Quick Intro to Conversation Models
Before explaining the Starbucks' conversation model, here's a quick, informal tutorial on how to decipher these diagrams.

The diagram on the left represents a conversation between two participants. The two entities are separated by a vertical line. The loop represents the exchange of language between these participants in order to achieve their respective goals, hence the "Goal Level" label. For example, in the diagram on the right, participant A's goal is to have a hamburger. Participant B's goal is to try to sell participant A french fries.

Don't let the Pi symbols intimidate you.

Ok, we've replaced those scary Pi symbols with words.

I didn't lose you did I? Ok good. In the diagram (below) on the left, below the "Goal Level" is the "Method Level." At the method level, participants perform specific actions to achieve a goal. In this case, you'll notice that the two boxes at the method level have a loop connecting them. This is another way of showing how two participants interact with one another to achieve their goals.

Pi symbols represent the idea of processes.

Methods (bottom) achieve Goals (top)

In the diagram on the right, Participant A has to go through a set of processes to make the hamburger in order to have a hamburger for dinner. Notice that in this case, there are no loops between the two participants since Participant A can achieve their goal without Participant B's help.

When discussing methods that are required to achieve a goal, a loop forms between the box in the goal level and the box in the method level. The pie icon, also known as the comparator, checks to see if the goal has been satisfied based on what happens in the methods level. For example, the goal is to make hamburger. The participant then goes to the method level and performs the first task, which is to take the meat out of the fridge. We then move back up to the goal level to see if we've completed the goal. The comparator returns a false value since all we've done so far was take the meat out of the fridge. We then go back to the method level where we put the meat on the grill. This process of going up and down from goal to method and back to goal repeats itself until the goal is achieved. 

Diagrams above courtesy of Hugh Dubberly.

The Starbucks Conversation
So now you are finally passed the beginner stage of understanding the diagrams above. What you've (sort of learned) is Conversation Theory and the Architecture of Conversations. It could be quite initimidating from the start, but from experience, it's definitely worth looking into. So, are you ready? Let's jump into a Starbucks' conversation.

The customer's goal is to purchase a small mocha frappucino.

Employee indirectly informs customer that the drink comes with whipped cream.

Employee repeats the drink order back to the customer, but in the 'correct' order. On the right, the order is repeated to the barista behind the bar making the drinks.

Customer begins to understand the language structuring of the drink. Other customers also overhear the language used.

Customer pays for drink.

After payment, customer's goal is achieved.

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Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved.