Classification, Challenges, and Automated Approaches to Handle Non-Functional Requirements in ML-Enabled Systems: A Systematic Literature Review

TL;DR

This systematic literature review analyzes 69 studies to classify 30 non-functional requirements and identify 23 challenges in developing ML-enabled systems, providing a comprehensive overview and guiding future research in this domain.

Contribution

The paper offers the first comprehensive classification of non-functional requirements and a catalog of challenges specific to ML-enabled systems, filling a gap in existing research.

Findings

Identified 30 non-functional requirements grouped into six classes.

Compiled a catalog of over 23 software engineering challenges.

Provided implications and future outlook for managing non-functional requirements.

Abstract

Context: Machine learning (ML) is nowadays so pervasive and diffused that virtually no application can avoid its use. Nonetheless, its enormous potential is often tempered by the need to manage non-functional requirements and navigate pressing, contrasting trade-offs. Objective: In this respect, we notice the lack of a comprehensive synthesis of the non-functional requirements affecting ML-enabled systems, other than the major challenges faced to deal with them. Such a synthesis may not only provide a comprehensive summary of the state of the art, but also drive further research on the analysis, management, and optimization of non-functional requirements of ML-intensive systems. Method: In this paper, we propose a systematic literature review targeting two key aspects such as (1) the classification of the non-functional requirements investigated so far, and (2) the challenges to be faced when developing models in ML-enabled systems. Through the combination of well-established guidelines for conducting systematic literature reviews and additional search criteria, we survey a total amount of 69 research articles. Results: Our findings report that current research identified 30 different non-functional requirements, which can be grouped into six main classes. We also compiled a catalog of more than 23 software engineering challenges, based on which further research should consider the nonfunctional requirements of machine learning-enabled systems. Conclusion: We conclude our work by distilling implications and a future outlook on the topic.