Diagrams are an important tool in the design toolbelt. A good diagram can help convey a high level concept much more easily than a textual description. We strongly recommend using diagrams to help develop and convey your design thoughts.
It is worth remembering that a diagrams can quickly become cluttered if you attempt to include too much detail. Be sure to split thoughts into multiple diagrams to keep each self contained and understandable.
Here are a few other recommendations to consider:
- Add a key. People may not read the diagram as you intended if you do not explain what it means.
- Do not add too many clashing colours. Keep your choice of colours limited, and remember that some people cannot perceive as many colours as you, so try to provide more than just colour - such as using colours with different contrasts - for those who may have some form of perception limitation.
- The tool used to create a diagram is less important than the content. Choose a diagramming package that is simple for new team members to pick up and work with quickly.
- Standardise the tool when possible. Using a standard diagramming tool throughout a team or department is helpful in allowing everyone to edit and maintain the diagrams that are created.
Consider investigating Simon Brown's C4 model and diagramming techniques.