Use Case Diagrams in Support of Use Case Modeling: Deriving Understanding from the Picture

Use Case Diagrams in Support of Use Case Modeling: Deriving Understanding from the Picture

Andrew Gemino, Drew Parker
Copyright: © 2009 |Pages: 24
DOI: 10.4018/jdm.2009010101
OnDemand:
(Individual Articles)
Available
$29.50
Current Special Offers
No Current Special Offers
TOTAL SAVINGS: $29.50

Abstract

Use case modeling in the Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a popular text-based tool for systems analysis and design. Use cases can be used with or without supporting use case diagrams. This paper uses an experiment to explore the effectiveness of including a use case diagram with a set of use cases. The Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning is used to hypothesize that the use case diagram improves the effectiveness of use cases for novice users by providing visual cues aiding model viewers in selecting and integrating relevant information. The level of understanding developed by participants viewing either uses cases or use cases with a supporting use case diagram was measured using comprehension, retention, and problem solving tasks. Results showed that participants viewing the use cases with the supporting diagram developed a significantly higher level of understanding, as measured by performance on the problem solving task, than participants provided with use cases alone. This analysis suggests practitioners should consider combining a visual representation, such as a use case diagram, with text-based use cases to achieve higher levels of understanding in persons viewing these descriptions.

Complete Article List

Search this Journal:
Reset
Volume 34: 3 Issues (2023)
Volume 33: 5 Issues (2022): 4 Released, 1 Forthcoming
Volume 32: 4 Issues (2021)
Volume 31: 4 Issues (2020)
Volume 30: 4 Issues (2019)
Volume 29: 4 Issues (2018)
Volume 28: 4 Issues (2017)
Volume 27: 4 Issues (2016)
Volume 26: 4 Issues (2015)
Volume 25: 4 Issues (2014)
Volume 24: 4 Issues (2013)
Volume 23: 4 Issues (2012)
Volume 22: 4 Issues (2011)
Volume 21: 4 Issues (2010)
Volume 20: 4 Issues (2009)
Volume 19: 4 Issues (2008)
Volume 18: 4 Issues (2007)
Volume 17: 4 Issues (2006)
Volume 16: 4 Issues (2005)
Volume 15: 4 Issues (2004)
Volume 14: 4 Issues (2003)
Volume 13: 4 Issues (2002)
Volume 12: 4 Issues (2001)
Volume 11: 4 Issues (2000)
Volume 10: 4 Issues (1999)
Volume 9: 4 Issues (1998)
Volume 8: 4 Issues (1997)
Volume 7: 4 Issues (1996)
Volume 6: 4 Issues (1995)
Volume 5: 4 Issues (1994)
Volume 4: 4 Issues (1993)
Volume 3: 4 Issues (1992)
Volume 2: 4 Issues (1991)
Volume 1: 2 Issues (1990)
View Complete Journal Contents Listing