Visualization of Software Architecture based on stakeholders' requirements: Empirical investigation based on 4 industrial cases

Abstract

Considering the rapid growth of software systems and consequential difficulties with development, evaluation, maintenance and reengineering, there is an emerging demand for effective means for communication of software architecture. One of such techniques is Software Architecture Visualization (SAV). However, visualization of an entire architecture is overwhelming to the user and thus possesses little value. Therefore, it is essential to determine possible stakeholders and identify what visualization is preferred by each. However, present research lacks support from industry practitioners in determining the relationship between stakeholders and levels/types or visualization. In this study qualitative data gathered from interviews with Volvo, Ericsson and Tetra Pak is analyzed to determine information need, preferred techniques, tools and levels of abstraction depending on a stakeholder. Requirements of the stakeholders were compared and contrasted to each other, as well as literature results. Lastly, this paper presents complementary or substitutionary visualization techniques based on a stakeholder and lists practical implications that could be useful to SAV practitioners and tool vendors.