Validation-Driven Development

Abstract: Formal methods play a fundamental role in asserting the correctness of requirements specifications. However, historically, formal method experts have primarily focused on verifying those specifications. Although equally important, validation of requirements specifications often takes the back seat. This paper introduces a validation-driven development (VDD) process that prioritizes validating requirements in formal development. The VDD process is built upon problem frames - a requirements analysis approach - and validation obligations (VOs) - the concept of breaking down the overall validation of a specification and linking it to refinement steps. The effectiveness of the VDD process is demonstrated through a case study in the aviation industry.