Final answer:
The SDLC phase focused on formalizing program descriptions and processes is the Communication and Implementation phase, which involves detailed documentation and communication of the design process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phase of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) that focuses on formalizing the written description and processes used in the program is typically referred to as the Communication and Implementation phase. In this phase, the design team documents all aspects of the design process, including the creation of user and maintenance manuals, and communicates learned lessons and results to the appropriate stakeholders. This ensures that team members who will update or modify the design in the future, as well as external stakeholders, have a comprehensive understanding of the design process, its rationale, and the solutions to the design problems.
Documentation and communication are critical as they allow for a detailed design to undergo multiple iterations of prototyping, testing, and refinement. The spiral design process reflects these iterative cycles, where each phase of the design is revisited and improved upon based on testing and feedback. This spiral approach contrasts with a strictly sequential process, highlighting the importance of revising the design as new information becomes available.
Ultimately, proper documentation and communication are what enable continuous improvement and ensure the quality and efficacy of the final product. This is crucial in fields like engineering, where the science behind decisions must be clear, especially in regard to the selection of a solution to the design problem based on various factors and constraints.