elevator diagram

Guri Bee

2 min read

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20-10-2024

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Demystifying the Elevator Diagram: A Visual Guide to Software Development

The "elevator pitch" is a familiar concept in business, but have you heard of an "elevator diagram"? This handy visual tool, often used in software development, is more than just a fancy diagram. It provides a clear, concise way to understand the architecture of a software system, making it easier for everyone involved to get on the same page.

What is an Elevator Diagram?

An elevator diagram, also known as a "context diagram" or "system context diagram," is a high-level representation of a system's boundaries and its interactions with external entities. Think of it as a visual map showing what your software system does and how it connects to the outside world.

Why Use an Elevator Diagram?

Imagine you're in an elevator with a potential investor. They ask you what your software system does. You only have a few seconds to explain everything! This is where the elevator diagram comes in handy. By using a simple visual representation, you can quickly communicate:

• System Scope: What does the system encompass and what does it not include?
• Key Actors: Who are the users or other systems that interact with your system?
• Major Functions: What are the core functionalities your system provides?
• Data Flow: How does information move in and out of your system?

Creating an Elevator Diagram: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Identify the System: Clearly define the system you're diagramming. For example, "Online Shopping Cart System" or "Mobile Banking App".
2. Define the System Boundary: Draw a box representing your system's boundaries. Everything inside the box is part of the system, while everything outside is an external entity.
3. Identify Actors: Identify the users or other systems that interact with your system. These could be customers, employees, other applications, or even hardware devices.
4. Describe Interactions: Show how actors interact with the system using arrows. These arrows can represent data flow (like user input or system output) or control flow (like commands or requests).
5. Include Key Functions: You can optionally include the main functions or modules of your system within the box.

Example: An Online Bookstore Elevator Diagram

Let's visualize an online bookstore system:

• System Boundary: A box labeled "Online Bookstore System"
• Actors: Customers, Order Processing System, Payment Gateway, Inventory Management System
• Interactions:
  • Customers: Place orders, search for books, browse recommendations, view order history
  • Order Processing System: Processes orders, manages shipping and delivery
  • Payment Gateway: Handles payment transactions
  • Inventory Management System: Tracks available books, updates inventory based on orders
• Key Functions: Search, Browse, Shopping Cart, Checkout, Order Fulfillment

Benefits of Using Elevator Diagrams

• Clear Communication: Provides a concise and easy-to-understand overview of a system's purpose and interactions.
• Shared Understanding: Facilitates communication and alignment among stakeholders, including developers, designers, and project managers.
• Problem Identification: Helps identify potential issues and complexities early in the development process.
• Documentation: Serves as valuable documentation for future reference and maintenance.

Example from GitHub:

This GitHub repository by user d0k provides a collection of elevator diagram examples for different software systems, highlighting the diverse applications of this useful tool.

In Conclusion:

The elevator diagram is a powerful tool for simplifying complex systems, enabling clear communication and fostering better understanding. By embracing this simple yet effective visualization technique, you can navigate the complexities of software development with greater clarity and efficiency.