Software Design and Architecture The once and future focus of software engineering

The design of software has been a focus of software engineering research since the field\´s beginning. This paper explores key aspects of this research focus and shows why design will remain a principal focus. The intrinsic elements of software design, both process and product, are discussed: concept formation, use of experience, and means for representation, reasoning, and directing the design activity. Design is presented as being an activity engaged by a wide range of stakeholders, acting throughout most of a system\´s lifecycle, making a set of key choices which constitute the application\´s architecture. Directions for design research are outlined, including: (a) drawing lessons, inspiration, and techniques from design fields outside of computer science, (b) emphasizing the design of application "character" (functionality and style) as well as the application\´s structure, and (c) expanding the notion of software to encompass the design of additional kinds of intangible complex artifacts.