Test cases are designed during:
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test recording
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test planning
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test configuration
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test specification
In the standard software testing lifecycle, test cases are created during the test specification phase. Test planning defines the overall approach, test configuration sets up the environment, and test recording captures execution results. Test specification is where detailed test cases and procedures are documented.
In the standard test process (planning → specification → execution → recording → completion), test cases are designed during test specification — this is the phase where testers translate test conditions and objectives into concrete test cases, inputs, and expected results. Test planning defines strategy, scope, and resources, not individual cases. Test recording logs outcomes as tests execute. Test configuration deals with setting up environments/data, not designing cases. So specification is the only phase where case design itself happens.