In this paper, we propose a software design method that will track the effects of modifications in a component to the rest of the components in the design phase. The prediction of the effects due to the design modifications before coding can be a valuable aid for the complex and large software development. Within the method, the target system is represented by the structured I/O system level specification which is one of the system representation level defined by the system theory. Then it is abstracted to the I/O system level. The DEVS (Discrete Event System Specification) model is constructed based on tile I/O system level specification. Finally, the DEVS model is simulated to generate the behavior of the software by the abstract simulator in DEVS simulation environment. As an application, the graphic user interface system of a metal grating production scheduling system is presented.