A Pattern-based Approach for Conceptual Modeling of Cooperative Systems

Current society demands the construction of systems that provide support for cooperative work (CSCW). However, the inherent complexity of this kind of systems hinders the specification of the real requirements, as well as the quick and cheap development. To analyze, design and develop systematically these systems, our research group has created a methodology called AMENITIES. We found similar scenarios in the conceptual modeling of a system that are repeatedly modeled. This paper shows the application of software patterns which capture these common situations, improving and facilitating the conceptual modeling (conceptual patterns) of cooperative systems with AMENITIES. For that purpose, we define a UML profile that facilitates the representation of these patterns. Using a uniform template, we describe and model two examples of patterns which can be used in different stages of the methodology.