Quiz Entry - updated: 2026.07.14
What are the trade-offs between natural language and conceptual models for documenting requirements?
Natural language is accessible to everyone but ambiguous; conceptual models (UML, DFD) are precise but need notation knowledge — so use both together.
Natural Language:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No new notation to learn | Not that clear |
| Familiar to all stakeholders | Easy to mix up (ambiguity) |
| Flexible and expressive | Can be verbose |
Conceptual Models (UML, DFD, etc.):
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Decreased degree of ambiguity | Requires specific knowledge of modeling |
| Higher degree of formality | Stakeholders may not understand |
| Fewer ways to be interpreted | Learning curve |
| Can be validated by tools |
Best practice: Use both - natural language for accessibility and detail, conceptual models for precision and overview. Always ensure stakeholders can understand both.