whiteboarding
Drawing out ideas
Whiteboarding is collaborative problem-solving or brainstorming using a whiteboard, especially in tech interviews where candidates work through coding problems while explaining their thinking aloud.
The practice emphasizes process over polish: We spent an hour whiteboarding the architecture before writing any code.
As a hiring tool, whiteboarding remains controversial—critics argue it tests performance anxiety more than actual skill.
Hasty informal drawing
- flowchartDiagram showing workflow steps
- diagramSimplified explanatory sketch
- wireframeEdge-only geometric model
- mockupPreliminary design representation
prototype · schematic · architecture · swimlane · storyboard · infographic · illustrate · render
Educational instruction space
- lectureEducational spoken presentation
- lessonUnit of teaching
- instructorOne who teaches skills
- studentOne formally enrolled somewhere
tutor · explainer · walkthrough · demonstration · pedagogy · teaching · learning · dry-erase
Bound presentation paper display
- slidesMoves smoothly across surface
- keynoteCentral theme or speech
- presenterOne who delivers content
- audienceGathered viewers collectively
seminar · conference · webinar · demo · pitch · walkthrough · exposition · speaker
Forming mental concepts
- mindmapRadial idea diagram
- conceptualizeForm a mental picture
- thinktankPolicy analysis organization
- freeformUnconstrained by structure
problem-solving · spitballing · riffing · what-if · blue-sky · back-of-envelope · spontaneity · creativity
Joint effort toward shared aim
- meetingGathering for discussion
- discussionExchange of ideas
- co-creationJoint value development
- facilitationMaking tasks easier
workshop · standup · huddle · roundtable · breakout · sync · debrief · groupwork
Detailed plan forward
- timelineOrdered display of events
- milestonesNotable points of progress
- gameplanPredetermined course of action
- strategyPlanned approach to goals
workflow · sprint · backlog · prioritization · deliverables · objectives · framework · blueprint
sketch
Hasty informal drawing
- flowchartDiagram showing workflow steps
- diagramSimplified explanatory sketch
- wireframeEdge-only geometric model
mockup · prototype · schematic · architecture · swimlane · storyboard · infographic · illustrate · render · outline
classroom
Educational instruction space
- lectureEducational spoken presentation
- lessonUnit of teaching
- instructorOne who teaches skills
student · tutor · explainer · walkthrough · demonstration · pedagogy · teaching · learning · dry-erase · marker
flipchart
Bound presentation paper display
audience · seminar · conference · webinar · demo · pitch · walkthrough · exposition · speaker · panel
ideation
Forming mental concepts
- mindmapRadial idea diagram
- conceptualizeForm a mental picture
- thinktankPolicy analysis organization
freeform · problem-solving · spitballing · riffing · what-if · blue-sky · back-of-envelope · spontaneity · creativity · inspiration
teamwork
Joint effort toward shared aim
- meetingGathering for discussion
- discussionExchange of ideas
- co-creationJoint value development
facilitation · workshop · standup · huddle · roundtable · breakout · sync · debrief · groupwork · coordination
roadmap
Detailed plan forward
- timelineOrdered display of events
- milestonesNotable points of progress
- gameplanPredetermined course of action
strategy · workflow · sprint · backlog · prioritization · deliverables · objectives · framework · blueprint · execution
- workshop activitiesbrainstorming, role play, group work, breakout sessions, hands-on training
- brainstorming methodsbrainstorming, mind mapping, ideation, sticky notes
- teamwork methodsbrainstorming, delegation, meetings, huddles, consensus
whiteboardingofficial documentation
Verified papers from authorities
carved in stone · set in stone · archiving · written records · legal document
whiteboardingsolo work
Creation by one person
working in isolation · independent work · email chains · silent reading