Sequence of Attention in Diagram Description
The order in which elements of a diagram are perceived changes the meaning, so different sequences yield different mental models even if the static figure is the same.
THE IDEA
Comment
It may be protested that ‘two circles joined by a line’ is really the same as a ‘line with a circle at either end’. This is not so since in one case attention starts with the circle and in the other case it starts with the line. From the point of view of what happens in the mind the sequence of attention is of the utmost importance, hence a different sequence of attention is a difference.
Some of the descriptions may be static ones that can be explained in terms of the figure shown. Others may be dynamic descriptions which are more easily shown by additional diagrams. This happens when the presented diagram is taken as the end point of some arrangement of other figures.
- How would you describe the figure shown below?
When to use it
Designing instructional diagrams for textbooks or presentations to guide the viewer's attention.
Analyzing user experience in visual interfaces where the order of elements influences task performance.
Improving communication in collaborative design by choosing descriptions that align with intended mental models.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Two Circles and a Line
Describing the same diagram as 'two circles joined by a line' versus 'a line with a circle at either end' leads to different mental sequences of attention, illustrating that the description itself shapes the understanding.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How does the sequence in which you describe the parts of a diagram affect someone else's understanding?
Can you think of a diagram where changing the order of description would completely change its interpretation?
Why might dynamic descriptions be more effective than static ones for certain concepts?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Lateral Thinking A Textbook of Creativity (Edward de Bono)