In one embodiment, a method or software development tools are provided which allow customised information systems, for example, accounts receivable or stock control software, to be designed, implemented and maintained in less time than is generally presently required, while still providing a customised information system which conforms to the requirements of an industry, individual or an organisation. The invention also provides a customised information system in which the existing development steps of Analysis, Design, and Coding are transformed into a single Definition step.