← VCE Data Analysis

Listing requirements and constraints for a problem

A list that sorts what a solution must do (requirements) from the limits it must work within (constraints), for one problem. Each item should be clear and testable.

Part of: VCE Applied Computing - U1O1 - Data analysis — Module 69, VCE Software Development - U3O1 - Programming — Module 6, VCE Software Development - U3O2 - Analysis and Design — Module 38, VCE Data Analytics - U3O1 - Data Analytics — Module 7, VCE Data Analytics - U3O2 - Analysis and Design — Module 25, 7-8 Digital Technologies: Defining and decomposing problems — Module 12, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 1 — Understanding Digital Problems — Module 42, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 2 — Data-Driven Problems and Solution Requirements — Module 35, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 3 — Real-World Problems and Solution Requirements — Module 18, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 4 — Complex Digital Data Exchange Problems and Solution Requirements — Module 12

Understanding Listing requirements and constraints for a problem in VCE Data Analysis

What it does: The list is for one problem and separates what the solution must do (requirements) from the limits it works within (constraints). The item has a measurable check (3 seconds), so you can test whether the solution meets it. You can time 2 seconds and check it. Words like 'really fast' and 'nice' mean different things to different people, so they can't be tested. Running on old laptops is a limit on the solution. Showing a score is something the game must do, so it is a requirement. Fun is vague. Adding a measurable check makes the statement clear and testable.

Common mistakes: A budget is a limit the solution must work within, so it is a constraint. It should be 'Constraint: Budget is $500'. 'Some time' cannot be tested. A clear requirement gives a time you can check, such as 'Requirement: Ring at 9:00am'.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 68–80) and word search (Modules 56–80).

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Learning
Duo
A school canteen app needs to let students order lunch. Is "Students can choose items and place an order" a requirement or a constraint?
A constraint, because it says what the app must doA requirement, because it says what the app must do
Matches
Constraints: add a task, delete a task, set reminders
↓
These are things the solution must do, so they are requirements, not constraints. Constraints are limits such as budget, time or device.
Applying
Meanings
Term
requirements list
Meaning
A list that sorts what a solution must do (requirements) from the limits it must work within (constraints), for one problem. Each item should be clear and testable.
Practice
Problem: Order lunch from the canteen app
Testing
Gaps
: The app must save the score
Check Answer
Spots
2Requirement: Pick a lunch
3Requirement: Budget is $500

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Quick Questions

1. A school canteen app needs to let students order lunch. Is "Students can choose items and place an order" a requirement or a constraint?
A. A requirement, because it says what the app must do ✓
B. A constraint, because it says what the app must do
Requirements describe what the solution must do. Placing an order is a job the app has to perform.
2. The canteen app project has a budget of $200 and must be finished by Term 3. Which label fits these statements?
A. Constraints, because they are limits the solution must work within ✓
B. Requirements, because they are limits the solution must work within
Budget and deadline are limits on how the solution can be made. That makes them constraints.
3. Which requirement is clear and testable?
A. The app should be really fast and nice to use
B. The app shows the total price within 2 seconds of choosing items ✓
You can time 2 seconds and check it. Words like 'really fast' and 'nice' mean different things to different people, so they can't be tested.
4. True or false: A requirements list should sort what the solution must do from the limits it must work within.
A. False
B. True ✓
A good list separates requirements (what it must do) from constraints (the limits), all for one defined problem.
5. A team is building a quiz game for Year 7 maths. Which item is a constraint?
A. It must run on the school's old laptops ✓
B. It must show a score after each quiz
Running on old laptops is a limit on the solution. Showing a score is something the game must do, so it is a requirement.

Match the Pairs

Requirement: The app must let a student add a homework task → A statement of something the solution must do for the user
Constraint: The app must work on school tablets → A limit the solution has to work within
A requirements list sorts items under two headings for one defined problem → Problem: Help students track homework Requirements: add a task, mark it done Constraints: free to use, works on tablets
Each item should be clear and testable so you can check it is met → Requirement: The app shows tasks due today in under 3 seconds
Constraints: add a task, delete a task, set reminders → These are things the solution must do, so they are requirements, not constraints. Constraints are limits such as budget, time or device.
Requirement: The app should be easy and fun → This is vague and cannot be tested. 'Easy' and 'fun' mean different things to different people.

Key Term

requirements list
A list that sorts what a solution must do (requirements) from the limits it must work within (constraints), for one problem. Each item should be clear and testable.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Requirement: The app must save the score
Hint: Type the label for something the solution must do.
2. Problem: Make a school club website Constraint: Must be finished in 2 weeks
Hint: Type the label for a limit the solution must work within.
3. Requirement: The app must show due dates
Hint: Type the word that shows the solution has to do this.
4. Vague: The app should be fast Testable: Loads in under 3 seconds
Hint: Type the word for a statement you can check with a pass or fail result.
5. Problem: Students cannot find library books Requirement: Search books by title Constraint: Must run on school laptops
Hint: Type the label that names the one defined issue the list is about.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Problem: Canteen order app
B Requirement: Pick a lunch
C Requirement: Budget is $500
D Requirement: Show the total
Line C — A budget is a limit the solution must work within, so it is a constraint. It should be 'Constraint: Budget is $500'.
Question 2
A Problem: School bell alarm
B Requirement: Show the time
C Requirement: Ring at some time
D Constraint: Use a $20 board
Line C — 'Some time' cannot be tested. A clear requirement gives a time you can check, such as 'Requirement: Ring at 9:00am'.
Question 3
A Problem: Class quiz website
B Requirement: Show 10 questions
C Requirement: Save each score
D Constraint: Should not be slow
Line D — 'Not slow' is vague and cannot be tested. A testable constraint gives a measure, such as 'Loads in 3 seconds'.
Question 4
A Problem: Sports day results
B Requirement: Enter each time
C Constraint: Finish by Friday
D Constraint: Rank the winners
Line D — Ranking the winners is something the solution must do, so it is a requirement. It should start with 'Requirement:'.
Question 5
A Problem: Contacts app
B Requirement: Add, edit, share
C Constraint: Uses under 50MB
Line B — This line bundles three different things into one item, so one check cannot test it. Each item should be one clear, testable thing, like 'Add a contact'.

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