UML is most valuable in reviews when it reduces ambiguity quickly. The goal isn’t perfect diagrams — it’s shared understanding.
What to model (high signal)
- Class diagram: core entities, relationships, and ownership
- Sequence diagram: one critical end-to-end flow
- Activity diagram: business workflow with branching/approvals
- State machine: lifecycle for stateful entities
What to skip (low signal)
- Diagrams that don’t answer a concrete question
- Exhaustive modeling of UI details
- One-off views that aren’t tied to a core workflow
Review checklist
- Can everyone name the core entities?
- Is ownership clear in relationships?
- Do flows match the model?
- Are state transitions explicit where needed?
Next steps
- Read: UML editor
- Try: Interactive demo