HN Explorer

Ask HN: What software diagrams have made a difference I your decision making?

3 points by Msurrow ↗ HN
When it comes to diagrams in software development many things and opinions can be discussed, and often are, about the use of diagrams in software development (and -architecture): UML, not UML, C4, types of diagrams (e.g. class diagram vs component diagram etc), 4+1 model, level of detail, auto generate or not, and so on. All of the discussion is good, and there will never be one true answer.

What I would love to hear about is a very pragmatic and individual question:

What types of SW diagrams have actually made a difference for you/your team in a decision making situation?

I know that diagrams often have good use when it comes to explaining a system to a new hire, or other person not already familiar with the system.

I’m more curious if anyone have used diagrams in an analytical situation and as input to a design decision. Have you used diagrams in a way that gave you some insights into a problem that you couldn’t get just by taking about it? Have you used diagrams to show that solution A is better than solution B?

3 comments

[ 5.4 ms ] story [ 16.4 ms ] thread
viraptor
Having a diagram helped me multiple times. I'm aware of different types and I'm quite interested in visualisation, but... it never really mattered. A diagram showing what you want is good, others are not, regardless of whether it has an official name.

One specific non-SW type I consciously use is an argument map, if you're after decision making. See argdown https://argdown.org/

ssss11
I think diagrams regardless of which type you use are most useful to make sure everyone is aligned on what those options are _in order to have the discussion_. Then the discussion can take place and it logically comes to the right outcome (hopefully) as everyone has clarity on what’s being discussed.

Without the diagram people talk about different things but think they’re talking about the same thing. You need diagrams. Even if you just write it on white boards.

Msurrow
Yes, I agree completely . This has alwaysbeen my main use of diagrams. Have you ever used it for purely analytical purposes, and gained something you couldn’t have otherwise?