Documentation of AI System Design and Development
Organisations must document AI system design and development in line with objectives and specific requirements.
Plain language
This control means you need to keep clear notes on how your AI was designed and created so it meets your organisation's goals. For example, if your AI makes wrong product recommendations because the design was flawed, good documentation helps find and fix the problem quickly, preventing upset customers and lost sales.
Framework
ISO/IEC 42001:2023
Control effect
Preventative
Classifications
N/A
Official last update
01 Dec 2023
Control Stack last updated
19 May 2026
Maturity levels
N/A
Official control statement
The organisation shall document the AI system design and development based on organisational objectives, documented requirements and specification criteria.
Why it matters
If documentation is inadequate, issues in the AI's design may go unnoticed, leading to incorrect behaviour such as providing misleading product recommendations, impacting customer trust and sales.
Operational notes
Keep design and development records up-to-date and accessible so they can be reviewed whenever system changes occur or issues arise.
Implementation tips
- The AI lead should keep a detailed record of every stage of the AI's design process, covering how decisions were made and why. It's like keeping a recipe that shows how each choice supports your company's needs, so any issues traced back to the design can be understood and resolved.
- Data stewards need to document the datasets used for training the AI, including where the data came from and any changes it went through (data provenance). This helps ensure the AI behaves as expected and makes accurate decisions.
- Product owners should meet with the AI lead regularly to ensure the AI development aligns with the product's goals. A simple checklist comparing AI features to product requirements can help spot when something’s not matching up before it's too late.
- Procurement should require that any partner contributing to AI development also documents their input in detail. Adding a clause to contracts stating all AI component designs must be fully transparent can prevent costly redesigns later on.
- The head of risk should oversee a regular review of the AI design documentation to identify potential risks early. Holding a quarterly review meeting where the team examines the documentation for gaps or risks can avoid future headaches.
Audit / evidence tips
- AskRequest the design documentation for the AI system. GoodThe documentation explicitly connects design choices to objectives and contains detailed specifications.
- AskAsk for the development logs documenting changes in the AI system. GoodDevelopment logs exist for all changes, explaining each change and its expected impact.
- AskRequest evidence of regular reviews of the documentation. GoodRegularly updated documentation exists with recent, dated review notes.
- AskRequest the list of requirements specified for the AI system. GoodAll system requirements are clearly outlined and traceable from the outset of development.
- AskRequest contracts with AI system partners. GoodContracts contain specific clauses requiring documentation of inputs and outputs from partners.
Cross-framework mappings
How Annex A 6.2.3 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ASD ISM
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| sync_alt Partially overlaps (1) expand_less | ||
| ISM-0041 | Annex A 6.2.3 requires the organisation to document AI system design and development based on organisational objectives, documented requi... | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.
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