Using UML icons for more useful models

Using this notation style doesn’t seem quite as obvious. The tool which I used for the diagrams – EA – helpfully added some default colors to the diagram, which I have removed, just to make the point that I don’t think this diagram is anything like so immediate. A box which says <<Actor>> doesn’t seem so obvious as one which has a stick-person. Which is why I have never seen a UML Use Case diagram use the rectangle notation.

The equivalent diagram using the non-rectangle notation looks like this:

I think that this diagram is easier to read than the one above. Apart from the disappointing visual pun of the ‘role (roll)’, the other two bits of notation seem sensible: the Business Actor looks like a person ,and “collaboration” as of two overlapping circles seems sensible.

I realize that in taking this view, I’m making myself into a  “Mickey-mouse”, child-like modeller. Gerben’s book (Mastering Archimate) comes out really, really strongly against this notation style, and in favour of the simple rectangle:

“In my view, these forms are for children, not grown-ups..” and suggests that if I want to use this style, I should go the whole way and “..create a funny drawing with Greek columns, jumping dogs...” (you see, Gerben – I really DID read your book..:-) )