Aikakaari

Aikakaari is a Finnish term used in design, media studies, and information architecture to describe a non-linear representation of temporal information, conceptualized as a curve or arc rather than a straight line. The concept focuses on how time is perceived and navigated in narratives, interfaces, and archives.

Etymology: formed from aika meaning time and kaari meaning arc, aikakaari is distinguished from aikakausi (era) and aikajana (timeline). It appears in Finnish discourse since the early 2000s, mainly in analytical or experimental contexts, and remains informal rather than a standardized technical term.

Applications: In storytelling and game design, aikakaari denotes a structure where key moments create a central axis, with surrounding events arranged along a curved path to indicate proximity, influence, or memory. In digital interfaces and data visualization, an aikakaari layout may present events along a curved timeline to reflect relationships or perspective rather than strict chronology. It is used as a theoretical lens rather than a prescriptive method.

Relation to related terms: Aikakaari is related to aikajana (timeline) and aikakausi (era) but emphasizes spatial-temporal framing. Critics argue that the arc metaphor can complicate navigation for users expecting linear sequences, while supporters say it can better model recall, relevance, and experiential time.

See also: aikajana, aikakausi.