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Use Case & User Stories: Application Shell
Use Case ID: UC-02
Use Case Name: Interact with the Application's Persistent Layout
Feature: Application Shell
Actors: All Authenticated Users (Primary)

1. Use Case Description

This use case describes how an authenticated user interacts with the main, persistent user interface framework of the Enterprise Console. This "shell" includes the global Top Bar, Left Navigator, Main Content Area, and Footer. It provides consistent navigation, user context, and layout management functionalities that are present across all pages of the application.

2. User Stories

  • US-05: Consistent Application Framework > As a user, > I want a consistent and persistent navigation structure (top bar, side menu) on every page, > so that I can navigate the application efficiently and always know where I am.

  • US-06: Maximize Workspace > As a user, > I want to be able to collapse the navigation panels (Top Bar and Left Navigator), > so that I can maximize the screen space for the main content I am working on.

  • US-07: Persistent Layout Preferences > As a user, > I want the application to remember my preference for whether the navigation panels are collapsed or expanded, > so that I don't have to reset my preferred layout every time I log in.

  • US-08: Quick Access to User Profile and Logout > As a user, > I want to easily access my profile information and the logout function from a visible user icon in the top bar, > so that I can manage my account and securely exit the application from anywhere.

3. Preconditions

  • The user has successfully completed the "User Authentication" use case (UC-01) and has an active session.

4. Postconditions

  • The user can consistently navigate and interact with the application's core layout.
  • The user's layout preferences (collapsed/expanded states) are saved for their next session.

5. Main Success Scenario (Happy Path)

Step User Action System Response
1 Successfully logs into the application. The system displays the Post-Authentication Landing Page rendered within the persistent Application Shell. The Shell consists of a Top Bar, an expanded Left Navigator, the Main Content Area, and a Footer.
2 The Top Bar displays the application logo and a User Profile Icon showing the current user's name/initials.
3 The Left Navigator displays a list of placeholder navigation items.
4 Clicks on a navigation item in the Left Navigator. The system renders the corresponding page's content within the Main Content Area, while the Top Bar, Left Navigator, and Footer remain persistent.

6. Alternative & Exception Flows

  • Scenario A: User Collapses and Expands Left Navigator

    • 2a. User clicks the "Collapse" control on the Left Navigator.
    • System Response: The Left Navigator animates to a minimized width, showing only icons. The Main Content Area expands to fill the newly available space. The system saves this "collapsed" state as the user's preference.
    • 2b. User clicks the "Expand" control on the now-collapsed Left Navigator.
    • System Response: The Left Navigator animates back to its default expanded state. The system saves this "expanded" state as the user's new preference.

  • Scenario B: User Interacts with User Profile Dropdown

    • 2a. User clicks the User Profile Icon in the Top Bar.
    • System Response: The system displays a dropdown menu containing the user's full name/email, a placeholder link for "Edit Profile", and a functional "Logout" button.
    • 2b. User clicks the "Logout" button.
    • System Response: The system initiates the logout flow as defined in UC-01.
    • 2c. User clicks anywhere outside the dropdown menu.
    • System Response: The dropdown menu closes.