Diagrams are visual representations of information. They encompass [[Graphs, Charts, and Diagrams]]. For all types of diagrams there is a relatively small number of independent mechanisms that can be used to represent meaning. ```mermaid --- title: Diagram Semantic Mechanism Mind Map --- mindmap   root((Diagram Semantic Mechanisms))     Position         Absolute          Relative             Directional             Superposition     Shapes         Size, color, texture         Shape’s actual *shape*         Border style              Size, color, texture     Labels         Size, color, texture     Iconography         Size, color, texture     Arrows         Size, color, texture         Arrow heads             Size, color, texture             Form/adornments ``` ...because that☝️looks bad on my iPad in dark mode, here's the hierarchy: - Position - Absolute - Relative - Directional - Superposition - Shapes - Size, color, texture - Shape’s actual *shape* - Border style - Size, color, texture - Labels - Size, color, texture - Iconography - Size, color, texture - [[Arrows on Diagrams|Arrows]] - Size, color, texture - Arrow heads - Size, color, texture - Form/adornments In diagrams where absolute positions matter, it’s best to *not* mix in random other elements that aren't meant to apply to the positional [[Maps|mapping]]. Different [[Diagram Types (index)]] will typically only use a subset of all the available mechanisms. This is because using them all would be overwhelming and defeat the fundamental purpose of diagrams: to transfer meaning into people’s brains quickly. **** ### Source - self ### Related -