Overview

For this project, you will work out a design idea for a web application, which may be based on what you did for the first assignment. In addition, you will develop abstract specifications for what the application should do and present a tentative plan for developing it.

The document you create will be shared with the rest of the class. It may be selected for the team projects in the second half of the course.

Minimum Requirements for the Website

1. Data models. The website should have a minimum of three data models (corresponding to three database table). One table should consist of users and be used for authentication.
2. Authentication. User authentication should involve at least two levels of authorization (e.g. regular user and administrator). Alternatively, some pages should be restricted to certain users.
3. Data creation and display. The website should support appropriate user operations for creating, displaying, updating and deleting content.

Idea generation

Definitely take some time to brainstorm on ideas for your web application. You may use the scaffolded application from your first project as a starting point, but you are strongly encouraged to discuss your project with others, which should include interviewing potential users of your application.

Document

The design and specification document should have the following contents at minimum:

• Overview. Present the overall idea of your proposed web site. Include major tasks that it will support.
• Use scenarios. Write out a series of task scenarios for presenting what the application should do. The scenario should be presented in terms of users completing their tasks. We will review examples in class.
• Data models and relationships. Specify the database tables that will be needed for the application. Note relationships between the tables.
• Views and their main operations. List the views needed to cover the scenarios. Associate the views with controller operations. Screenshots are not needed.
• Developer roles and plan. Provide a tentative plan for developing your proposed web application over a period of 4 weeks. Include development goals for a preliminary milestone after 2 weeks. Incorporate roles of team members, which might include:
  • Project manager
  • Data model designer
  • Controller developer
  • Front-end designer (use of HTML and CSS)
  • Functionality and usability tester
  • Content writer

Submission

The design document should use a common presentation format, ideally PDF. Submit the file using the online submission site.

Grading

This project is worth 30 points and will be reviewed using the following criteria:

• Clarity. The document clearly presents the design and needed specifications with minimal effort.
• Coverage. The document covers the required components for the assignment.
• Terminology. The document uses correct and effective terminology for presenting the design in terms of web architecture.