Episode 254 - Communication Patterns with Jacqui Read | Bullet Points

Key Takeaways

• Communication is one of the most critical skills in software development, often considered more important than technical skills.
• Communication patterns can be divided into visual, written, knowledge-sharing, and remote communication.
• Good diagrams should include legends/keys, avoid relying solely on color, and maintain consistent representation.
• Documentation should focus on different levels of detail, with high-level information being more stable and detailed information being automated where possible.
• The C4 model is useful for creating understandable system documentation at different levels of abstraction.
• Email communication should prioritize important information first and use clear subject lines.
• Collaborative approaches like pair programming and bytesize architecture sessions help share knowledge effectively.

Core Questions Addressed

• What are communication patterns and why are they important?
• How can diagrams be made more effective and maintainable?
• Can everyone learn to be good at communication?
• How should documentation be structured and maintained?
• What role does storytelling play in technical communication?
• How can teams avoid knowledge silos?
• How can email communication be improved?

Glossary of Important Terms

• C4 Model: A hierarchical approach to software architecture documentation created by Simon Brown
• Representational Consistency: Maintaining clear links between related documentation artifacts
• Communication Patterns: Reusable solutions for common communication challenges
• Anti-patterns: Common but ineffective approaches to communication
• Bytesize Architecture Sessions: Collaborative technique for documenting system architecture
• Domain Storytelling: A method of communicating complex processes through storytelling
• Knowledge in the World vs. Mind: Distinction between documented knowledge and personal expertise

The episode provides practical advice for improving technical communication across different mediums and contexts, emphasizing the importance of considering audience needs and maintaining clear, consistent documentation.