Save 90% work creating flowcharts and BPMN diagrams
Are there any people here creating diagrams for their day jobs to show processes, using BPMN structure or flowcharts? I found myself doing this so many times and usually I would first map out the process by hand and then copy the diagram to a digital software. According to the only paper I found doing diagrams by hand is 90% faster than doing them on your computer.
We have been working on an algorithm that allows you to take a snapshot of an image of handwritten diagram on paper or whiteboard and digitizes it to a BPMN xml file that can then be downloaded to further process and to be edited . Our current backend (no front-end just yet ) includes handwriting recognition with decent accuracy and annotations can be corrected later on.
Which features would you like to see in such a tool? Do you also often sketch out diagrams by hand before creating the diagram in a digital form ?
Feedback is much appreciated.
I create a lot of flows daily and currently use Lucidchart. I think it’s a good idea since I whiteboard before as well. I would expect same features of LC to have all the different models plus the image-to-diagram feature
Which type of diagrams what be most important for you?
I had to sideline this project for some time due to job duties but am getting back to it now.
Would You be willing to pay a small amount of money for such a service if it saves you significant amounts of time?
One last question, if I may: how important would the speed of handwriting to digital diagram be for you? Would an hour for conversion be acceptable?
Happy to answer your questions. I do recommend reading The Mom Test since your questions are the exactly types of questions NOT to ask for customer validation.
Process flows is most common. I don’t think there is a most important since different needs require different visuals.
This isn’t a big enough of a problem for me to spend money on or switch or use it at work knowing the strict security protocols the company has with non-approved vendors. It’s a nice-to-have problem where LC is good enough.
1-10 where 1 is least important, I would say 1 or 2 because turning the handwritten to digital is the least of my concern when creating flows. I hand write/whiteboard since it’s easier. Once done, recreating in LC is super easy. Sorry, I know this is not what you wanted to hear, but wanted to be honest.