What do the terms 'input' and 'output' refer to in systems design?

In systems design, the terms 'input' and 'output' are fundamental concepts that describe the flow of data within the system. When we refer to 'input,' we mean the data that is fed into the system for processing. This can include various forms of information, such as raw data entered by users, data collected from sensors, or data retrieved from other systems. Inputs are essential because they provide the raw material that the system will use to generate useful information.

The correct option identifies 'input' as the data entering the system, which is accurately conveying the essence of how systems receive information that they will later transform or manipulate. This processing results in 'output,' which is the information generated by the system after it has processed the input.

The other options misrepresent these concepts. For example, identifying input as processed data or output as data entering the system does not align with the standard definitions used in systems analysis and design. Understanding the distinction between input and output is crucial for grasping how systems operate and how they transform data from one state to another.