Flowchart encodes values as topology of labelled boxes and directed edges. Frank Gilbreth process charts, 1921; ANSI/ISO flowchart symbols later.
In reports, ads and assignments it fits decisions, loops and hand-offs in a procedure. Skip it when the structure is a hierarchy or a free brainstorm.
Mistakes
- Failure modes 1 — the structure is a hierarchy or a free brainstorm
- Failure modes 2 — 3-D pies and perspective bars
- Failure modes 3 — Dual axes that fake a correlation
- Failure modes 4 — Truncated axes that shout a small delta
- Failure modes 5 — Legend only, no direct labels
- Failure modes 6 — Missing source, unit or period
Fixes
- Fixes 1 — Return to decisions, loops and hand-offs in a procedure.
- Fixes 2 — Flat, one axis, direct labels.
- Fixes 3 — Color-blind-safe palette plus pattern.
- Fixes 4 — Rewrite the title as a claim and add a source line.
Flowchart: honour topology of labelled boxes and directed edges, and switch when the structure is a hierarchy or a free brainstorm.