What role do use cases play in requirements analysis?

Use cases are a vital tool in requirements analysis as they describe interactions between users and the system. They outline how users will interact with the system to achieve specific goals, providing a narrative that captures the functional requirements of the system. This involves detailing the steps taken by users in various scenarios, including what they expect to accomplish and how the system responds. By focusing on user interactions, use cases help in understanding user needs and expectations, which are crucial for defining the system's functionality.

This user-focused approach ensures that developers and stakeholders have a shared understanding of how the system should behave in response to user actions. This is essential for creating accurate requirements that align with user experiences and scenarios, which ultimately leads to a more effective and user-friendly system.