A use case is a software engineering term used to describe a set of interactions between one or more “actors” and a system, resulting in an outcome or solution to a problem. For example, a simple use case could be a system for purchasing items online.
The use case could include different interactions such as, a user selecting a product and then entering their payment information. The use case would describe any and all steps involved in the purchase process.
More complex use cases could include systems that interact with a variety of services, such as the customer service system for a multi-channel retailer. In this example, the use case would catalog any and all interactions between the customer service system and other systems, both internal and external.
Ultimately, use cases provide a high-level understanding of a particular system, as well as how users interact with that system.
A great example of a use case is Amazon’s One-Click ordering system. The One-Click ordering system allows customers to order products quickly and easily by simply clicking the "Buy Now" button. The use case for this system would describe the process of a customer selecting the product they want and then confirming the purchase.
The use case would also describe how the system ensures payment and shipping information is saved and made available for future purchases. It would also detail how the order is fulfilled by Amazon and then shipped to the customer.
Overall, use cases are useful for software designers and developers who need to understand the details of a particular system and its interactions. As users increasingly expect personalized and efficient experiences, use cases are an effective way to ensure these expectations are met.
For more information on use cases, check out this guide from Techopedia:
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/14066/use-case
