A UML-based approach for problem frame oriented software development

We propose a software development approach that combines the use of the structuring concepts provided by problem frames, the use of the UML notation, together with our methodological approach for well-founded methods. Problem frames are used to provide a first idea of the main elements of the problem under study. Then we provide ad hoc UML based development methods for some of the most relevant problem frames together with precise guidelines for the users. The general idea of our method is that, for each frame, several artifacts have to be produced, each one corresponding to a part of the frame. The description level may range from informal and sketchy, to formal and precise, while this approach is drawn from experience in formal specifications. Thus we show how problem frames may be used upstream of a development method to yield an improved and more efficient method equipped with the problem frames structuring concepts. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.