Definition of a Set of Use Case Patterns for Application Systems: A Prototype-Supported Development Approach

Abstract

Abstract UML diagrams are a base for the planning of development in most software projects. It is used for representing different artefacts during software development and project structure. The use case is one of the diagrams in Unified Modelling Language (UML), which allows describing the dynamic flow of the system. There are a lot of tools that are used for creating this diagram before starting the actual coding process, and the diagram needs to be specific and easily understandable. Meantime, the creation of a UML use case diagram from scratch for complex systems can be time-consuming and confusing for people, which needs to be optimised. The authors of the paper attempt to solve the addressed problem. Therefore, in this research paper a new definition for UML use case diagrams will be introduced, where the main question will be whether it is possible to formalise use case modelling by introducing pre-defined use case patterns. This is academic research and discussion, which is based on the analysis of advanced UML tools, which use case diagram templates contain. The solution to this research question contains an initial set of UML use case patterns, created by analysing of the existing use case diagram templates. Moreover, in order to validate work, the pre-defined patterns were demonstrated on a developed prototype. The operation principle of the prototype focused on giving the ability to the user to construct a use case diagram by the combination of pre-defined patterns. The prototype can be useful for the development/management process in case of correct implementation. It will allow decreasing spent time on the use case diagram creation as well as avoid creating anti-patterns.