Napkin Test

Format: Given an app description, draw an architecture diagram on paper (boxes + arrows), then have AI draw one too and compare the differences.

Exercise Prompts (pick one each time):

1. "Draw an architecture diagram for a food delivery app. Include: user ordering, merchant accepting orders, rider delivery, payment processing, notification system."
2. "Draw an architecture diagram for an online document collaboration tool (like Google Docs)."
3. "Draw an architecture diagram for a social media content recommendation system."
4. "Draw an architecture diagram for a live video streaming platform. Include: broadcaster side, viewer side, live comments, gifts, replay."
5. "Draw an architecture diagram for a second-hand marketplace. Include: listing items, search, chat, transactions, reviews."

Self-Assessment Criteria:

• Can you fit it on a single page? (If it doesn't fit, the system may be too complex)
• Is each box's responsibility clear? (One box should do only one thing)
• Is the data flow direction clear? (Arrows indicate data flow)
• Where are the failure points? (Payment failure? Rider offline? Merchant doesn't accept order?)
• If user volume increases 100x, which part breaks first?

Advanced: After drawing, input to Claude: "Evaluate this architecture design, point out three potential problems and three things done well." Compare with your own judgment.