How many times has this happened?

You describe the problem and the solution that needs to be built in words or in writing and in the end when it’s built, it’s not what you thought it was going to be.

When you explain your problem and solution to the team in words and documentation // Image Credit: Jeff Patton & Associates

Words can only go so far. There’s a reason why they say a picture is worth a thousand words.

But asking people to draw often makes them nervous because they think it needs to be beautiful or that they will be judged on their artistic skills.

What people think you are asking for when you ask them to draw // Image credit: Leonardo da Vinci

The reality is a good diagram doesn’t need to be beautiful or polished to communicate an idea, you’d be surprised how far a few sticks, boxes, arrows and scribbles can go to get everyone envisioning the same thing.