DIAGRAMMING RELATIONSHIPS
In addition to describing the essence of design
elements, diagrams effectively examine and explain
the relationships among these elements. To
maintain a manageable level of abstraction in a
diagram. we utilize the grouping principles of size.
proximity, and similarity.
• Relative size describes quantifiableaspects of
each element as well as establishes a
hierarchical ranking among a number of elements.
• Relative proximity indicates the intensity of
relationship among entities.
• Similarity of shape, size, or tonal va lue
establishes visual sets that help reduce the
number of elements and maintain a manageable
level of abstraction.
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Arrows
Arrows are a special type of connecting line. The
wedge-shaped ends can signify one- or two-way
movement from one element to another, indicate
the direction of aforce or action, or denote the
phase of aprocess. For clarity, we use different
types of arrows to distinguish between the types
of relationships as well as varying degrees of
intensity or importance.
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