We explain what a diagram is, its use and the characteristics of each type. Also, the step by step to put together a flow chart.
Diagrams help simplify and graph information.What is a diagram?
A diagram is a graph that simplifies and outlines theinformation over aprocess or asystem. It can be simple or complex, with few or many elements.
It's about aresume complete, which serves to know and interpret information in a simple and visual way. There are different types of diagrams that are used according to the communicational need or the object of study, such asflowcharts, conceptual, floral,synoptics, among others.
The diagrams are used in the field ofeducation, thecommunication and other disciplines and are generally made up of small boxes, balloons and arrows that connect the parts to make a whole.
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Types of diagrams
Concept map example.There are multiple types of diagrams that are used with different objectives and in various disciplines, among the most representative are:
- Flowchart. It is usually the most recognized and the most used in work and computer areas. Step by step details the network of functions and components in a system. It is characterized by having concepts locked in geometric figures: the oval is used as a starting and closing point, the rectangle to detail an action, the rhombus to graph the execution of a decision, the triangles to explain the files or necessary documents and arrows to indicate the direction of flow within the process.
- Concept diagram. It is often used to simplify the study. It can be a simple or complex graphic, according to the number of concepts and ideas to include and relate. It presents the information in a hierarchical way and enclosed in balloons.
- Synoptic diagram. It is more complex, since from a premise a network of concepts and elements that can be related to each other can be widely extended. It usually has braces and brackets that close or open ideas and concepts.
- Circular diagram. It is used to represent percentages. It is also called a diagram or pie chart because of its circular shape.
- Floral diagram. It's used in botany to obtain information about the components of a flower, from the largest and most showy parts, to the minimal and microscopic characteristics.
- Phase diagram. It is used in thermodynamics and it is about two arrows, one horizontal and the other vertical, which arise from their perpendicular point to extend infinitely, thus creating a field of relationship between these two factors. Using lines, points and other geometric elements it is possible to study, analyze and solve the different states of matter inphysical Ychemistry.
- Blocks diagram. It is used to graph the operation of a system through the use of graphical blocks and their links. It is often used to outline production processes.
- Tree diagram. It is used to graph the means or situations that are required to achieve a goal. This type of diagram starts from a central concept (trunk) to secondary concepts (branches).
- Dispersion diagram. It is used in mathematics to graph between two axes the relationship between the data of two variables.
How to make a flow chart?
- Determine the process to graph. For this first step, it is important to know the starting and ending point of the process, as well as its characteristics and all the information to be included in the process. scheme.
- Determine the start and end of the process. These are fundamental data of any process and are plotted in an oval.
- Determine activities. Here a summary or small sketch is made of the actions that are part of the process and the order in which they will be developed.
- Graph the steps. Once the steps have been defined, the flow of the process can be plotted following the order in which the actions will be carried out.
In this step it is necessary to take into account the different graphic resources used in this type of diagram, within each geometric figure the concept or a brief description of the idea is included.
- Actions or activities are plotted with the square.
- The rhombus is used to graph the points at which a decision needs to be made (usually asks a question).
- The arrow determines the course of the process.
- The upside down triangle indicates a file that is final, the upside down triangle indicates a temporary file.
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