Conceptual Diagrams

Conceptual diagrams are an effective tool to communicate complex messages in a simple and informative manner.

Conceptual Diagrams or 'Thought Drawings'

  • from the latin word 'conceptus' meaning thought & the greek word 'diagramma' meaning drawing
  • depict essential attributes of the system
  • evolve to capture an increasing understanding of the system
  • depict processes at different scales


An effective conceptual diagram has two key elements:

1. Consistent Symbols

  • very powerful tools
  • information rich
  • common in everyday life
  • universal and language independent
  • size, color, shape, and position of the symbols
  • can all convey meaningful information

2. Comprehensive Legend

  • makes diagram 'stand alone' and self contained
  • no need to read accompanying explanation

Four Important Reasons for using Conceptual Diagrams

1. Helps clarify thinking and avoid ambiguity

2. Provides a communication interface

  • combines current scientific understanding with community priorities and environmental values
  • provides an approachable representation of the system
  • allows a shared vision to be created

3. Useful for integration and application - identify gaps, establish priorities & solicit an agreed syntheses

4. Now easy to produce with click and drag symbol libraries in Adobe Illustrator - enhances rapid iteration, ensuring accurate depictions of system and processes


Applications for Conceptual Diagrams

  • Set Research Agendas
  • Develop Scientific Syntheses
  • Setup Monitoring Programs
  • Identify Management Priorities
  • Can be included in scientific literature including peer reviewed journal articles

RESOURCES, TOOLS & TUTORIALS

IAN Symbol Libraries

The IAN symbol libraries contain over 1500 custom made vector symbols (in 32 categories) designed specifically for enhancing science communication skills. The libraries are designed primarily for use with Adobe Illustrator (requires version 10 or better), however we also offer eps and svg versions for non-Illustrator users. The symbols allow diagrammatic representations of complex processes to be developed easily with minimal graphical skills.
 

Conceptual Diagrams: A tool for science communication

Includes an Introduction to the use of conceptual diagrams and a tutorial for using the IAN Symbol Libraries with Adobe Illustrator.

Click quicktime icon to play or right click here and 'save target as' to download (12.2MB)

Requires Quicktime 6 (free download from www.quicktime.com)

 

Conceptual Diagrams: A tool for science communication

This 73 slide presentation describes the use of conceptual diagrams as science communications tools in presentations, science newsletters, books and peer reviewed journal articles. It provides historical and recent examples of good conceptual diagrams, as well as the ten commandments for conceptual diagrams. A mini tutorial is included to guide you through the process of making a conceptual diagram in Illustrator and PowerPoint, as well as how to make new symbols.

 

Conceptual Diagram Feedback

Good conceptual diagrams take many iterations with feedback and input from many people. The IAN discussion forum contains a board for obtaining feedback on your conceptual diagrams.

 

EXAMPLE PUBLICATIONS

Conceptual diagrams: tools for science communication

This poster details the use of conceptual diagrams in effective science communication. It was presented at the International Riversymposium 2004 in Brisbane, Australia. Effective scientific communication requires synthesis, visualization and appropriate context. Conceptual diagrams, or ‘thought drawings’, are an excellent means of providing these requirements. A conceptual diagram uses symbols to convey the essential attributes of a system.
 

Conceptual Diagrams: Tools for Science Communication

This newsletter details the use of symbol as a visual language. Symbols are useful for depicting unequivocal messages that transcend cultures, languages and times. The use of symbols to construct conceptual diagrams ('thought drawings') can be an effective tool for science communication and problem solving. Conceptual diagrams help to clarify thinking and provide a communication interface between scientists and non-scientists. Conceptual diagrams can be used in a variety of publications including presentations, posters, science communication publications and peer reviewed scientific papers (color or b&w).
 

Seagrass habitats of north eastern Australia: models of key processes and controls.
Carruthers T.J.B., Dennison W.C., Longstaff B.J,. Waycott M., Abal E.G., McKenzie L.J., Long W.J.L. (2002) Bulletin of Marine Science 71(3): 1153–1169.

This paper details the extensive and diverse assemblage of seagrass habitats that exist along the tropical and subtropical coastline of north east Australia and the associated Great Barrier Reef. Throughout the paper conceptual diagrams (using the IAN Symbol Libraries) are used to detail the natural and anthropogenic processes controlling seagrass distribution.
 

State of the Maryland Coastal Bays 2004
Wazniak, C., M. Hall, C. Cain, D.Wilson, R. Jesien, J.Thomas,T. Carruthers, and W. Dennison

This report summarizes monitoring data collected over the past several years for water quality, aquatic living resources, and habitat categories. It utilizes conceptual diagrams for each reporting region to highlight the key ecosystem processes, biota and estuarine health problems.
 

Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan)
First Annual Marine Monitoring Programme Report September 2005

This report details the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan). The goal of the Reef Plan is to halt and reverse the decline in water quality entering the Reef within 10 years. Through the Reef Plan, governments are acting on the potential risk to the Great Barrier Reef from the progressive decline in water quality in waterways entering the Reef, with a focus on diffuse sources of pollutants. The report makes excellent use of conceptual diagrams (using symbols from the IAN symbol libraries) to communicate the overview, components, and implementation of the plan.

 

Where river meets sea: exploring Australia's estuaries
Turner, L., D. Tracey, J. Tilden, W.C. Dennison

This 288-page book utilizes conceptual diagrams (including symbols from the IAN symbol libraries) to describe the health, geography, science, management and ecological functions of Australia's 974 estuaries. Chapters on natural history, coastal science and management give an understanding of our vast network of pristine and heavily modified estuaries - from isolated tide-dominated estuaries in Australia's tropical north to those shaped by waves in southern, temperate waters.