How To Create Context Models That Stakeholders Understand

Context models are communication tools

Photo by Tom Fisk on Pexels

A context model can be used as a simple communication tool to depict the context of a business, a system, or a process.

The context is the environment in which the object of our interest exists. Context models capture how the central object interacts with its environment, be it exchanging data, physical objects, or funds.

Here is a simple context model of a catering company:

Image by author

This model shows how a catering company interacts with external entities:

• What it purchases from suppliers.
• What is the product (service) it provides to the customers.
• What partner services does it use to support its business model.
• What are the main interactions with governing bodies.

The flows between the company and other entities in this example represent:

• Material objects (napery, cutlery, prepared food)
• Monetary funds (fees paid to suppliers, partners, order payments by customers)