CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 6. Illustrate: Drawing the Diagram
“Graphical excellence is that which gives to the viewer the greatest number of ideas in the shortest time with the least ink in the smallest space.”
IN THIS CHAPTER
- Layout and form of a diagram
- Consolidating the content
- Designing the information
- Tools and software
- Case Study: Mapping the Lab Test Experience
“I’m not a graphic designer and can’t draw. How can I possibly create a diagram?” I get that reaction a lot in my classes and workshops on alignment diagrams.
There’s good news: creating an alignment diagram is not primarily about artistic talent. The task at this point is to compile all of your findings into a single, cohesive story. In some respects, creating an insightful storyline is the hard part.
Consider the diagram in Figure 6-1, created by Eric Berkman, a design strategist and author of Designing Mobile Interfaces (O’Reilly, 2011). It’s visually minimal, but reveals key insights about both negative and positive service aspects at a Starbucks coffee shop.
Or, review the diagram in the case study at the end of Chapter 5 created by Amber Brown. This simple arrangement of colored boxes had an impact on the organization and provided valuable insight.
Yes, graphic design plays a role in creating a diagram. Depending on your skills and the level of ...
Get Mapping Experiences now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.
