A Use Case is a structured description of how an actor interacts with the system to achieve a goal, detailing the steps and system responses.
What it is
Use cases describe the step-by-step interaction between user and system, clarifying expected behavior in real scenarios. They are more detailed than user stories and include alternate paths.
Examples
- A user logs into the application.
- A customer places an order.
- An admin generates a report.
- A user resets their password.
Purpose and Benefits
- Detailed interaction: Shows the full user-system dialog.
- Requirement clarity: Aligns stakeholders on expected behavior.
- Supports design: Guides workflow and process design.
- Captures edge cases: Alternate and exception flows included.
- Testing ready: Test cases derive directly from flows.
- Business friendly: Easy for non-technical stakeholders to follow.
Recommended (Detailed) Use Case Template
| Use Case ID | UC-001 |
|---|---|
| Use Case Name | User Login |
| Actor | User |
| Description | Allows users to log into the application |
| Preconditions | User must have a registered account |
| Main Flow | 1. User opens login page 2. Enters email and password 3. Clicks login |
| Alternate Flow | If credentials are invalid, show error message |
| Postconditions | User successfully logged in |
| Priority | High |
| Use Case ID | UC-002 |
|---|---|
| Use Case Name | Password Reset |
| Actor | User |
| Description | Allows users to reset forgotten passwords |
| Preconditions | Email must be registered |
| Main Flow | 1. User clicks “Forgot Password†2. Enters email 3. Receives reset link |
| Alternate Flow | If email not found, show error message |
| Postconditions | Password successfully updated |
| Priority | Medium |
Field Explanation
- Use Case ID: Unique identifier (e.g., UC-001).
- Use Case Name: Short descriptive name.
- Actor: Person or system interacting (Customer, Admin, Payment Gateway).
- Description: Brief statement of what the use case does.
- Preconditions: Conditions required before starting.
- Main Flow: Normal step-by-step interaction.
- Alternate Flow: Variations or error paths.
- Postconditions: System state after completion.
- Priority: High / Medium / Low.