Writing a Use Case

1. Writing a Use Case E.Barker@intrallect.com

2. Use Case Summary • Consider the scenario which was written previously • Consider who the primary actor is • (the person or system that wishes to perform an action) • Write a one sentence overview of the use case • What the primary actor wishes to achieve Example: A research project wants to create a multimedia online resource based on a Shakespearian performance. All contributors must have digital rights acknowledged when material is reused and reuse must be limited to educational purposes.

3. How to write a use case • Capture a summary use case • An overview in a sentence • Identify actors and their goals • Actors can be people, systems, organisations • Stakeholders and their interests • Write success scenario as steps • Should be based on real example if possible • Define exceptions to each step

4. Example • Use Case Summary: A research project wants to create a multimedia online resource based on a Shakespearian performance. • Primary and other Actors (and their goals) • Research Project (primary) • To create a high quality learning resource which can be used by others • User • To access materials for educational use • Repository • To facilitate access within an educational context

5. Stakeholders • Stakeholders and their aims • Photographer (rights holder) – To protect rights for his/her work • Project Funders – To ensure resource is disseminated to educational users.

6. Main Success Scenario • Sentences should be in sequential order • Each sentence should have an actor performing an action Example • Research project obtains permission from rights holder for re-use of material under clearly stipulated conditions (i.e for educational use). • Research project digitises photograph and adds relevant metadata including rights statement. • Research project deposits collection and metadata within digital repository. • The repository automatically propagates metadata to other catalogues within educational context…..

7. Extensions • Extensions are alternative routes within a scenario • Start with condition under which extension occurs then explain steps • Note: Extensions can result in success or failure. 1a Rights holder demands more stringent restrictions 1a1 Use Athens authentication (s) 1b Rights holder stipulates end date after which agreement must be reviewed 1b1 Metadata element flags up termination of agreement date ………….

8. Notes • Pg 4 and pg 5 of book has useful examples • Glossary pg 253 is also useful • Note that there are also elements such as precondition, minimal guarantee and success guarantee which may be useful. • The extensions can lead to new use cases