book

Visual Models for Software Requirements

Name: Visual Models for Software Requirements
Author: Joy Beatty and Anthony Chen
ISBN: 9780735667730

by Joy Beatty and Anthony Chen

July 2012

Intermediate to advanced

480 pages

12h 32m

English

Microsoft Press

Read now

Unlock full access

Dedication
Foreword
Introduction
Who Should Read This BookAssumptionsWho Should Not Read This BookOrganization of This BookFinding Your Best Starting Point in This BookModels Quick StartConventions and Features in This BookCompanion ContentAcknowledgmentsErrata & Book SupportWe Want to Hear from YouStay in Touch
I. An Introduction to Models
1. Introduction to RML
RML DefinedChallenges with Traditional Software Requirements PracticesLimitations of the Human BrainPictures Are Easy, Words Are HardRequirements ModelsWhy Not UML?Requirements vs. DesignOne Level’s Requirement Is Another Level’s DesignDetermining Actual Business NeedRequirements DefinedRequirements Models Are Not the End GameUsing RML on ProjectsAdditional ResourcesReferences
2. Model Categorization
Objectives, People, Systems, and Data ModelsBounding ModelsAll Four Categories Are NeededObjectives ModelsPeople ModelsSystems ModelsData ModelsReferences
II. Objectives Models
3. Business Objectives Model
Business Objectives Model TemplateExampleCreating Business Objectives ModelsIdentify Business ProblemsRevenue Needs to Be HigherCosts Need to Be LowerEliciting Business ProblemsIdentify Business ObjectivesDefine Additional Problems and ObjectivesDefine the Product ConceptGuiding PrinciplesDescribe Success MetricsQuestions to Ask to Complete the Business Objectives ModelUsing Business Objectives ModelsProviding a Common Understanding of a Project’s ValueBounding the Solution SpaceUnderstanding Projects That Are UnderwayA Typical Approach That Doesn’t WorkAn Ideal Approach That Starts with Problems and ObjectivesA Realistic ApproachDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesNot Understanding the Business ProblemDefining Business Objectives That Are Not MeasurableArticulating the Wrong Type of Information in Business ObjectivesRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
4. Objective Chain
Objective Chain TemplateExampleCreating Objective ChainsIdentify Business Objectives and FeaturesSelect the Features to Analyze in Objective ChainsIdentify the Objective FactorsUse the Business Objectives ModelSimplify Objective Factor StatementsCreate the Objective Chain HierarchyDefine the Objective EquationsFormat the EquationIdentify Data ValuesDebate Data ValuesMeasure AssumptionsUsing Objective ChainsComparing the Relative Values of Features to Cut ScopeDetermining the Value of a Feature Mapped to Multiple Business ObjectivesDetermining the Value of Multiple Features Mapped to the Same Objective ChainDetermining the Value of Features Attached to Emotional ObjectivesDetermining Project SuccessDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesNot Creating Objective Chains Because Data Doesn’t ExistSkipping Levels in the HierarchyRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
5. Key Performance Indicator Model
KPIM TemplateExampleCreating KPIMsIdentify Business ProcessesSelecting the Right LevelSelecting the Right ProcessesIdentify KPIsCreate the KPIMUsing KPIMsPrioritizing KPIMs When Business Objectives Don’t HelpPrioritizing When Replacing Existing FunctionalityComparing the Relative Values of Requirements to Cut ScopeDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesNot Using KPIMs Because KPIs Don’t ExistNot Using KPIMs Due to Fears of Being Held AccountableA Lack of Ongoing MonitoringRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional Resources

6. Feature Tree
Feature Tree TemplateExampleCreating Feature TreesIdentify FeaturesOrganize the FeaturesSubfeatures of More Than One FeatureParentless SubfeaturesCreate the Feature TreeLook for Missing FeaturesUsing Feature TreesDepicting Project ScopeOrganizing the RequirementsOrganizing the Requirements WorkDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesWrong Number of Features at Each LevelPoor Feature NamesRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
7. Requirements Mapping Matrix
RMM TemplateExampleCreating RMMsList Process Flow StepsMap Requirements to Process Flow StepsMany-to-Many MappingsDifferent Ways to Map Business RulesUsing a Tool to Create MappingsIdentify Missing MappingsUsing RMMsReviewing in an Easy-to-Read StructureIdentifying Missing RequirementsIdentifying Extraneous Requirements or Missing StepsPrioritizing ScopeAdvantages of Using a Requirements Management ToolDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesNot Mapping to Process FlowsNot Using or Updating RMMsRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
III. People Models
8. Org Chart
Org Chart TemplateExampleCreating Org ChartsLocate Existing Org ChartsDetermine the Right Level of Org ChartComplete the Org ChartDepartmental Org ChartsRole Org ChartsIndividual Org ChartsUsing Org ChartsIdentifying the People Who Have RequirementsIdentifying Internal UsersIdentifying External UsersIdentifying People Used in Other ModelsUsing Org Charts with Process Flows for CompletenessDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesNot Using Org Charts to Identify StakeholdersOnly Including Project Team MembersRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
9. Process Flow
Process Flow TemplateExampleCreating Process FlowsCreate an L1 Process FlowCreating the DiagramScope of an L1Create L2 Process FlowsIdentifying Process StepsWriting StepsUsing Swim LanesAdding References to Other FlowsUsing Additional SymbolsCreate L3 Process Flows As NecessaryUsing Process FlowsTargeting the Audience with Different Levels of DetailRunning Elicitation and Review SessionsDriving CompletenessDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesLevel of Detail Is Inconsistent Within a FlowReviewers Do Not Understand the Level of DetailReviewers Forget to Look at the Full Process FlowProcess Flow Has Too Many StepsSystem Responses Are Mixed with User ActionsProcesses Outside the Scope of the Project Are Not IncludedRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
10. Use Case
Use Case TemplateExampleCreating Use CasesIdentify Use CasesFrom Process FlowsFrom Business Data DiagramsFrom Org Charts or Lists of ActorsWrite DescriptionsCapture Organizational BenefitsCapture Frequency of UsePrioritize Use CasesComplete the Remaining Header FieldsAssign a Unique IDIdentify ActorsIdentify TriggersIdentify PreconditionsIdentify PostconditionsWrite the Main CourseWrite the Alternate CoursesWrite the ExceptionsUsing Use CasesProviding Context for Elicitation Through ImplementationPrioritizing WorkDeriving RequirementsReusing Use CasesUsing a Use Case as a Basis for a UAT ScriptUsing Models Similar to Use CasesUse Cases Do Not Have to Be PerfectWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesMaking Use Cases Too GranularUsing Use Cases As the Only Documentation for RequirementsAllowing the System to Be an ActorRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
11. Roles and Permissions Matrix
Roles and Permissions Matrix TemplateExampleCreating Roles and Permissions MatricesIdentify the RolesIdentify the OperationsIndicate PermissionsPermissions by OperationPermissions on Scope of DataCommon Permissions on Related OperationsA Word About When to Create the MatrixUsing Roles and Permissions MatricesDeriving RequirementsDriving CompletenessIdentifying Additional FunctionsConfiguring SystemsUsing a Roles and Permissions Matrix As a Basis for Setting Up User Data for DeploymentWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesMissing OperationsStruggling to Organize the RolesRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional Resources
IV. Systems Models
12. Ecosystem Map
Ecosystem Map TemplateExampleCreating Ecosystem MapsIdentify SystemsIdentify InterfacesTie the Diagram TogetherUsing Ecosystem MapsDefining Scope with Ecosystem MapsDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesShowing Physical SystemsToo Much DocumentationLack of OrganizationRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
13. System Flow
System Flow TemplateExampleCreating System FlowsIdentify System StepsFeature TreesData Flow DiagramsWrite StepsSwim LanesEventsUsing System FlowsRunning System Flows Parallel to Process FlowsDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseDescribing Hidden ActivitiesDescribing System InteractionsDescribing Exception HandlingWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional Resources
14. User Interface Flow
UI Flow TemplateExampleCreating UI FlowsDetermine Scope of ScreensIdentify ScreensDiagrammingWhat Constitutes a Screen?Create TransitionsIdentifying the TransitionsAdding Transitions to the DiagramBranchingLabel TriggersUsing UI FlowsIdentifying NavigationValidating NavigationOptimizing UsabilityDeveloping Test CasesDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesIncluding Too Much DetailIncluding Unimportant DetailsNot Using a UI Expert When NeededRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesRferences
15. Display-Action-Response
DAR Model TemplateUI Element DescriptionUI Element DisplaysUI Element BehaviorsExampleCreating DAR ModelsPrepare the ScreenCreate a UI Element DescriptionCreate the UI Element Displays SectionCreate the UI Element Behaviors SectionGuidelines for Creating Element TablesUsing DARsDriving CompletenessDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesModeling Too MuchModeling Elements with No Data-Driven Behavior or DisplayUsing Only UI-Based Models or PrototypesFocusing on the User Interface Too EarlyIncluding Too Much Fidelity in the Screen LayoutRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
16. Decision Table
Decision Table TemplateExampleCreating Decision TablesIdentify ConditionsIdentify ChoicesDetermining Valid ChoicesReordering ConditionsEnumerating ChoicesIdentify OutcomesLabel Valid Outcomes by Choice CombinationsSimplify the Decision TableUsing Decision TablesMaking DecisionsDriving CompletenessUsing Decision Tables with Decision TreesDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseModeling Complex LogicWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesMissing PermutationsOverlapping Choice RangesNot Combining RulesModeling a Sequence of DecisionsRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
17. Decision Tree
Decision Tree TemplateExampleCreating Decision TreesIdentify DecisionsIdentify ChoicesIdentify OutcomesRepeat Until Every Branch Ends in an OutcomeSimplify the Decision TreeUsing Decision TreesDriving CompletenessSimplifying LogicModeling Nested “If” StatementsTraining UsersDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseOrderingLoopingWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesModeling Process StepsMaking All Yes or No ChoicesRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
18. System Interface Table
System Interface Table TemplateExampleCreating System Interface TablesIdentify System InterfacesDetermine Business Data Objects and FieldsDetermine Frequency of TransferDetermine Volume of DataDetermine Error HandlingDetermine Security ConstraintsUsing System Interface TablesDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesIncluding Information That Is Too TechnicalDocumenting Every InterfaceNot Understanding User NeedsRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenario
V. Data Models
19. Business Data Diagram
BDD TemplateBusiness Data Example Diagram TemplateExampleCreating BDDsIdentify Business Data ObjectsRelate Business Data ObjectsAdd CardinalitiesCreating Business Data Example DiagramsUsing BDDsUnderstanding the High-Level Business Data ObjectsDriving CompletenessIdentifying ProcessesHelping Technical Teams with Database DesignUsing Business Data Example Diagrams to Review BDDsDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesIncluding Fields As ObjectsCreating Middle-Man ObjectsThinking in Terms of a Database DesignRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
20. Data Flow Diagram
DFD TemplateExampleCreating DFDsIdentify Business Data ObjectsIdentify ProcessesIdentify External EntitiesTie the Diagram TogetherUsing DFDsRepresenting Data Used Across Multiple ProcessesUsing DFDs to Help with ReadabilityDriving CompletenessDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesTrying to Articulate Order in a DFDTrying to Document Every Single Data FlowRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
21. Data Dictionary
Data Dictionary TemplateProperties ListExampleCreating Data DictionariesTailor PropertiesIdentify Business Data Objects and FieldsPopulate PropertiesSupplement with Data CatalogsUsing Data DictionariesPromoting a Consistent Data NomenclatureDriving CompletenessDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesBecoming Overwhelmed by the SizeNot Articulating Important Validation RulesRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
22. State Table
State Table TemplateExampleCreating State TablesIdentify the Business Data ObjectsIdentify the StatesAnalyze the TransitionsUsing State TablesEnhancing ReadabilityDriving CompletenessCompleting Other ModelsDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesStates That Are Not StatesMissing StatesIncorrect “No” TransitionsRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
23. State Diagram
State Diagram TemplateExampleCreating State DiagramsIdentify the Business Data ObjectsIdentify the StatesAnalyze the TransitionsUsing State DiagramsVisualizing Flow Between StatesDriving CompletenessDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesStates That Are Not StatesMissing States and TransitionsRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenarioAdditional ResourcesReferences
24. Report Table
Report Table TemplateExampleCreating Report TablesIdentify ReportsPrioritize ReportsComplete Report Table ElementsReport Table Top-Level ElementsReport Table Field ElementsManaging Report ScopeUsing Report TablesDefining the ReportsChecking Completeness and Consistency Against Other ModelsDeriving RequirementsWhen to UseWhen Not to UseCommon MistakesNot Relating Reports to Decisions MadeDocumenting Unnecessary ReportsRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenario
VI. Models in the Big Picture
25. Selecting Models for a Project
Selecting Models by Project PhasesEnvision PhasePlan PhaseDevelop PhaseLaunch PhaseMeasure PhaseSelecting Models by Project CharacteristicsObjectives CharacteristicsGreenfield ProjectsCommercial Off the Shelf (COTS) ProjectsEnhancement ProjectsPeople CharacteristicsSystems with Extensive User InteractionCustomer-Facing SystemsBusiness Process Automation ProjectsWorkflow Automation ProjectsSystems CharacteristicsSystem Replacement ProjectsReal-Time and Embedded SystemsLarge-Ecosystem ProjectsInternal IT SystemsHardware and SoftwarePackaged SoftwareCloud Implementation ProjectsWeb App ProjectsMobile SystemsProjects with Complex Decision LogicData CharacteristicsAnalytics and Reporting ComponentsDatabase Back-End ComponentsData Warehouse ComponentsProject ExamplesThinking About the AudienceTailoring ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenario
26. Using Models Together
Many Different ViewsUsing More Than One ModelRequirements ArchitectureRelationships Between ModelsWhere the Artifacts LiveA Models PlanRelated ModelsExerciseInstructionsScenario
A. Quick Lookup Models Grids
Additional Resources
B. General Guidelines for Models
Metadata to Include in ModelsGeneral Guidelines and Tips
C. Exercise Answers
Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 10Chapter 11Chapter 12Chapter 13Chapter 14Chapter 15Chapter 16Chapter 17Chapter 18Chapter 19Chapter 20Chapter 21Chapter 22Chapter 23Chapter 24Chapter 25Chapter 26
Glossary
Index
About the Authors
Copyright

Overview

Apply best practices for capturing, analyzing, and implementing software requirements through visual models—and deliver better results for your business. The authors—experts in eliciting and visualizing requirements—walk you through a simple but comprehensive language of visual models that has been used on hundreds of real-world, large-scale projects. Build your fluency with core concepts—and gain essential, scenario-based context and implementation advice—as you progress through each chapter.

Transcend the limitations of text-based requirements data using visual models that more rigorously identify, capture, and validate requirements

Get real-world guidance on best ways to use visual models—how and when, and ways to combine them for best project outcomes

Practice the book’s concepts as you work through chapters

Change your focus from writing a good requirement to ensuring a complete system

Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.

Read now

Unlock full access

More than 5,000 organizations count on O’Reilly

O’Reilly covers everything we've got, with content to help us build a world-class technology community, upgrade the capabilities and competencies of our teams, and improve overall team performance as well as their engagement.

Julian F.

Head of Cybersecurity

I wanted to learn C and C++, but it didn't click for me until I picked up an O'Reilly book. When I went on the O’Reilly platform, I was astonished to find all the books there, plus live events and sandboxes so you could play around with the technology.

Addison B.

Field Engineer

I’ve been on the O’Reilly platform for more than eight years. I use a couple of learning platforms, but I'm on O'Reilly more than anybody else. When you're there, you start learning. I'm never disappointed.

Amir M.

Data Platform Tech Lead

I'm always learning. So when I got on to O'Reilly, I was like a kid in a candy store. There are playlists. There are answers. There's on-demand training. It's worth its weight in gold, in terms of what it allows me to do.

Mark W.

Embedded Software Engineer

Publisher Resources

ISBN: 9780735667730Purchase book

Cloud Computing

Data Engineering

Data Science

AI & ML

Programming Languages

Software Architecture

IT/Ops

Security

Design

Business

Soft Skills