These are a class of images that I would like to call ‘readable diagrams’. Examples of these are things like maps, anatomical diagrams, family trees, Entity relationship database diagrams, blueprints, circuit diagram, diagrams of my history theory, and analog computer designs.

Analog computer design diagrams are especially interesting in that not only do they convey knowledge, but they actually have to work if implemented in physical reality. They I believe come as close to a syntax for diagrams that we have developed in modern times. I have used similar diagrams to represent complex game rules, and complex tax rules. An analog computer diagram of the standard income tax rule book would be much easier to understand for someone able and willing to read diagrams than the text version.

The distinction between diagrams that can be understood by viewing and the diagrams that must be read seems to be the number 12. When a diagram has more than 12 objects in it it is not immediately understood by viewing. It must be read. This means that the reader has to put themselves into the diagram and follow the lines between objects from one to the next understanding the objects and what the line means and what the connection says about the relationship between the two objects.

Nonetheless, there is still something missing regarding the ability of ‘readable diagrams’ when it comes to concepts and abstractions. A connecting line or an object in the diagram could still mean any number of things. Analog computer diagrams simplify this by having particular symbols for particular operations and by stating that the connecting line relationship between objects consists of the voltage between the upstream and the downstream object, the direction of stream being defined by the object symbols.

For a generalized ‘readable diagram’ we would need to have the ability roll over and see or click on and see the exact meanings of the lines and objects in English or some other written language. I would love to see some tools built to do this.

If you are curious here is a simplified diagram of my history theory (without rollovers) as the discussion here and Postman’s book apply to it:

1993 2021
—
1937 |
—
1825 || |
— | |
400 200 1600 || | | |
— — | | | |
850 | | 250 1150 | | | | |—
— — — | | |–|internet
1750 | | | | | |-|television
— — | |-|radio
3500 || | | |—–|telegraph
— | | |—|printing press
| | |-|zero
— |—————|guild literacy
|—-|alphabet
—|heiroglyphics
oral