Additionally, you’ll benefit from FigJam’s robust visual workspace, which allows you to expand the template using automated diagramming tools, collaborate effortlessly online, and select from various options to share or present your work.
In the following section, we’ll guide you on how to maximize the potential of our UML communication diagram template.
How to use the UML communication diagram template
To get started, click the blue “Use Template” button to open the UML communication diagram template in FigJam. Next, invite collaborators to join your board for editing. Once you’re set, follow these steps to begin filling out the template:
- Define Functions
Begin by identifying the feature or product you want to model. Decide on your objectives for completing the communication diagram template, as this will provide a holistic view of the system.
- Visualize Objects
The template includes pre-made shapes to represent the objects in your system. Simply double-click any shape to edit its label.
Need additional shapes? Use FigJam’s automated diagramming tools to duplicate them instantly. Click on a pre-made shape to reveal blue dots on each side, and click a dot to generate a new connection line with a matching shape at the other end, saving time on manual shape creation and linking.
- Connect Related Objects
Now, link objects that communicate with each other using the pre-made connection lines. To adjust the direction of a line, click on it to reveal white dots at each end, which you can click and drag. The blue dot in the middle allows you to adjust the curve.
- Label the Arrows
Communication diagrams highlight the flow of interactions. To show the order of communications, customize the text boxes along the arrows to label the sequence. You don’t need the same level of detail as a sequence diagram, but include enough information to capture the overall process.
- Customize the Template
Personalize the template by adjusting shape colors, sizes, or font types. You can also customize connection lines by clicking on them to access the pop-up menu, where you can modify the line ends or types.
Enhance your diagram by adding sticky notes, cards, stickers, or even uploading your own files and images for a more personalized touch.
Interested in building your communication diagram from scratch? Explore how FigJam’s intuitive UML diagram tool can benefit your team.
Example of an effective communication diagram
Let’s walk through an example of how to fill out the communication diagram template. Imagine you’re developing an app where users can purchase plane tickets.
First, identify all the key objects. Your list might include:
- Landing page
- Login window
- User profile
- Search interface
- Search results page
- Purchasing window
- Purchase confirmation
- Email confirmation
Next, choose shapes to represent each of these objects and arrange them within the communication diagram template. Then, connect the objects that directly interact with one another, such as linking the login window to the user profile, the search interface to the search results page, and the objects related to the purchase process.
For each communication between objects, draw an arrow. For instance, the search interface and search results page interact in a loop, so both objects should have arrows pointing to each other.
Lastly, identify any multi-step processes and number the steps to show the sequence of interactions. A typical example is the purchasing and payment flow, which involves several steps that should be clearly numbered.
