Thinking Through Diagrams: Visualizing Reveals Missing Words

It's Saturday morning, and I've woken up a bit late.
Today, I'll be spending the whole day immersed in creating materials.

To convey information clearly to someone seeing it for the first time, diagrams are effective in addition to words.
However, diagrams alone aren't enough. Explanatory text for the diagrams is also necessary.

Do I think while I diagram? From that realization,
today, I will think about the relationship between diagrams and words.

List the elements using bullet points.

It's difficult to jump straight into diagramming.
First, let's list them out in words using bullet points.

It's like flushing out what kind of elements exist.
Even if they seem unrelated, write down any elements that come to mind.

Try drawing a relationship diagram of the main elements.

While looking at the elements you've flushed out, identify the main ones.

Diagram what kind of relationship each has.
It's like a relationship map.

Explain the diagram (using bullet points).

Once the diagram is done, try explaining it.
While talking, jot it down in bullet points.

It seems that even when I write text, I write it in a diagram-like style.
Using bullet points, connecting them with arrows, or numbering the order of explanation.

The correspondence between diagrams and words might be loose, but
I review whether I am able to explain it from both perspectives.
I re-examine it.

Missing words (elements) become visible.

Where it doesn't connect as a story, words (elements) are missing.

What is missing?
Think hard about it.

If you get stuck, take a short break.
This part might take some time.

Adding, subtracting—a simple diagram is best.

Try adding a few missing words (elements) that came to mind.
If you think, 'That's not it,' then try different words.

Adding and subtracting.

Both diagram elements and words are easier to understand when kept to a minimum.
Pruning the unnecessary details from complex relationship diagrams.

Simple diagrams
Simple words and sentences

Does it feel right now?

Diagrams and words
I use both as a set.

Drawing and writing while thinking
Thinking while drawing

I was able to look back and realize that this is what I have been doing.
Please feel free to use this as a reference!

This article was written by
Mousou Biz Planning Representative, Shigeki Kawahara
https://mousoubiz.com/
https://twitter.com/mousoubiz