Tools appropriate to the system design phase: Which of the following is NOT typically considered a system design tool?

Introduction / Context:
During system design, analysts use formal artifacts to specify processes, data, decisions, and control flow. Recognizing which tools belong in the design toolkit prevents miscommunication and keeps specifications actionable for developers and testers.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We focus on tools that express logic, data movement, and system structure.
• The list includes common analysis/design artifacts and one distractor for general visualization.
• We must pick the item that does not serve system design needs.

Concept / Approach:
Data-Flow Diagrams model processes and data stores/flows. Decision Tables formalize complex business rules. System Flowcharts portray processing steps and control across components. A pie chart shows proportions in data analytics; it does not capture logic, flow, or design specifics, thus it is not a design-phase tool.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
SDLC curricula and modeling standards consistently teach DFDs, decision tables, and flowcharts for design; pie charts are taught in reporting/BI contexts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They are legitimate design/specification tools widely used to capture system logic and flows.

Common Pitfalls:
Using presentation visuals in place of formal specifications; under-specifying decisions that need tabular rule representation.

Final Answer:
Pie chart