In the modern world of software development, it's crucial to understand how users interact with a system. This is where the methodology known as Use Case or scenario usage comes into play. Let’s take a closer look at what it is and how to properly create use case scenarios.

Use Case includes the following elements:

1.Actors

These represent roles or external entities that interact with the system. Actors can be users, other systems, or devices. For example, in an online ordering system, an actor might be a "Customer" or an "Administrator."

2.Preconditions

These describe the states and conditions that must be met before the use case scenario begins. For instance, for an order placement scenario, a precondition might be: "The user must be logged into the system."

3.Main Flow

This is the sequence of steps that need to be followed to achieve the goal of the scenario. For example, in the order placement scenario, the main flow includes selecting a product, adding it to the cart, entering payment information, and confirming the order.

4.Alternative Flows

These describe possible deviations from the main scenario. For instance, if the chosen product is out of stock, the system might suggest selecting a different item.

5.Postconditions

These describe the state of the system after the scenario has been completed. For the order placement scenario, a postcondition might be: "Order information has been saved in the database."

6.Exceptions

These outline errors or unexpected situations that may occur during the execution of the scenario. For example, if there is an error processing the payment, the system should notify the user and prompt them to try again.

Example of a Use Case in JIRA: Password Reset

Title: Password Reset

Actors: Registered User

Preconditions: The user must have access to the registered email address.

Main Scenario:

• The user clicks the "Forgot Password?" button.
• The system prompts for the email address.
• The user enters their email address.
• The system sends password reset instructions to the provided address.
• The user follows the instructions and sets a new password.

Alternative Scenario: If the user enters an incorrect email address, the system displays an error message.

Postconditions: The new password is successfully set.

Exceptions: If there is an error sending the email, the system notifies the user about the issue and suggests trying again.

Conclusion

So, should you use use cases or user stories in your work? How do you decide which is best for your team? If you have extensive experience with agile projects and teams, you know the undeniable value of user stories. They convey what the user or client wants to achieve, ensuring that teams always consider user needs. However, despite the fact that use cases may seem a bit outdated, they can provide the necessary context regarding how the system is used. They describe how users interact with the system, answering many questions in advance to assist in managing complex processes.

Moreover, it wouldn't be very agile to dismiss a solution simply because you haven't tried it before. 😉