How do you test and validate software design using code reviews?

1 Design goals

The first thing to review in a code review is whether the design goals of the software are clear and consistent. Design goals are the high-level objectives that guide the choice of design patterns and the structure of the code. For example, some design goals could be performance, security, usability, or extensibility. You should ask yourself and the author of the code if the design goals are aligned with the requirements, the stakeholders, and the context of the software. You should also check if the design goals are documented and communicated to the team.

2 Design patterns

The next thing to review in a code review is whether the design patterns used in the software are appropriate and consistent. Design patterns are not one-size-fits-all solutions; they have trade-offs, benefits, and drawbacks depending on the situation. You should ask yourself and the author of the code if the design patterns chosen are suitable for the design goals, the problem domain, and the technology stack. You should also check if the design patterns are implemented correctly and consistently, following the best practices and conventions.

3 Design principles

The third thing to review in a code review is whether the design principles of the software are followed and enforced. Design principles are general guidelines that help to create good software design using design patterns. For example, some design principles are cohesion, coupling, abstraction, encapsulation, or polymorphism. You should ask yourself and the author of the code if the design principles are applied and respected throughout the code. You should also check if the design principles are violated or compromised for any reason.

4 Design quality

The fourth thing to review in a code review is whether the design quality of the software is high and measurable. Design quality is the degree to which the software design meets the expectations and needs of the users, the developers, and the maintainers. You should ask yourself and the author of the code if the design quality is evaluated and improved using metrics, tests, feedback, or refactoring. You should also check if the design quality is balanced and optimized for the trade-offs and constraints of the software.

5 Design evolution

The fifth thing to review in a code review is whether the design evolution of the software is planned and managed. Design evolution is the process of changing and adapting the software design over time to accommodate new requirements, features, or technologies. You should ask yourself and the author of the code if the design evolution is anticipated and prepared using design patterns that support flexibility, modularity, and extensibility. You should also check if the design evolution is documented and communicated to the team.

6 Design communication

The sixth thing to review in a code review is whether the design communication of the software is effective and clear. Design communication is the way of expressing and sharing the software design using design patterns, diagrams, comments, or documentation. You should ask yourself and the author of the code if the design communication is consistent and understandable for the intended audience, whether it is the team, the users, or the stakeholders. You should also check if the design communication is updated and maintained as the software evolves.