a critical role in software projects: the Airline Passenger Tracking System and the Automobile Security System. In the first example, an airline company designed a warning system to protect passengers from being late for flights. However, a design flaw in the notification system resulted in many passengers being late for their flights. The problem stemmed from deficiencies in the design of the notification system. However, the issue was resolved with corrections made after the incident.
In the second example, an automobile manufacturer designed a warning system to enhance driver safety. However, the system issued false alarms due to a design flaw in the sensor used to monitor the vehicle's lateral movement. After the redesign, the security system became more reliable.
These examples demonstrate that design flaws can have serious consequences in software projects. It is clear that the design phase is one of the most critical stages of the software development process. Considering all requirements and limitations during the design phase is essential to ensure the functionality, performance, and security of software.
In conclusion, software developers and designers must be careful and meticulous during the design phase. Design flaws are one of the most common causes of software errors, and correcting these flaws can be time-consuming and costly. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the design process to prevent errors and successfully complete software projects.
Author: Fatih M. Harmancı
