Non-Safety Critical Systems
Non-safety critical systems are software or hardware systems where failures do not pose a direct risk to human life, health, or the environment. These systems prioritize functionality, performance, and cost-effectiveness over stringent safety requirements, and failures typically result in inconvenience, financial loss, or reduced service quality rather than catastrophic outcomes. Examples include consumer electronics, general business applications, and entertainment software.
Developers should understand this concept to appropriately apply development practices, testing rigor, and regulatory compliance based on system criticality. It is essential for risk assessment, resource allocation, and choosing between agile development for rapid iteration versus more formal methods required for safety-critical systems. Use cases include building e-commerce platforms, social media apps, or internal tools where failures are tolerable and can be quickly fixed.