An approach to visualise and reconcile use case descriptions from multiple viewpoints

The Unified Modelling Language (UML) is a visual approach to the analysis and design of object-oriented computer systems. However, when it comes to specifying requirements through use case descriptions we see two weaknesses in the current approach. The descriptions are textual (the success and acceptance of UML is largely due to its visual nature) and the group process for acquiring descriptions can result in a small number of stakeholders having their views represented. To address these issues the RECOCASE methodology captures use case descriptions from multiple viewpoints and automatically generates a visualisation of the individual and shared viewpoints to assist identification and resolution of conflicts. We briefly describe the approach and results from various initial evaluation studies.