Task: Define System Context

This task describes how to a create a system context diagram that shows the top-level collaboration between the system and its actors.

Purpose

Based on the Use-Case Model, to create a top-level collaboration showing the system (modeled as a top-level subsystem), its interfaces and its relationships with its actors, including the external I/O entities that flow between actor and system.

Relationships

Roles	Primary: Requirements Engineer	Additional:	Assisting:
Inputs	Mandatory: Stakeholder Needs	Optional: None	External: None
Outputs	System Context Diagram

Steps

Create initial Context Diagram

Create an initial context diagram showing the top-level collaboration between the system and its actors with the system interfaces abstracted away. For more information, see Defining the System Context.

Refine associations and interfaces

Start reasoning about the system operations and its attributes. Add interfaces and identify the I/O entities and start to characterize the connections between the actors and the system. For more information, see Defining the System Context.

Details system operations and other characteristics

Start to construct scenarios as a base for describing system operations. Identify the required and the provided interfaces. For more information, see Defining the System Context.

More Information

Guidelines	Defining the System Context