The Art of Diagramming: My Top Three Tools
I’ve been swarmed with queries about the instruments behind my diagramming knack. Today, I’m delighted to unveil the trinity of tools I bank on. They each serve a distinct role in my diagramming process.
In an infographic I shared a while back, I detailed my journey of how I first started drawing and embraced visual thinking, providing a glimpse into my creative process.
Before I dive into the specifics of these tools, it’s crucial to remember this:
“It’s not the diagramming tool; it’s the visual thinking that matters.”
This quote encapsulates the essence of any successful diagramming process. However, while the primary foundation lies in visual thinking, diagramming tools significantly increase productivity and enhance output quality.
Let’s start with Procreate, a tool I use on my iPad (with Apple Pencil) for doodling and initial sketching. Procreate is an acclaimed iOS app cherished for its intuitive interface and the broad range of artwork you can bring to life. In addition, it offers a variety of brushes and color palettes that let me freely express my creative ideas. This tool bridges the gap between visual thinking and a blank canvas, providing a platform to sketch basic, unstructured ideas.
Next on the list is OmniGraffle, my trusted tool for creating detailed, technical diagrams. OmniGraffle distinguishes itself with its capability to fabricate highly customizable graphs, flow charts, and diagrams while maintaining a clean, visually pleasing aesthetic. In addition, its automatic layout and document management options save considerable time, allowing me to manipulate, modify, or revise any part of the diagram without disrupting the overall layout. When it comes to creating precise technical and architectural diagrams, OmniGraffle’s versatility is unparalleled.
Last but certainly not least is Adobe Illustrator, which I reserve for creating marketing diagrams, or ‘marketecture’ diagrams as I like to term them. These are high-level architectural diagrams designed to be visually captivating and easily digestible for a semi-technical audience. Adobe Illustrator assists me in unifying all elements of a complex system engagingly and intuitively. Its comprehensive selection of text, color, and design tools makes my diagrams informative and visually appealing. Moreover, thanks to Illustrator’s vector-based graphics, my diagrams maintain their sharpness and clarity, regardless of the scale.
Each of these tools contributes uniquely to my visual thinking and diagramming process. Procreate on my iPad provides a canvas for my initial, raw ideas. OmniGraffle structures these ideas, and Adobe Illustrator adds the final polish, transforming them into sophisticated diagrams ready for any audience.
While each tool has its specific role, I spend the most time with OmniGraffle. Its versatility, precision, and the sheer range of possibilities it offers make it my favorite tool in the diagramming process.
If you’re considering stepping into the realm of visual thinking and diagramming, I encourage you to give these tools a try. But remember, while these tools facilitate the process, your unique ideas and ability to communicate them visually will genuinely set your diagrams apart. So don’t hesitate to experiment and discover what suits you best.
And there it is — the secret recipe behind my diagramming success. I hope this blog post has answered your queries and perhaps sparked your interest in creating your visual masterpieces. Remember, the objective is always to express complex ideas in a simple, digestible format, and with these tools, you’re well-equipped to do just that.
Until next time, happy sketching, designing, and diagramming!
