Section: Hands-on: Generating a Multi-Layer Model from a Single Topic
The AI Diagram Generator fundamentally changes the modeling workflow by allowing architects to move from a high-level concept to a structured, multi-layer model in seconds. Instead of manually identifying and connecting elements across the Business, Application, and Technology layers, users can provide a single topic or scenario. The AI acts as a co-pilot, interpreting the intent to generate a comprehensive draft that ensures all elements adhere to the ArchiMate 3.2 specification.
Step-by-Step Hands-on Guide (Visual Paradigm Desktop)
To generate your first multi-layer model from a single topic, follow these steps within the Desktop environment:
- Access the Tool: Click on Tools in the main menu and select AI Diagram.
- Select a Viewpoint: Choose an appropriate ArchiMate Viewpoint from the dropdown menu. For a comprehensive view across the stack, the Layered Viewpoint is often the best choice.
- Enter Your Topic: Type a clear, descriptive topic into the text field.
- Customize the Output: (Optional) Define the intended audience (e.g., executives or engineers) and the tone (e.g., formal or technical) to tailor the accompanying explanation.
- Generate: Hit OK. The AI will instantly draft an editable model with correct symbols, colors, and relationship rules.
Practical Examples of Multi-Layer Generation
These examples demonstrate how a single, well-crafted topic can produce a model that spans multiple architectural layers:
- Telecom 5G Network Rollout Architecture
- The Topic: “Telecom 5G Network Rollout Architecture”
- The Result: The AI generates a model showing the interaction between infrastructure elements (e.g., cell towers), network services, and application services required to deliver 5G connectivity.
- Retail E-commerce Transformation
- The Topic: “A retail company’s shift to e-commerce including order fulfillment processes and cloud hosting”
- The Result: A layered model that visualizes the “to-be” state, tracing how cloud hosting nodes (Technology) support inventory management services (Application), which in turn realize the buyer’s order fulfillment journey (Business).
- Digital Banking Transformation Program
- The Topic: “Digital Banking Transformation Program”
- The Result: A visualization illustrating how modern business processes (e.g., mobile account opening) are supported by application services (e.g., identity verification) and underlying technology components like secure databases.
- Healthcare Information Exchange Platform
- The Topic: “Healthcare Information Exchange Platform”
- The Result: A multi-layer diagram showing the secure collaboration between hospitals and patients (Business Layer actors) and the software interfaces (Application Layer) that manage medical records.
Refining the Generated Model
Because the AI generates a living, editable model—not a static image—you can immediately perform further hands-on refinements:
- Manual Adjustments: Drag elements to adjust layout or double-click to rename components.
- Conversational Refinement: If using the AI Chatbot in VP Online, you can follow up with commands like “Add a serving relationship from Application Service to Business Process” or “Switch to the Application Cooperation Viewpoint” to update the model iteratively.
By starting with a single topic, architects can reduce their manual setup time by up to 80-90%, allowing them to focus on strategy, validation, and impact analysis.
