Activity-based Class Design: an Analytical Method for Deriving Object-oriented Classes

This paper presents a new method to identify classes during object-oriented software development. The approach uses process mapping and clustering technique for achieving unambiguous transition from requirements to the definition of object-oriented classes. We draw analogy between forming cells in cellular manufacturing and class formation in object-oriented software development and accordingly borrow some clustering techniques from cellular manufacturing. By linking the class definition directly to process mapping, our Activity Based Class Design, provides a consistent method for efficiently achieving coherent and agile classes with minimum subjectivity. Thus, the method provides a systematic approach for reducing the complexity and cost of software development.