The document discusses database design using the entity-relationship (ER) model. It describes the design phases as initially characterizing user data needs, choosing a data model to translate requirements into a conceptual schema, specifying functional requirements, and performing logical and physical design. The ER model represents an enterprise using entities, relationships between entities, and attributes. Key aspects of the ER model discussed include entity sets, relationship sets, mapping cardinalities between entity sets, participation constraints, complex attribute types, and keys.