Software Engineering › Key terms › Diagrams and tools › Storyboard
Storyboard
Diagram Diagrams and tools
Definition
Shows the screens of an interface and the links (navigation) between them.
Example: Home page links to Menu and Contact pages.
Found in: syllabus, course specifications, school notes, past SDD papers.
Where it is used in the test
Syllabus area: Diagrams and tools.
Question types it can appear in
- Drawing: Draw a storyboard
- Short answer: Define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Where it has appeared in the paper
The Software Engineering Project (Part D). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.
Related past questions
- 2023 Software Design and Development HSC Q30 (3 marks): Algorithm design (menu) The Software Engineering Project (Part D) · 3 marks · old syllabus
These are the questions the flashcard set links to this term. Open each one and compare your answer with its marking criteria.
Study links
- Flashcard: Storyboard in Diagrams and Modelling Tools (Years 11 and 12) · study that set
- Memorise: Drawing rules: DFD, structure chart, storyboard, decision tree, class diagram, ERD
- Notes: Interpret and apply fundamental software development steps to develop secure code,… (Secure Software Architecture (Year 12))
- Notes: Modelling tools: DFD, structure charts, storyboards, flowcharts, class diagrams (The Software Engineering Project (Year 12))
- Notes: Explore tools used to develop ideas and generate solutions, including brainstorming,… (The Software Engineering Project (Year 12))
- Notes: Drawing rules: DFD, structure chart, storyboard, decision tree, class diagram, ERD (Pseudocode, flowcharts and diagram rules)
How to use it in an answer
A model sentence
Diagram: “Shows the screens of an interface and the links (navigation) between them.” Then apply it: Home page links to Menu and Contact pages.
In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.
Command words used with it
No linked question shows the command word for this term. Across the past drawing and short answer questions in this bank the words used most are: Explain, Outline, Describe, Compare, Classify, Analyse. Check the actual word in your question.
Technique for the question types
- Drawing: Use the online drawing tool: label every symbol and arrow, use the correct symbols from the specification, and add every required item.
- Short answer: One clear point per mark, use the stimulus and course terms, and answer the command word.
What the marking guidelines and feedback say
Old-syllabus question. Use for practice on the overlapping skill only. The new Software Engineering exam does not use the old SDD terms (e.g. CASE tools, system flowcharts, EBNF, assembly).
Common mistakes
- Drawing questions (2025 HSC exam Q22): refine attributes into separate inherited classes; use appropriate class diagram symbols.
- Use the term exactly as the syllabus words it, then link it to the scenario in the question; the 2025 feedback repeatedly rewards using the stimulus.
- Answer the command word: outline gives main points only, explain gives a reason or cause, discuss gives both sides.
Related terms
Same group in the syllabus: Class diagram · Class diagram inheritance and multiplicity · Entity relationship diagram (ERD) · Decision tree · Data dictionary · Gantt chart · Process diary (log book) · Wiring diagram · Flowchart · Mainline and subroutines (algorithms)