Identifying Inputs and Outputs

2.1.2 Thinking ahead · Paper 2 · 3 flashcards · 4 questions

Definition

When designing a solution to a problem, it is crucial to think ahead about the inputs (data provided to the system) and outputs (results produced by the system) required for the program to function correctly.

Understanding Inputs and Outputs

Key Point

Category	What it means	Key design checks
Inputs	Data provided to the system for processing	Data type, format/order, validation rules
Outputs	Results produced after processing	Clarity, destination (screen/file/device), usefulness

Worked Example

Worked Example: ATM System

Inputs	Purpose
transactionType	Deposit / balance check / withdrawal selection
cardDetails	Identify account via card reader
pin	Authenticate user
amount	Amount to deposit or withdraw

Outputs	Purpose
displayBalance	Show account balance on screen
dispenseCash	Provide physical cash
printReceipt	Provide transaction record
audioFeedback	Accessibility and confirmation prompts

Why this matters: planning inputs/outputs early prevents security gaps (e.g., no PIN validation) and usability gaps (e.g., no clear confirmation output).

Exam questions on Identify the Inputs and Outputs for a Given Situation

4 OCR past paper questions (12 marks) with mark schemes

Question 1H446/02 · June 20244 marks
A group of students are designing a racing car game. The game will allow players to enter their name and then a choice of vehicle. They will then race against other vehicles that will be controlled by the program. Players will use the arrow keys to control their vehicle. The students are identifying the inputs and outputs for the game. Complete the table by identifying two inputs and two outputs for the game.
Input 1
Input 2
Output 1
Output 2
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Inputs: Arrow key presses / Player name / Vehicle selection / Accelerate/brake input Outputs: Graphics display / Sound effects / Score / Vehicle position / Collision feedback (4 marks - 1 per valid input/output)
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/ 4
Question 2H446/02 · June 20233 marks
A program is being designed that will allow a user to log into an account on a website using a username and password. Identify two possible inputs and one output this program will need.
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Inputs: Username, Password, Login button click, Remember me checkbox Output: Success/failure message, Redirect to homepage, Error message, Session token (3 marks - 2 for inputs, 1 for output)
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/ 3
Question 3H446/022 marks
Taylor is designing a program to simulate earthquakes on major cities in 3D. Identify two different inputs for this program.
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City selection / Earthquake magnitude / Simulation stage selection / Speed setting / Time period / Building data (2 marks - 1 per valid input)
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Question 4H446/023 marks
A car racing team uses a car simulator to test their drivers. Identify three inputs that will be required to configure the initial conditions for running the simulation.
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Track selection / Car model / Weather conditions / Starting position / Fuel level / Tyre type / Driver profile / Time of day (3 marks - 1 per valid input)
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/ 3