System and Software Design: System/Subsystem Design Description (SSDD)

The System/Subsystem Design Description (SSDD) describes the system- or subsystem-wide design and the architectural design of a system or subsystem. The SSDD may be supplemented by Interface Design Descriptions (IDDs) (DI-1PSC-81436A) and Database Design Descriptions (DBDDs) (DI-IPSC-81437A) as described below.

The SSDD, with it associated IDDs and DBDDs, is used as the basis for further system development. Throughout this Data Item Description (DID), the term “system” may be interpreted to mean “subsystem” as applicable. The resulting document should be titled System Design Description or Subsystem Design Description (SSDD).

This DID contains the format and content preparation instructions for the data product generated by specific and discrete task requirements as delineated in the contract.

This DID is used when the developer is tasked to define and record the design of a system or subsystem.

Design pertaining to interfaces may be presented in the SSDD or in IDDs. Design pertaining to databases may be presented in the SSDD or DBDDs.

The Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLXDD 1423) will specify whether deliverable data are to be delivered on paper or electronic media; are to be in a given electronic form (such as ASCII, CALS, or compatible with a specified word processor or other support software); may be delivered in developer format rather than in the format specified herein; and may reside in a computer-aided software engineering (CASE) or other automated tool rather than in the form of a traditional document.