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Graphic Design: The New Basics - Diagram

  • A diagram is a graphic representation of a structure, situation, or process.
  • They allow us to see relationships that would not come forward with a straight list of numbers or a verbal description.
  • Edward R. Tufte - “A chart or diagram should employ no metaphoric distractions or excessive flourishes, but should stay within the realm of objective observation”.
  • A network (graph) is a set of connections among nodes or points.
  • Centralised networks include pyramids and trees, where all power issues from a common point.
  • A decentralised network has a spine with radiating elements.
  • A distributed network has node-to-node relationships with no spine and no centre.
  • Diagrams for product design:
    • Matrix diagram
    • Action flow
    • User flow
    • Venn diagram

Design Task 1
For this task, I used red lines to connect a grid of dots in different ways. The first is a distributed network and the second two are decentralised networks. 



Design Task 2
For this task, I created a diagram to represent where I have visited in Europe, with the red dot representing my hometown. The thickness of the lines corresponds to how much time I have spent in each place.

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