A more specific description of the System
After specifying the requirements of the system in detail, it was vital to map those using UML and Block diagrams, and achieve a more formal description of the system. The diagrams are high level and are used to help our readers to understand what our system will be about. Lower level diagrams may be needed to facilitate the interaction between the members of the team. However, this is going to be decided after the initiation of the development process.
High Level Architecture
Below there is a High Level Architecture diagram of the Systems. It maps the way that the aggregator will interact with the external systems (Social Networks) and the Users.
High Level Architecture of the Aggregator
Use Case Diagram
Below there is a Use Case Diagram. The black use cases show the core functionality of the system, while the red use cases map the “Extended” and “Advanced” features, as they were described in our previous post. The previous post documents the use case diagram.
Use Case Diagram
Sequence Diagrams
Two Sequence Diagrams, which describe different scenarios of the system, follow as well as documentation for each of them. The scenarios are representative and can be also used for demos, should the features of the system are to be demonstrated.
Sequence Diagram - Scenario of using the Aggregator
Steps of the Scenario:
- The user logs into the system.
- The user performs a search by giving a keyword. Advanced searches can be performed by using the “Tag Cloud”, by choosing only some of the supported social networks etc.
- The aggregator searches all the available social networks.
- Search results are returned to the user. The results are updated in real time.
- The user chooses a record that she wants to follow.
- The aggregator performs the action on behalf of the user
- The corresponding social network returns a response to the request.
- The aggregator informs the user about the result of her request.
In order to perform the log in, the user must have been registered with our system. The scenario of the user registration is shown in the sequence diagram below:
Sequence Diagram - Log in Scenario
Steps of the Scenario:
- The user performs a registration giving her username, password and credentials of the FB, Twitter and Linkedin social networks.
- The aggregator checks the credentials that the user gave for the different social networks.
- The aggregator searches all the available social networks.
- The aggregator informs the user about the result of the registration.
Storyboards
Finally, a storyboard-like figure that shows the user interface of the system.
Storyboard - Aggregator UI (Sample Web Page)
The Google-like appearance was chosen because it is very familiar to users of the Web. It has been proven both simple for new users and practical for those who have experience in using such systems.