Create a model movie

Models are often a distillation of the information the present. Consequently, there will be omitted details. A typical model might uses boxes to represent model elements, and lines that connect them to symbolize relationships between those elements. However when all boxes are the same size, it's difficult to determine the relative importance of one box over another. Omitted information, understated information, or overstated information are just a few concepts that potentially harm the quality of communication a good model is capable of.

Someone familiar with the model discussing that model, pointing to its relative parts, verbalizing the elements of the model and their relationships can make a huge difference in how well that model is understood and used by others. But, in many circumstances a person isn't always available to give this explanation. In circumstances where a team in not collocated, the person who best understands a model may never be physically available to discuss its meaning.

In these situations a short electronic movie of someone discussing the model serves as an invaluable way to communicate the concepts distilled in the model.

Many cameras now allow recording of short digital movies. At the end of a modeling session or whenever someone is available to verbally summarize the model record the modeler summarizing the model for the rest of the team. Record her words and gestures, and any subsequent conversations about the model. If the model is built from index cards or stickies, encourage the modeler to move parts of the model around to emphasize the points they're making verbally. While the modeler is discussing someone should ask questions, interviewer style to elaborate on confusing concepts or concepts the modeler may have neglected to talk about.

The resulting movie should be just a few minutes long. In practice you might find you have to record this sort of discussion a couple of times before you arrive at a recording that's both short and covers the important points of the model. Don't worry about the model being legible in the movie. The higher resolution model photo, the physical model itself, or some other electronic version of the model will allow the movie viewer to get those details. And, don't worry about production quality or lighting. This is documentation, not cinema.

The result should be a short easy to review digital movie that will help a documenter recall details of the modeling session or a model consumer more quickly understand and leverage the model. These movies should be stored electronically with any documents related to the model.

Hopefully the model will find its way onto the wall as a model poster. If it does, note on the model poster that a model movie exists and include a url or other information on the poster to help the reader locate an play the movie. With the price of the now ubiquitous USB flash drive dropping as quickly as it is, consider placing the movie model on a flash drive and attaching it directly to the model poster so that a consumer can quickly play it on a laptop as they stand in front of the poster.