Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
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Quick answers
When should I pick Network graph maps?
When the story is: org influence maps, dependency graphs, classroom social maps.
When should I avoid Network graph maps?
Skip it in cases like: a simple org chart or bullet list already carries the claim.
Who invented or popularised it?
Force-directed layouts; Cytoscape.js and friends on GitHub
What does it encode?
nodes and edges with force or hierarchical layout
Is it OK in ads?
Yes if one claim is visible at a glance in Meta, Google and retail print; otherwise link to a full figure.
Will a teacher accept it?
Yes for lab reports and poster boards if axes, units and a source line are present.
Network graph maps encodes values as nodes and edges with force or hierarchical layout. Force-directed layouts; Cytoscape.js and friends on GitHub.
In reports, ads and assignments it fits org influence maps, dependency graphs, classroom social maps. Skip it when a simple org chart or bullet list already carries the claim.
Principles
- Encoding — The core mark of Network graph maps is nodes and edges with force or hierarchical layout.
- History — Force-directed layouts; Cytoscape.js and friends on GitHub
- Fit — org influence maps, dependency graphs, classroom social maps
- Shared baseline — The eye compares length and position more accurately than area.
- Audience — PowerPoint, Excel or Google Sheets and Meta, Google and retail print share the same geometry.
Misconceptions
- Pretty equals true — Decoration rarely persuades; it slows reading.
- 3-D helps — Perspective distortion wrecks comparison. Keep it flat.
- More series is richer — Do not stack stories. One Network graph maps, one claim.
- Default palette is fine — Rainbow defaults fail color-blind viewers and grey print. Change Excel or Google Sheets defaults.
Why it matters
- Work — Work: org influence maps, dependency graphs, classroom social maps. Readable in four minutes in PowerPoint.
- Ads — Ads: one number and one shape speak first in Meta, Google and retail print.
- School — School: for lab reports and poster boards, pick the form that answers the rubric.
- Craft — Craft: honour nodes and edges with force or hierarchical layout and decoration falls away.
Network graph maps: honour nodes and edges with force or hierarchical layout, and switch when a simple org chart or bullet list already carries the claim.