8.2 Software Design Document (SDD) Generation

Compiling the system scope, diagrams, descriptions, and test cases into a polished PDF or Markdown file.

In Visual Paradigm’s AI-Powered Use Case Modeling Studio, the Automated SDD Reporting feature represents the culmination of the use case-driven workflow. With a single click, the platform intelligently compiles all project artifacts—system scope definitions, stakeholder details, Use Case Diagrams, detailed use case specifications (including flows, preconditions, and postconditions), behavioral models (Activity and Sequence Diagrams), structural models (Class and ER Diagrams), scenario analyses, decision tables, and the full set of AI-generated test cases—into a cohesive, professionally formatted Software Design Document (SDD).

This one-button generation eliminates manual assembly, ensures consistency across sections, and produces output ready for stakeholders, reviews, audits, or handoff to development teams. Users can choose between two primary formats:

• PDF — Ideal for formal distribution, printing, or archival; includes embedded diagrams, formatted headings, tables, and page numbering.
• Markdown — Perfect for version control (e.g., Git), collaborative editing (e.g., GitHub, Confluence), lightweight sharing, or integration into wikis and knowledge bases.

The generated SDD typically follows a logical structure aligned with industry standards (e.g., IEEE-inspired templates), while remaining fully traceable to the models created earlier in the studio.

Key Contents of the Generated SDD

• Executive Summary — High-level overview of system purpose, scope, and value.
• System Scope and Problem Statement — Pulled directly from the initial “Scope Description” and problem generation steps.
• Stakeholders and Users — Summary table of identified actors and their needs.
• Use Case Model — Overview, followed by the Use Case Diagram (embedded as image in PDF or PlantUML reference in Markdown) and detailed specifications for each use case.
• Behavioral Modeling — Activity Diagrams and Sequence Diagrams with descriptions.
• Structural Modeling — Class Diagrams and Entity-Relationship Diagrams.
• Scenario and Logic Validation — Decision tables and condition-action matrices.
• Test Cases — Comprehensive table listing Test ID, Scenario, Steps, Expected Results, and traceability to use cases.
• Glossary — Consolidated project vocabulary.
• Appendices — Any additional PlantUML code, raw AI prompts, or refinement notes.

Practical Example: ATM System SDD Generation

After completing the modeling steps for the ATM system (as described in earlier sections), you reach the final stage in the Use Case Modeling Studio:

1. In the studio interface, navigate to the Report or Generate Documentation panel (often found in the top toolbar or sidebar under “Output” / “SDD”).
2. Select Full SDD from the list of available report templates.
3. Choose the output format: PDF for stakeholder presentation or Markdown for developer collaboration.
4. Optionally customize:
   • Include/exclude specific sections (e.g., omit glossary if already maintained elsewhere).
   • Set document title (e.g., “ATM Banking System – Software Design Document v1.0”).
   • Add cover page metadata (author, date, version, company logo).
5. Click Generate Report.

Within seconds, the AI assembles everything. For the ATM example, the resulting SDD might begin like this (simplified excerpt):

Executive Summary (PDF/Markdown)

The ATM Banking System enables secure, self-service financial transactions for customers, including cash withdrawal, balance inquiry, deposits, and fund transfers. The system interacts with a backend Bank System for authentication and transaction processing. This document details the complete requirements model, design artifacts, and test coverage generated via Visual Paradigm’s AI Use Case Modeling Studio.

1. System Scope

Purpose: Provide 24/7 access to basic banking services via ATMs. Audience: End customers, bank operations team, software developers. Boundaries: Card-based authentication; cash dispensing; no loan or investment features.

2. Use Case Overview

(Embedded Use Case Diagram image in PDF; PlantUML code or rendered diagram link in Markdown)

3. Detailed Use Case: Withdraw Cash

Preconditions: User has valid card and sufficient funds. Main Flow:

1. Customer inserts card.
2. System prompts for PIN.
3. … (full steps from AI-generated specification)

Alternative Flows, Exception Flows, Postconditions

7. Test Cases

(Excerpt of table)

The document concludes with traceability matrices (use case → test case) and the project glossary (e.g., “PIN” = Personal Identification Number).

By generating the SDD directly from the living models, Visual Paradigm ensures that any refinements made to diagrams or specifications automatically propagate to the documentation—keeping your design artifacts synchronized and reducing documentation debt throughout the project lifecycle. This final deliverable bridges requirements analysis, design, and quality assurance, making it an invaluable asset for agile or traditional development teams.