diff --git a/doc/source/features/stage-implementation-details.rst b/doc/source/features/stage-implementation-details.rst
index 7acf657..26bcf51 100644
--- a/doc/source/features/stage-implementation-details.rst
+++ b/doc/source/features/stage-implementation-details.rst
@@ -124,3 +124,10 @@ customizing):
 .. note::
 
    You can zoom and pan in the image above.
+
+If you're familiar with software design patterns, this overall structure
+follows the `Template Method pattern`_:  the base class defines the
+high-level algorithm for running a stage, while subclasses customize
+selected steps in that flow.
+
+.. _Template Method pattern:  https://refactoring.guru/design-patterns/template-method