Arcsechy

Arcsechy is a neologism used to describe a method of organizing information or visuals along arc-shaped connections to emphasize continuity and flow among related elements. It is applied in data visualization, information architecture, and interactive design. The term combines arc, referring to curved pathways, with a suffix derived from schematic approaches, signaling its intent as a design principle rather than a fixed standard.

Historically, arcsechy emerged in design discourse in the early 2010s as practitioners explored curved layouts to avoid clutter and to guide viewer attention along a narrative or workflow. It gained limited traction in conferences and online design communities, though it remains a niche concept rather than a mainstream methodology.

In practice, arcsechy guides the placement of items along a curved spine or multiple arc pathways, linking related nodes with arc segments of varying thickness or color to indicate strength of association, temporal progression, or hierarchy. It is often used in dashboards, process diagrams, and map visualizations where straight-line graphs would obscure relationships.

Critics note that arcsechy can complicate interpretation if arc lengths or curvature are not standardized, and that it competes with established layouts such as radial or chord diagrams. Proponents argue that curved layouts can reflect real-world relationships more intuitively and reduce overlap. Related concepts include data visualization, arc diagrams, chord diagrams, radial layouts, and information architecture.