Role of functional and non-functional requirements in frontend system design interviews
In frontend system design interviews, understanding both functional and non-functional requirements is crucial for designing an effective and successful application. Here's how each type of requirement plays a role:
Functional Requirements:
1. Defining User Expectations:
- User Stories: Functional requirements help in creating user stories that outline the specific features and functionalities users expect from the application.
2. Guiding Design Choices:
- UI/UX Design: Functional requirements drive the design of the user interface and user experience. They specify what elements, controls, and interactions should be present.
3. Implementing Core Features:
- Feature Prioritization: Functional requirements prioritize which features are essential and should be implemented first.
4. Enabling Interactivity:
- Client-Side Functionality: Functional requirements specify the client-side behaviours and interactions that need to be supported.
5. Use Case Scenarios:
- Scenario-Based Testing: Functional requirements provide the basis for creating use case scenarios for testing and validation.
Non-Functional Requirements:
1. Performance Expectations:
- Page Load Times: Non-functional requirements define expectations for how quickly pages should load, which influences frontend optimization strategies.
2. Scalability and Capacity:
- Handling Concurrent Users: Non-functional requirements outline how well the frontend should scale to accommodate a specific number of concurrent users.
3. Accessibility and Inclusivity:
- Compliance with Accessibility Standards: Non-functional requirements ensure that the frontend is accessible to users with disabilities and follows established accessibility guidelines.
4. Security Considerations:
- Data Encryption: Non-functional requirements address how sensitive data is handled, including encryption requirements for data in transit and at rest.
5. Browser Compatibility:
- Cross-Browser Compatibility: Non-functional requirements specify which browsers the frontend should support, ensuring a consistent experience for all users.
- Responsiveness: This specifies the different resolutions or devices the website should support.
6. Compliance and Standards:
- Regulatory Compliance: Non-functional requirements may dictate compliance with industry or legal standards, such as GDPR for data privacy.
7. Scalability and Performance Testing:
- Load Testing: Non-functional requirements drive the need for load testing to ensure the frontend can handle expected traffic volumes.
8. Error Handling and Logging:
- Logging and Reporting: Non-functional requirements dictate how errors and exceptions should be logged, monitored, and reported.
9. Maintainability and Extensibility:
- Code Maintainability: Non-functional requirements guide decisions related to code structure, documentation, and architecture to ensure long-term maintainability.
10. Cost Considerations:
- Resource Utilization: Non-functional requirements may include constraints on the resources (e.g., memory, CPU) the frontend can consume.
Conclusion
Understanding and addressing both functional and non-functional requirements during frontend system design interviews demonstrates a holistic approach to building robust and user-friendly applications. It shows that you are not only focused on features but also on performance, security, and the overall user experience.
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