Summary
Overview
This session is a course module focused on domain modeling and the use of AI (specifically ChatGPT) to accelerate requirements gathering and object-oriented design. The instructor demonstrates how to export a domain model diagram from Cameo, shares it across participants, and then transitions into a discussion on leveraging AI to auto-generate system functions (operations) from domain objects—bypassing traditional activity diagram-based functional decomposition. The session concludes with a planned break before moving into the next module on AI-assisted requirements.
Topic (Timeline)
1. Domain Model Export and File Sharing [00:00:03 - 00:01:53]
The instructor demonstrates exporting a domain model as an image using Cameo’s “Save As Image” feature. They attempt to transfer the file to another participant’s virtual machine, encountering permission issues. After realizing the transfer is impractical, they opt to leave the diagram visible on-screen for shared reference. The focus is on practical file handling in a collaborative virtual environment.
2. ChatGPT Account Setup Guidance [00:01:58 - 00:03:19]
The instructor advises participants to create or reactivate a ChatGPT account via OpenAI.com or chatgpt.com to enable hands-on experimentation with AI prompting. They clarify that while not mandatory, having an account allows learners to independently replicate or extend the demonstrated AI interactions, contrasting with passive observation.
3. Domain Modeling and Vocabulary Alignment [00:04:21 - 00:05:02]
The session resumes with a pedagogical emphasis on the importance of establishing a shared glossary across the project team. The instructor stresses that consistent use of domain nouns in requirements, use cases, and design artifacts reduces ambiguity and improves communication. This foundational step is presented as critical before proceeding to structural or behavioral modeling.
4. AI-Driven Object-Oriented Design [00:05:05 - 00:07:34]
The instructor demonstrates how AI (ChatGPT) can automatically populate domain objects with attributes (SysML value properties) and operations (functions), effectively performing object-oriented design without manual activity diagram decomposition. They highlight that this approach yields a reasonable set of system functions faster than traditional methods, directly addressing the team’s prior experience with time-intensive functional decomposition. The AI-generated table is framed as a lab outcome that precedes formal architectural steps.
5. Lab Review and Transition to Next Module [00:07:36 - 00:08:32]
The instructor reviews the prior AI-assisted lab activity, invites questions, and confirms understanding before announcing a 10-minute break. They note the time (2:30 PM) and schedule return at 2:40 PM, explicitly giving Elena time to complete her domain model diagram during the break.
6. Pre-Module Check and Technical Reconnection [00:13:17 - 00:13:29]
After the break, the instructor checks for lingering questions on domain modeling and expresses uncertainty about regaining screen-sharing access, indicating a transition back to the session’s technical interface. The session ends mid-flow, with no further content delivered.
Appendix
Key Principles
- Shared Glossary: Consistent terminology across requirements, use cases, and models is essential to reduce ambiguity.
- AI as Design Accelerator: AI can autonomously identify operations (functions) for domain objects, enabling object-oriented design without manual activity diagram creation.
- Efficiency Gain: AI reduces time spent on functional decomposition, aligning with real-world team pain points.
Tools Used
- Cameo (for domain model export as image)
- ChatGPT / OpenAI (for generating system functions from domain objects)
- Web browser (for account creation and prompting)
Common Pitfalls
- Attempting direct file transfer between virtual machines without proper permissions.
- Delaying glossary alignment until after requirements writing, leading to rework.
- Over-reliance on manual activity diagrams for function discovery, when AI can provide rapid alternatives.
Practice Suggestions
- Export and share domain models as static images when live sharing is restricted.
- Use AI to generate a table of domain objects with attributes and operations as a starting point for logical architecture.
- Before writing requirements, collaboratively define and agree on a project glossary.