Which term describes a high-level overview of how a system is designed to operate?

The term that describes a high-level overview of how a system is designed to operate is the conceptual model. A conceptual model serves as an abstract representation of the system, illustrating how the various elements interact and the overall functionality without getting into the technical specifics of implementation. It helps users and stakeholders understand the system's purpose, capabilities, and constraints in a simplified manner. By framing complex ideas into more digestible concepts, it's easier to communicate the core logic and intent behind system operations.

In contrast, the other terms focus on different aspects. The user interface refers specifically to the point of interaction between the user and the system, emphasizing design elements such as buttons, menus, and visual layout. Functional specification details the specific functionalities and requirements of the system, focusing on what the system must accomplish rather than providing a high-level view. System architecture relates more to the structural design of the system in terms of its components and how they are organized, rather than conveying the overarching concept of operation. Thus, the conceptual model captures the essence of how the system is intended to function in a broad, user-friendly way.