Domain Example: ECO Storage Depot

This extended example demonstrates the steps and results of the EDUCE process.

1. The original narrative is first analyzed.
2. After the original statements have been analyzed, some of the original concepts are augmented.
3. The analysis results are then correlated to produce a subject inventory.
4. The operational interactions between the system and its users are considered and described using trace cards.
5. The system operations are then combined with the subject inventory to produce a system boundary analysis.
6. Then, initial draft analysis models for the depot buildings and depot safety are sketched.
7. Then, initial draft design for selected system elements are sketched using CRC cards.
8. Design sketches for the DepotSafety and the StorageAllocation classes are then proposed using Hoot Smalltalk.

Notes

1. Each problem statement is simplified and normalized.
2. Augmentations expose domain elements not otherwise made visible.
3. The subject inventory serves as a domain vocabulary.
4. Trace cards describe the system policies, constraints, measurements, and operations.
5. The boundary analysis lists the domain subjects and indicates which are relevant to the solution design.
6. A support tool Syntopica has captured many of these ideas from EDUCE, and used to generate a web site of the domain concepts.

Considerations

Unlike traditional forms of object-oriented analysis, EDUCE considers thematic business concepts in addition to obvious business and industrial elements.

Traditionally, object-oriented analysis considers only those domain concepts that are relatively obvious and concrete. However, concrete domain concepts often only give you clues about business objects and industrial objects without identifying enduring business themes. Enduring business themes EBTs are most often expressed in business policy statements, which typically identify mission critical and mission central quality concerns. Business policy statements also often dictate constraints on business operations and the criteria for determining and measuring operational policy compliance.

In addition to providing guidance with respect to business and industrial object discovery, EDUCE explicitly addresses the need to identify enduring business themes contained in business policy statements, expanding these into quality requirements, and turning them into solution components.

EBT Relevance for ECO Depot

While other elements of the system may fluctuate over time, the concern for depot safety will endure. The depot is subject to external regulatory oversight by the EPA. If the depot becomes unsafe, the EPA will close it. Therefore, the continuity of depot business operations requires depot safety.

So, DepotSafety should become a key element of the solution design, around which the other business and industrial objects will cluster. DepotSafety will then become a centerpiece and a stable element of the overall system architecture.