How To Find Stick Figures For Use Cases In Visio 2013

Are you struggling to create clear and concise use case diagrams for your project? Look no further! This article will guide you through the process of finding and using stick figures in Visio 2013, making your diagrams more visually appealing and easy to understand. Say goodbye to confusing and cluttered use case diagrams.

What Are Stick Figures in Use Cases?

Stick figures are visual representations of actors interacting with a system in use cases. These figures symbolize the individuals or external systems that utilize the system being modeled. Each stick figure represents a specific role or type of user, such as a customer, administrator, or external system.

In Visio 2013, stick figures are crucial visual aids for depicting the various interactions and roles within a system.

Why Are Stick Figures Used in Use Cases?

Why Are Stick Figures Used in Use Cases?

Stick figures are utilized in use cases to simplify the representation of actors interacting with a system. They act as a visual shorthand, facilitating quick understanding of the roles and behaviors within the system. By utilizing stick figures, the focus remains on the actions and interactions rather than specific physical attributes, making the diagrams more accessible and comprehensible for stakeholders.

How to Find Stick Figures for Use Cases in Visio 2013?

In the world of visual diagrams, stick figures are a popular way to represent people and their actions. When creating use case diagrams in Visio 2013, finding the perfect stick figure can add clarity and visual appeal to your diagram. In this section, we will explore three different methods for adding stick figures to your use case diagrams in Visio 2013. From using built-in figures to creating your own custom ones, we will cover all the options to help you find the perfect stick figure for your use case.

1. Using Built-in Stick Figures in Visio 2013

1. To utilize the built-in stick figures in Visio 2013, open the program and select the ‘File’ tab.
2. Next, click on ‘New’ to open the ‘New’ window.
3. From the options, choose the ‘Software and Database’ category.
4. Then, click on ‘UML Model Diagram’ to open a new drawing page.
5. Navigate to the ‘Shapes’ pane and select the ‘More Shapes’ option.
6. Select ‘Software’ followed by ‘UML’ to access the pre-made stick figures.

2. Importing Stick Figures from Other Sources

1. Open Visio 2013 and select the ‘File’ tab.
2. Click on ‘New’ and then choose either the ‘Network’ or ‘Flowchart’ category.
3. Look for the ‘Import’ option and select ‘Stick Figures’ from the dropdown menu.
4. Choose ‘Browse’ to locate stick figure images from either your computer or network.
5. Once the images are selected, click ‘Import’ to add them to your Visio diagram.

3. Creating Custom Stick Figures in Visio 2013

1. Open Visio 2013 and select the ‘File’ tab.
2. Click on ‘New’ and choose the ‘Maps and Floor Plans’ category.
3. Select ‘Building Plan’ and then click ‘Create’.
4. Under ‘Shapes’ in the ribbon, click ‘More Shapes’ and choose ‘Building Plan’.
5. Right-click on the ‘People Shapes’ stencil and select ‘Edit Master’ to begin creating custom stick figures.

When designing custom stick figures in Visio 2013, it is important to ensure that the figures are easily recognizable and clear. Utilize simple shapes and colors for improved visual understanding.

What Are the Best Practices for Using Stick Figures in Use Cases?

Stick figures are a simple and effective way to represent actors in use case diagrams in Visio 2013. However, using stick figures in the wrong way can make your diagrams confusing and difficult to understand. In this section, we will discuss the best practices for using stick figures in use cases to ensure clarity and consistency. From keeping them simple and consistent to using them sparingly, we’ll cover everything you need to know to effectively incorporate stick figures into your use case diagrams.

1. Keep Stick Figures Simple and Consistent

• Use basic shapes to create stick figures.
• Maintain a consistent style throughout the use case diagrams.
• Avoid using intricate designs or excessive details.
• Keep the size and proportions of stick figures uniform.
• Label the stick figures with clear and concise actor names.

The use of stick figures in visual representations of human figures dates back to prehistoric times, with cave paintings and rock art featuring simplistic human forms. Over the centuries, stick figures have remained a popular and effective way to convey human presence in various forms of visual communication.

2. Use Different Stick Figures for Different Actors

• Identify Actors: Determine the different roles (actors) involved in the use case.
• Choose Stick Figures: Select distinct stick figure representations for each actor to differentiate their roles visually.
• Define Characteristics: Ensure that the characteristics of the stick figures align with the traits of the respective actors.
• Label Appropriately: Clearly label each stick figure with the name of the corresponding actor to maintain clarity.

When utilizing various stick figures to represent different actors, it is essential to maintain consistency and clarity in order to effectively convey the roles and interactions within the use case.

3. Label Stick Figures with Actor Names

• First, compile a list of all actors involved in the use case.
• Next, for each stick figure representing an actor, include a label with the actor’s name.
• Make sure the labels are clearly visible and placed near the corresponding stick figure.
• Maintain clarity by using a consistent font size and style for all actor names.

4. Use Stick Figures Sparingly

• Use stick figures sparingly to avoid clutter and confusion in the use case diagrams.
• Reserve stick figures for essential actors or roles that have a significant impact on the system.
• Consider using other visual elements like icons or symbols to represent non-essential actors or roles.
• Ensure that the stick figures used are clearly labeled and easily distinguishable from each other.

A software development team, recognizing the importance of limiting the use of stick figures, streamlined their use case diagrams. This decision led to improved clarity and better communication within the team, resulting in faster development cycles and higher customer satisfaction.

Are There Any Alternatives to Using Stick Figures in Use Cases?

Stick figures have long been the go-to choice for representing individuals in use cases in Visio 2013. However, are there other options available? In this section, we will explore alternative ways to portray actors in use cases. From using icons or symbols to utilizing photos or images of real people, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each method and how they can enhance the visualization of your use cases.

1. Using Icons or Symbols Instead of Stick Figures

• Identify the key actors or roles in your use case diagram.
• Choose relevant icons or symbols that represent the actors or roles, rather than using stick figures.
• Ensure the selected icons or symbols are easily recognizable by all stakeholders.
• Label the icons or symbols with the respective actor or role names.
• Consistently use the chosen icons or symbols across all use case diagrams.

Consider using universally understood symbols to enhance diagram clarity and stakeholder understanding.

2. Using Photos or Images of Real People

• Ensure that the photos or images accurately represent the actors or users involved in the use cases.
• Choose high-quality images that are clear and easily recognizable.
• Respect privacy and confidentiality by selecting images with appropriate permissions.
• Take into account cultural diversity and inclusivity when choosing images.
• Label the images with the names of the actors or users for clarity in the use cases.