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Chapter 3. Black-box thinking: Defining the system context 67
Figure 3-11 An enterprise context diagram showing actors, I/O entities, and enterprise operations
Summary
We have spent this chapter looking at a black-box point of view. We have
considered the system, enterprise, or entity as a black box and explored its
context so that we can understand what is expected of it, and what collaborations
it participates in within that context.
Having gained this explicit understanding, we proceed to the next larger step in
MDSD’s transformations, that of examining the entity as a white box, exposing
the internal elements, collaborations, and distribution of responsibilities within it.
As noted previously, we also will be transitioning from specification to realization;
in looking at the black box, we discover what is required of the entity. In looking at
the white box, we begin to design how the entity will realize what is required of it.