Customer Use Case

INTRO

What motivates us to learn, design and build something? A powerful force comes from knowing an underlying purpose. The Use Case provides that motivation.

A Use Case describes scenarios where someone interacts with a product in a way that acheives a benefit or solves a problem.

Why write one? A Use Case can help define

• functions, features and accuracy
• complexity and cost
• scope to avoid feature creep

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BATTERY TESTER

• Problem to Solve
  • Battery powered devices shut down unexpectantly at an inconvenient time.
  • A device is not working, need to debug cause.
• User Interaction
  • Connect test leads to battery, select range, read voltage.
• Solution or benefit
  • Replace depleted battery to restore function.
  • Replace battery with discharge margin before shutdown.
  • Keep battery and further investigate non-functional device.

BATTERY VOLTAGES

• Household: 1.5V, 9V
• Power Tools: 18V, 20V
• RC Toys: 3.7V, 7.4V, 11.1V
• Vehicle, Equipment: 6V, 12V

PRODUCT SCOPE AND MARKET

• Read all voltages listed above.
• Focus on popular household batteries: 1.5V AA, 9V
• Market research shows that customers typically replace a 1.5V AA at 1.1V and a 9V at 7.0V.

HANDS-ON

• Create your own Use Case for a real-world application.
• What voltages measurements are needed? What voltages are considered good/bad?
• Some examples to explore:
  • PC Power Supply Unit
  • Solar Power Panels and Batteries.

NEXT UP

How can the Use Case drive the Design Requirements Spec?

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