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Utility Tree Construction Workshop Simulator

Run the Utility Tree Builder MicroSim Fullscreen
Edit in the p5.js Editor

About This MicroSim

This MicroSim is a guided builder for constructing a utility tree. A four-step editor on the left lets you add quality attribute branches, sub-attribute nodes, and rated leaf scenarios; the tree visualizes live on the right with color-coded (Importance, Difficulty) badges. An (H,H) counter and a Validate Tree button check your tree against the structural rules ATAM expects, scaffolding the otherwise blank-page task of designing a tree from scratch.

How to Use

  1. Add a branch: pick a quality attribute and click Add Branch.
  2. Select a node by clicking it in the tree on the right — the editor steps act on whatever is selected.
  3. Add a sub-attribute to the selected branch (step 2), then add a leaf scenario to the selected sub-attribute (step 3).
  4. Rate the selected leaf with the Importance and Difficulty dropdowns (step 4); the leaf's badge updates immediately.
  5. Watch the (H,H) scenarios counter, and click Validate Tree for specific structural feedback (enough branches, sub-attributes per branch, a scenario per sub-attribute, ratings present, and at least two (H,H) scenarios).

Use Load Example to start from a partially built tree, or Clear to start fresh.

Iframe Embed Code

You can add this MicroSim to any web page by adding this to your HTML:

<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/atam/sims/utility-tree-builder/main.html"
        width="100%"
        scrolling="no"></iframe>

Lesson Plan

Grade Level

Undergraduate / Professional

Duration

20-25 minutes

Prerequisites

Familiarity with quality attributes, the six-component scenario, and (Importance, Difficulty) rating.

Bloom's Taxonomy Level

Create (L6)

Learning Objective

Students will be able to build a complete utility tree for a provided system description, including quality attribute branches, sub-attribute nodes, rated leaf scenarios, and an identified set of (H,H) priority scenarios.

Activities

  1. Scaffolded build (10 min): Given a one-paragraph system description, students build a tree with at least three branches, two sub-attributes each, and rated scenarios.
  2. Validate and revise (8 min): Students click Validate Tree and resolve every flagged issue until the tree is well-formed.
  3. Justify priorities (5 min): Students explain why their (H,H) scenarios deserve first analytical attention.

Assessment

Students submit a validated utility tree for an assigned system; the tree must pass all structural checks and include at least two well-justified (H,H) scenarios.

References

  1. Bass, L., Clements, P., & Kazman, R. (2021). Software Architecture in Practice (4th ed.). Addison-Wesley.
  2. Kazman, R., Klein, M., & Clements, P. (2000). ATAM: Method for Architecture Evaluation (CMU/SEI-2000-TR-004).