Agile Models Distilled: Potential Artifacts for Agile Modeling

Scott W. Ambler
 
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Agile Modeling

To be effective, the principle Multiple Models tells us that agile modelers should know a wide variety of modeling techniques so that they have the skills and knowledge to apply the right artifact(s) for the situation at hand.  Unfortunately this is easier said than done.  This page links to summary descriptions of a wide variety of modeling artifacts.  Each page describes the artifact, provides an example or two, and provides links to suggested resources.  In this list I also indicate if the technique is simple enough for stakeholders to learn, whether it is usually a paper-based artifact, whether I would suggest creating it on a whiteboard, and what type of software I would consider using to create and maintain it.

 

 

Model Type

Simple

Paper

Whiteboard

Software

Acceptance Test       FITNesse, Cucumber
Business Rule   Card   Word Processor
Change Case X Card   Word Processor
Class Responsibility Collaborator (CRC) model X Card    
Constraint   Card   Word Processor
Contract model       As Needed
Data Flow Diagram (DFD)     X CASE
Domain Model     X CASE
Essential/Abstract Use Case X Flip chart X Word Processor
Essential/Abstract User Interface Prototype X Flip chart    
Feature X Card   Spreadsheet
Free-Form Diagrams X   X Diagramming Tool
Flow Chart     X Diagramming or CASE
Glossary   Card   Word Processor
Logical Data Model (LDM)       CASE
Network Diagram       Diagramming
Object Role Model (ORM) Diagram     X  
Personas X Flip chart   Word Processor
Physical Data Model (PDM)       CASE
Robustness Diagram     X  
Security Threat Model     X  
System Use Case       Word Processor
Technical Requirement   Card   Word Processor
UML 2 Activity Diagram     X CASE
UML 2 Class Diagram     X CASE
UML 2 Communication/Collaboration Diagram     X  
UML 2 Component Diagram     X CASE
UML 2 Composite Structure Diagram     X  
UML 2 Deployment Diagram     X CASE
UML 2 Interaction Overview Diagram     X  
UML 2 Object Diagram     X  
UML 2 Package Diagram     X CASE
UML 2 Sequence Diagram     X CASE
UML 2 State Machine Diagram     X CASE
UML 2 Timing Diagram     X CASE
UML 2 Use Case Diagram     X CASE
Usage Scenario X Card   Word Processor
User Interface Flow Diagram (Storyboard)     X Diagramming
User Interface Prototype     X Prototyping tool or IDE
User Story X Card   Spreadsheet
Value Stream Map     X  

 

Suggested Reading

The Object Primer 3rd Edition: Agile Model Driven Development (AMDD) with UML 2   The Object Primer 3rd Edition: Agile Model Driven Development with UML 2 is an important reference book for agile modelers, describing how to develop 35 types of agile models including all 13 UML 2 diagrams.  Furthermore, this book describes the techniques of the Full Lifecycle Object Oriented Testing (FLOOT) methodology to give you the fundamental testing skills which you require to succeed at agile software development.  The book also shows how to move from your agile models to source code (Java examples are provided) as well as how to succeed at implementation techniques such as refactoring and test-driven development (TDD).  The Object Primer also includes a chapter overviewing the critical database development techniques (database refactoring, object/relational mapping, legacy analysis, and database access coding) from my award-winning Agile Database Techniques book.
Agile Modeling   Agile Modeling: Effective Practices for Extreme Programming and the Unified Process is the seminal book describing how agile software developers approach modeling and documentation.  It describes principles and practices which you can tailor into your existing software process, such as XP, the Rational Unified Process (RUP), or the Agile Unified Process (AUP), to streamline your modeling and documentation efforts.  Modeling and documentation are important aspects of any software project, including agile projects, and this book describes in detail how to elicit requirements, architect, and then design your system in an agile manner.
Elements of UML 2.0 Style   The Elements of UML 2.0 Style describes a collection of standards, conventions, and guidelines for creating effective UML diagrams. They are based on sound, proven software engineering principles that lead to diagrams that are easier to understand and work with.  These conventions exist as a collection of simple, concise guidelines that if applied consistently, represent an important first step in increasing your productivity as a modeler.  This book is oriented towards intermediate to advanced UML modelers, although there are numerous examples throughout the book it would not be a good way to learn the UML (instead, consider The Object Primer).  The book is a brief 188 pages long and is conveniently pocket-sized so it's easy to carry around.

 

Translations

 

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I actively work with clients around the world to improve their information technology (IT) practices as both a mentor/coach and trainer.  A full description of what I do, and how to contact me, can be found here

 


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