What do you do if non-technical stakeholders struggle to understand complex data engineering concepts?

Explain not just the terms but the system and the output. For example, if you are dealing with and FTP pipeline, explain what files you are taking, what is the processing step and what is the result. It can be easy to get lost in the processing technicalities, when the stakeholder value comes from the output of your pipeline and the process which you have created.

Understanding their background and level of familiarity with technical topics Utilize analogies, visual aids, and real-world examples to simplify complex concepts and make them more accessible. Avoid jargon and technical language, opting instead for plain language explanations that resonate with your audience. Offer hands-on demonstrations or workshops to provide practical context and reinforce understanding, open dialogue and address any questions or concerns they may have with patience and empathy. By prioritizing effective communication and understanding the perspective of non-technical stakeholders, you can bridge the gap and foster collaboration towards achieving common goals in data engineering projects

When interacting with non-technical teams, avoid using jargon related to technology. Instead, use full sentences, create visual presentations, and simplify concepts as much as possible. Avoid including technical details in flow diagrams. For creating data flows or storage diagrams, use available online tools such as draw.io, Miro, or other similar resources. Ensure that explanations are accessible by using analogies or examples that the non technical audience can relate to easily. Regularly update your presentations to reflect the latest trends and simplify complex ideas.

Remember to keep the visual aids simple and logic, and to include all of the core labels on them. You can use flow charts and network diagrams to explain your system, but maintain the level of abstraction necessary to avoid confusion.

Focus on the "why" of the concept first and then lead with an analogy that will help them understand the business value of the process. Then, explain with an example how it works and use visual aids as and when necessary.

At a tech company, the data engineering team faced difficulties explaining a complex data processing pipeline to non-technical stakeholders, hindering project buy-in. To overcome this, they created a simplified diagram illustrating the data flow from ingestion to analytics, using familiar analogies related to everyday tasks. For example, they compared data cleansing to filtering coffee - removing unwanted parts to ensure only the desired output. Additionally, they developed a case study showcasing how the pipeline improved decision-making in a recent marketing campaign, highlighting increased customer engagement and sales. This approach made the complex concepts accessible, enhancing stakeholders' understanding and support for the project