Design concepts
In the design phase, we should consider the data model that we are going to use even before starting any development activities. This is part of the planning and design phases of the Universe development life cycle that we already discussed in detail in Chapter 6, Testing Your Universe. In the design phase, we should define the required database tables and the relationship (joins) between them. Then, the design becomes input for a Data Foundation developer who will be in charge of implementing it. A good design needs a good vision, and we should consider business requirements at this stage as well. It is not a right approach to create a new Data Foundation layer, start adding tables from scratch, and then start inserting new joins between them even if we have the right level of experience to do this. It is always important to take time to talk with the business, to understand their needs and the link between the entities (business rules). This will save time in the future...