1.4.3 - Phase 3: Model the System
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Use Case Diagram
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Now that we have gathered requirements, let's discuss the Use Case Diagram. Can anyone tell me what a Use Case Diagram represents?
It shows the interactions between users and the system.
Exactly! It maps out the actors involved and their goals. Remember the acronym UCA, which stands for Users, Cases, and Actors. Next, what elements do we include in our Use Case Diagram?
We include actors, use cases, and the system boundary.
Great job! And how do we identify the actors? They could be users or any external systems interacting with our system.
So for our online grocery system, would a customer be an actor?
Correct! Customers, admin staff, and others involved in the order process are considered actors.
To summarize, a Use Case Diagram helps visualize user interactions with the system, and it's essential for clarifying functional requirements.
Activity Diagram
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Next, letβs move to the Activity Diagram. How does it differ from a Use Case Diagram, and what does it help to illustrate?
It shows the flow of actions and decisions a user takes during an activity.
Exactly! The Activity Diagram visualizes the sequence of actions from browsing to checkout. Who can describe how we would depict a decision point in this diagram?
We use a diamond shape to represent decisions, like whether the customer wants to proceed to checkout.
Right! Remember the acronym FDD for Flow, Decisions, and Details. Letβs summarize: Activity Diagrams clarify user journeys, allowing better identification of the system requirements.
Wireframes Creation
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Now, letβs talk about wireframes or mockups. Why are they important in our project?
They help visualize the user interface and layout before actual development.
Exactly! Wireframes capture essential functionalities and design elements. Remember the mnemonic 'LOW' β Layout, Overview, Workflow. Can anyone name a tool we can use to create wireframes?
We can use Balsamiq or even Figma!
Correct! These tools allow us to create low-fidelity designs that communicate our ideas effectively before diving into details.
To summarize, wireframes give a clear picture of our design, ensuring all stakeholders visualize the product correctly.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
Phase 3 of the Business Analysis capstone project emphasizes on modeling the system. Key tasks include creating diagrams such as Use Case and Activity Diagrams, as well as developing wireframes for the online grocery ordering system. These visual models are essential in illustrating user interactions and system functionalities.
Detailed
Phase 3: Model the System
This phase is critical in the business analysis process as it involves visual modeling of the system to represent user interactions and workflows. In this section, learners will engage in three main tasks:
- Use Case Diagram: This diagram outlines the interactions between the users (actors) and the system for the order placement process. It helps to clarify what functions the system will provide based on stakeholder needs.
- Activity Diagram: This diagram visualizes the detailed customer journey, detailing each step from browsing products to completing a checkout. It identifies how users navigate through the system, further emphasizing user experience.
- Wireframes or Mockups: Using tools like Draw.io, Balsamiq, or Figma, learners will create low-fidelity wireframes for key screens. Wireframes are essential in demonstrating the layout and functionalities of the web-based ordering system.
In completing these tasks, learners will produce several deliverables:
- A Use Case Diagram depicting order placement
- An Activity Diagram illustrating the customer flow from browsing to checkout
- Low-fidelity Wireframes for 2-3 key screens
These artifacts collectively contribute to a clear understanding of the system behaviors and user interactions, laying the groundwork for future testing and implementation stages.
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Modeling System Diagrams
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
π― Tasks:
β Draw Use Case Diagram for order placement
β Draw Activity Diagram for customer flow (browse β checkout)
β Create Wireframes or Mockups (use Draw.io, Balsamiq, or Figma)
Detailed Explanation
In this phase, you will create several important diagrams and models that illustrate how the system will function. First, you'll need to draw a Use Case Diagram, which visually represents the interactions between users and the system, focusing on the process of order placement. Next, the Activity Diagram will outline the steps customers take from browsing products to checking out. Finally, creating Wireframes or Mockups will help you visualize the layout and elements of key screens in your system. Tools like Draw.io, Balsamiq, or Figma can be used for this purpose.
Examples & Analogies
Think of modeling your system like creating a blueprint for a house. Just as an architect draws plans to show how different rooms connect and interact, you are creating diagrams to show how users will interact with your online grocery ordering system.
Use Case Diagram for Order Placement
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
β Draw Use Case Diagram for order placement
Detailed Explanation
A Use Case Diagram focuses on the system's functionalities and how users will interact with those features. For the Online Grocery Ordering System, this diagram should include actors such as customers and store staff, and the primary use cases such as 'View Products', 'Add to Cart', 'Place Order', and 'Schedule Delivery'. This visualization helps everyone understand the main interactions in the system and ensures nothing is overlooked during development.
Examples & Analogies
Consider the Use Case Diagram as a movie script. Just like actors follow a script to know their roles and interactions, this diagram helps everyone involved in the project understand their roles and the various interactions within the system.
Activity Diagram for Customer Flow
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
β Draw Activity Diagram for customer flow (browse β checkout)
Detailed Explanation
The Activity Diagram outlines the workflow of the customerβs journey in the system, starting from browsing products to the final checkout process. It shows various actions the user can take and the decisions they have to make, making it a useful tool for identifying potential problems or inefficiencies in the flow. This helps ensure that every possible scenario is accounted for and provides a clear picture of the user experience.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you are navigating a theme park. The Activity Diagram is like the park map showing the routes you can take, attractions you can visit, and possible detours. It helps you understand how to move efficiently from one attraction to the next, just as it shows the best path for a customer from browsing to checkout.
Creating Wireframes or Mockups
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
β Create Wireframes or Mockups (use Draw.io, Balsamiq, or Figma)
Detailed Explanation
Wireframes and mockups are visual representations of the systemβs user interface. They are essential for understanding the layout of the application and how users will interact with it. Wireframes are generally low-fidelity sketches that focus on structure and placement of elements rather than color or design. Tools like Draw.io, Balsamiq, or Figma can be used to create these visual aids, helping identify usability issues early in the design process.
Examples & Analogies
Creating a wireframe is similar to drafting a rough sketch before painting a masterpiece. Just as an artist outlines their painting to get a sense of the composition and color scheme, creating a wireframe allows you to organize screen elements and gauge user interactions before finalizing the design.
Key Concepts
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Use Case Diagram: Represents user interactions and outlines system functionalities.
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Activity Diagram: Visualizes user workflows and interactions in a system.
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Wireframes: Low-fidelity sketches that outline UI elements and design.
Examples & Applications
A Use Case Diagram for the online grocery system would detail actors like customers and admin alongside use cases like 'Place Order'.
An Activity Diagram might illustrate the steps a customer takes, including browsing products, adding to cart, and completing the checkout.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
In a Use Case, the actors play, with goals they chase all day.
Stories
Imagine a customer on a journey at a grocery store, placing orders smoothly, reminding us of the importance of Activity Diagrams.
Memory Tools
UCA for Use Cases: Users, Cases, Actors; FDD for Activity: Flow, Decisions, Details.
Acronyms
LOW for Wireframes
Layout
Overview
Workflow.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Use Case Diagram
A visual representation of how users interact with a system, detailing actors and their goals.
- Activity Diagram
A diagram that illustrates the flow of activities or processes for a user when interacting with a system.
- Wireframes
Low-fidelity visual representations of a productβs interface, focusing on layout and functionality.
Reference links
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