Next Up

When trying to share an abstract idea, just start drawing. Do not hesitate. As you sketch, the abstract becomes tangible and new insights will emerge. Teammates will join you as you reason through the complex. Use these visual aides to tell stories about how your design decisions promote quality attributes. As the stories and diagrams coalesce, a view of the software system will emerge. Every view is a window into the architecture.

In the next chapter, you’re going to learn more about telling stories with your diagrams by creating architecture descriptions. Architecture descriptions start with a picture but also include design decisions, history, and the rationale for why you designed the system the way you did.