3.1 The Interface Design Description (IDD) describes the interface characteristics of one or more systems, subsystems, Hardware Configuration Items (HWCIs), Computer Software Configuration Items (CSCIs), manual operations, or other system components. An IDD may describe any number of interfaces. 3.2 The IDD can be used to supplement the System/Subsystem Design Description (SSDD) (DI-IPSC-81432), Software Design Description (SDD) (DI-IPSC-81435), and Database Design Description (DBDD) (DI-IPSC-81437). The IDD and its companion Interface Requirements Specification (IRS) (DI-IPSC-81434) serve to communicate and control interface design decisions. 7.1 This Data Item Description (DID) contains the format and content preparation instructions for the data product generated by specific and discrete task requirements as delineated in the contract. 7.2 This DID is used when the developer is tasked to define and record the interface design of one or more systems, subsystems, HWCIs, CSCIs, manual operations, or other system components. 7.3 The IRS specifies interface requirements; the IDD describes interface characteristics selected to meet those requirements. The IDD may reference the IRS to avoid repeating information. The IDD can be used to supplement the SSDD, SDD, or DBDD. 7.4 The Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) (DD 1423) should specify whether deliverable data are to be delivered on paper or electronic media; are to be in a given electronic form (such as ASCII, CALS, or compatible with a specified word processor or other support software); may be delivered in developer format rather than in the format specified herein; and may reside in a computer-aided software engineering (CASE) or other automated tool rather than in the form of a traditional document. 7.5 This DID supersedes DI-MCCR-80027A.