Blines

Blines are a class of line-based graphical glyphs used in information design and digital illustration. A bline consists of a slender stroke that can bend, taper, and carry a modest color gradient, designed to convey both movement and emphasis. Unlike simple polylines, blines are controlled by a parametric guide that adjusts curvature, width, and luminance to reflect underlying data or narrative cues.

Origin and use: The concept appeared in design practice in the early 2010s as an alternative to traditional lines in maps and dashboards. The name is likely a contraction of baseline line or b-line, though usage varies by designer. Blines gained popularity with vector graphics tools that support rich stroke attributes, enabling artists to maintain readability across scales.

Characteristics: Typical blines are thin, with optional soft edges or glow. They can be straight or gently curved, and may vary in thickness along their length according to a data-driven function. In cartography, blines can represent routes with flow intensity or travel time; in dashboards, they illustrate process trajectories or forecast paths. Accessibility considerations emphasize sufficient contrast, avoiding overly dense curvature, and providing clear legend explanations.

Variants and best practices: Designers distinguish straight blines, curved blines, and segmented blines. Consistency across colors and stroke behavior is recommended when several blines appear together. When used in textural backgrounds, blines should remain subordinate to primary content to maintain legibility.

Related concepts include baselines, contour lines, and polylines.