How Do You Explain A Data Flow Diagram To A User?
Data flow diagrams can seem daunting to a non-technical end user. Fortunately, it’s easy to explain the essential ideas of an abstract system like a data flow diagram using analogies to other processes that the user is already familiar with. For example, you can use the analogy of an envelope passing from mailbox to mailbox and being worked upon by workers. Show the user your data flow diagram. It is always helpful to have a concrete example to refer to when attempting to explain something complicated or abstract to someone who is unfamiliar with it. Try to pick an example diagram that includes all the essential features without being overly complex or advanced. Introduce the analogy. A data flow diagram is an abstract representation of information flowing in and out of a system and from place to place within the system, where it can be operated upon by different elements of the system. Explain to the user that this system is conceptually similar to an office building with workers in m
