CUTA4UML: bridging the gap between informal and formal requirements for dynamic system aspects

In this paper, we describe our integrated approach to improve requirements elicitation and system specification by supporting a strong and direct involvement of all stakeholders, including non technical personnel, in the early phases of a project. This so-called CUTA4UML approach comprises a framework of methods, tools and feedback cycles that is based on the concept of Participatory Design (PD) and instantiated via an extended version of a user-driven "card game" (CUTA). This card game can be executed on paper or via electronic means. Our focus will be on the system\´s dynamic aspects which are, always, especially tricky to cover. We will also take a closer look at the inherently involved problem to match the rather informal results of such an card-based approach to a quite formal (UML -- Activity Diagrams) modeling technique -- a step necessary to make the results useful in a structured development process and, so far, one of the weak points in all of these approaches. All our concepts and conclusions are based on a sound experimental basis and have been evaluated and discussed with industrial partners, mostly in a context of small and medium sized companies.