Diagramie

Diagramie is a term used in information design to describe a family of practices that combine diagrammatic representation with narrative annotations to communicate complex systems. The term appears in contemporary design discourse as a way to bridge data visualization and storytelling.

Etymology and terminology: The word diagramie is not widely standardized and is encountered mainly in specific design and education contexts. It blends the idea of a diagram with a suffix that signals a formal or systematic approach, signaling a focus on diagrammatic structures augmented by textual explanation.

Overview: A diagramie typically starts with a core concept or process and expands into layered diagrams that reveal relationships, flow, causality, and constraints. Visuals are paired with concise captions, icons, and color coding to guide interpretation.

Methods: Practitioners may sequence diagrams to reflect a narrative arc, use multiple diagram styles (flow, map, tree), and employ interactivity or modular panels to allow viewers to explore details. Design choices emphasize legibility, consistency, and minimal cognitive load.

Applications: Diagramie is used in education to illustrate processes, in design thinking and architecture to map systems, in data journalism to present multi-source analyses, and in software documentation to show architecture and workflows.

Critique: Critics note that diagramie can become cluttered if overextended; effective practice relies on clear scope, appropriate diagram types, and restrained annotation.

See also: Diagram, flowchart, concept map, information visualization, data storytelling.