A SAMPLE OF DIAGRAMS | links to full graphics can be found in the context and related resources sections.

What’s the difference between a graph, a plot, a chart, or a diagram? These terms are loosely defined in the data visualization space, and you may even consider them synonyms. I tend to use the first three names interchangeably, but I reserve my use of diagram for qualitative visuals used to communicate a complex process or concept. Flow charts, mind maps, pyramids, and venn diagrams are things that come to mind.

Diagrams—like those described above—come in a variety of forms and are prevalent in business communications, schooling, and the media. While we may not explicitly identify them as our most common visuals, we rely upon diagrams frequently at storytelling with data. If you’ve flipped through Let’s Practice!, you likely noticed the visual summaries at the start of each chapter. Below are two diagrams from chapter six. The first is a conceptualized line chart, which displays how tension rises and falls during a story progression. The second diagram, a flowchart, illustrates two narrative flows for organizing a presentation.

I even shared a diagram in my latest post on the blog: what is data viz? I created a mind map to both explore and explain my definition of data visualization. Mind maps and other visual representations are a staple in my creative and exploratory process. I leverage them as a means of visual thinking to make sense of a broader idea. I’ll admit that most of my creations are rough and only make sense to me, but it doesn’t take much to turn an exploratory diagram into one used for explanatory purposes.

Think of an effective diagram, whether it’s a flow chart from a poster or magazine or even one of the above examples, and consider what makes it an effective communication. Many of the same tactics we use in quantitative charts can be applied to diagrams as well: thoughtful coloring, connectors, labels, and use of words to convey a simplified message. Diagrams can be a great tool when communicating complex qualitative data, especially when we consider that we process visual information much faster than we do verbal information.

the challenge

Identify a process or concept of interest that will lend itself well to create and share a diagram. Any type of diagram is welcome: mind maps, flowcharts, pyramids, venn diagrams, etc.

Share your creation in the SWD community by July 31st at 3PM PST. If there is any specific feedback or input that you would find helpful, include that detail in your commentary. Take some time also to check out others' submissions and share your thoughts via comments and datapoints over the course of the month. I look forward to seeing some awesome diagrams!

related resources

Here are a few examples and resources related to diagrams (not a comprehensive list). If you are aware of others, please share in your submission commentary.

Pyramid Philosophy from Elevate the Debate (Jon Schwabish)
Venn diagram: what makes a good visualization? (David McCandless)
Creating a mind map video (Catherine Madden)
Below is a behind the scenes view of how I planned and created this challenge—another mind map! I prefer to get all of my thoughts down, categorize them, and then use that structure to shape the content. It’s perfectly okay if some of my ideas never made it into the challenge; it’s a natural part of the planning process.