RO50 - DESIGN TOOLS - OCR ICT
FLOWCHARTS
What are flow charts?
A diagram that shows a set of instructions to perform a certain task giving you decisions.
Below I have created a flow chart about the processes of making tea, including certain
decisions.
KEYWORDS:
■ process/command (rectangle)
■ input/output(slanted rectangles)
■ decision(diamond)
■ directional arrow (Arrow)
■ start/end (rounded edges)
■ connectors (circles)
Advantages
■ Analysis becomes effective
■ No specialists project-planning knowledge required to understand flow
chart
■ Easier to spot inconsistencies/ easier to debug
■ Useful for simple projects with few decision
Disadvantages
, ■ Time consuming
■ Difficult to understand for those who don't know symbols
■ Does not show time allocated for each task
■ Tasks shown sequentially so does not show concurrent tasks
Exam style questions
What is the purpose of connecting arrows on a flow chart? [marks 2]
This indicates what order and flow the instructions are going.
A flow chart is not suitable for a large project. Please explain why. [2 marks]
In a large project, many decisions are required therefore it will be more time
consuming to create as well as more difficult to understand as it will go into many
branches therefore it would defeat the purpose of flow charts.
MIND MAPS
What are mind maps?
■ A mind map is based around a central theme (the central node)
and has branches to nodes sub-nodes for the different aspects of the theme.
■ Mind maps are also known as spider diagrams.
■ The purpose of a mind map is to generate outline ideas or to present ideas to an
audience.
■ They can be used to develop and show links between different thoughts, aspects and
processes of a project.
■ They are also used to provide an overview, or summary, of a topic or idea.
Library Mind Map
This is used to present a visually organised set of information, to get a more intricate amount
of knowledge about the centeralised topic. It lays out information so it is easier to understand
every aspect of the main topic by breaking them down into relating ideas.
FLOWCHARTS
What are flow charts?
A diagram that shows a set of instructions to perform a certain task giving you decisions.
Below I have created a flow chart about the processes of making tea, including certain
decisions.
KEYWORDS:
■ process/command (rectangle)
■ input/output(slanted rectangles)
■ decision(diamond)
■ directional arrow (Arrow)
■ start/end (rounded edges)
■ connectors (circles)
Advantages
■ Analysis becomes effective
■ No specialists project-planning knowledge required to understand flow
chart
■ Easier to spot inconsistencies/ easier to debug
■ Useful for simple projects with few decision
Disadvantages
, ■ Time consuming
■ Difficult to understand for those who don't know symbols
■ Does not show time allocated for each task
■ Tasks shown sequentially so does not show concurrent tasks
Exam style questions
What is the purpose of connecting arrows on a flow chart? [marks 2]
This indicates what order and flow the instructions are going.
A flow chart is not suitable for a large project. Please explain why. [2 marks]
In a large project, many decisions are required therefore it will be more time
consuming to create as well as more difficult to understand as it will go into many
branches therefore it would defeat the purpose of flow charts.
MIND MAPS
What are mind maps?
■ A mind map is based around a central theme (the central node)
and has branches to nodes sub-nodes for the different aspects of the theme.
■ Mind maps are also known as spider diagrams.
■ The purpose of a mind map is to generate outline ideas or to present ideas to an
audience.
■ They can be used to develop and show links between different thoughts, aspects and
processes of a project.
■ They are also used to provide an overview, or summary, of a topic or idea.
Library Mind Map
This is used to present a visually organised set of information, to get a more intricate amount
of knowledge about the centeralised topic. It lays out information so it is easier to understand
every aspect of the main topic by breaking them down into relating ideas.
