CS504 GDB 

Graded Discussion Board (GDB)

Topic for Graded Discussion Board  

User interface details can be part of the SRS document. By adding the GUIs in the functional
specification (FS), requirements can be solidified with respect to scenario contents. SRS
document is also going to be used as the base line for design, user manual, and test planning
among other things. Presence of the user interface (UI) details implies that these activities can
start right after SRS is accepted and signed-off. Emergence of rapid GUI drafting tools has
made the task a lot simpler than it used to be. User displays can help in project planning and
estimation. A user interface might highlight weaknesses in addressing some of the non-
functional requirements (such as usability), which are otherwise very hard to fix later on.

However, if you cannot freeze the RS until UI is complete, requirement development process
takes a longer time. We need to be very careful when we use GUIs to the SRS document. It is a
very common mistake to use UI layouts as substitute of defining the functional requirements.
We must remember that these are supplementary information and cannot replace other
components of the SRS document. Any change in the requirements entails a change in the UI.
If the requirements are not stable, this can mean a lot of rework.

In your opinion, GUIs should be part of SRS document or not. Justify your answer with
very well-defined and sound reasoning in either Yes/No.

Note: Kindly follow the given GDB Pattern

Choose one option from the follwoing:

1. GUI should be part of SRS document.

2. GUI can or cannot be part of SRS document.
3. GUI should not be part of SRS document

Reason: ______________________________________________

GDB Instructions:

1. You need to provide a precise and to-the-point answer in one paragraph (4 to 5 lines).
Irrelevant details will result in negative markings.
2. Material that is copied from the internet or another student will get zero marks.
3. You cannot participate in the discussion after the due date via email.
4. The GDB will open and close on a specified date and time. Please note that  NO grace
day or extra time will be given for posting comments on GDB.
Solution
1. GUI should be part of SRS document.

An SRS (software requirement specification) document is basically a description about the

software system, that is to be used by various users. It also consists of various use case
diagrams that describes the user’s interactions with the software system.
GUI is the combination of both hardware and software. GUI includes screen formats, page
layouts, text button etc. Which helps the application’s users to easily go through the
application.
Without GUI user will face difficulty in accessing different options, that are accessed easily
when good GUI is implemented.
GUI serves as instructions for new users that navigate through the application. An attractive,
simple to use and responsive UI makes the software more popular. In conclusion, GUI helps the
user to interpret and understand the software.