Creative Diagramming (book, v1, 2024)

The Fifth Way of Knowing and Early Discovery

The above cover image was designed for a new possible book titled Creative Diagramming: The Fifth Way of Knowing and Early Discovery.

On Nov 12, 2023, I reflected on my meta-diagrams and recognized that I should edit a new collection about my new ideas on creative diagramming and my practice of making and using several meta-diagrams.

This insight led to the D as Diagramming project (phase II).

The new possible book aims to edit a new collection to close the project.

The D as Diagramming Project

Diagram is one of my essential three knowledge units. I love to dwell in thought with diagramming. I even wrote a 108-page thesis that developed a theory about diagrams and diagramming in 2018. I consider two groups of ideas for my theory about diagrams. The first group is “meta-diagram, diagram, and diagram system” and the second is “diagramming as an activity of knowing, theorizing, and reflecting”.

The notion of “meta-diagram” considers a special type of diagram as an independent thing that doesn’t have to be a representation of an existing theory or model. For example, the 2x2 matrix diagram is a meta-diagram that doesn’t refer to any concrete theory or model such as BCG’s Growth-share matrix. A diagram system is a series of diagrams that share an intrinsic spatial logic and a visual identity.

The notion of “diagramming as an activity of knowing, theorizing and reflecting” adopts a process view to understand Diagrams. In other words, it is “becoming.” That means we can use diagrams as a tool for our thinking. We don’t need to consider all diagrams as outcomes.

From August 2021 to Dec 2021, I worked on the D as Diagramming project (phase I). As a research project, the D as Diagramming project aims to explore the power of Diagrams and Diagramming. From the perspective of Activity Theory, Diagram means a tool while Diagramming means an activity. Thus, the D as Diagramming project is both about tools and activity. From the perspective of cognitive science, diagramming is about spatial cognition which is my favorite topic. From the perspective of Curativity Theory, Diagrams are knowledge containers for knowledge curation.

Moreover, what I wanted to know is about the value of diagrams for turning tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge. Thus, I set this goal as the present objective of the D as Diagramming project (phase I).

I used three approaches for the project:

• Reflect on my own works
• Interview others
• Collect examples

This method could be considered roughly a triangular method.

The outcome was amazing!

I edited two possible books (drafts) in Dec 2021.

• Diagramming as Practice (Book, version 1.0) — Dec 31, 2021
• Diagram Blending: Building Diagram Networks (Introduction) — Dec 22, 2021
• Diagram Blending: Building Diagram Networks (Table of Contents) — Dec 28, 2021

From Jan 2022 to Jan 2024, I worked on several knowledge projects that produced great examples of creative diagramming as by-products. I also wrote several articles about diagrams and diagramming.

The D as Diagramming Project (phase II) started on Nov 12, 2023, and closed on Feb 8, 2024. The goal of the project was very simple: editing the third possible book to represent my new thoughts on creative diagramming.

A New Perspective

In Diagramming as Practice (Book, version 1.0), I presented an epistemological integrated framework to understand the practice of diagramming.

The framework highlights the following practical perspectives:

• Cognitive Representation
• Cultural Significance
• Ecological Situation
• Mediating Instrument

You can find more details in D as Diagramming: An Integrated Framework for Studying Knowledge Diagrams (Part 1).

From Jan 2022 to Jan 2024, I worked on the third-wave development of the Ecological Practice approach. The major outcome is Attachance Theory. In Dec 2023, I developed the integrated ecological approach to social cognition and edited a possible book titled Social Moves: The Attachance Approach to Social Cognition.

It was formed by two sub-frameworks: the Ecological Formism framework and the Ecological Actualism framework.

In the past two weeks, I worked on applying these two sub-frameworks to discuss diagrams and creative diagrams. The outcome is a series of new articles which present a new theoretical perspective on diagrams.

The “Diagram Explained” series adds “Diagram” as the new unit of analysis of the Ecological Formism Framework. See the above diagram. In this way, I placed “Diagram” in a large context of developing social cognition including “Concept”, “Framework”, “Thematic Space”, “Activity”, and “Affordance”.

I also discussed the following six themes in the series:

• The theme of “Hierarchy”
• The theme of “Network”
• The theme of “Path”
• The theme of “Concept”
• The theme of “Space”
• The theme of “Value”

Though the primary objective of writing this series of articles is to edit a new possible book about diagrams, the outcome of these articles also produced a by-product: v1.1 of the integrated ecological approach to social cognition.

A New Practice

In Diagram Blending: Building Diagram Networks (Introduction), I presented a new practice of diagramming: Using meta-diagrams to blend diagrams and build diagram networks.

How to claim a new practice?

I use a similar structure to discuss the new practice of diagramming: Instruments, Methods, and Terms.

• Instruments: a set of Meta-diagrams
• Methods: Diagram Blending and other methods.
• Terms: Diagram Network, Diagram Notation, Sub-diagrams, etc.

On Oct 31, 2023, I defined a new method called “Creative Diagramming” which was inspired by Attachance Theory, Thematic Space Theory, and the integrated ecological approach to social cognition.

These new theoretical perspectives offer us a new view of diagrams and diagramming and knowledge frameworks in general. In this view, a diagram and a knowledge framework are no longer a static knowledge representation, but a dynamic creative territory for exploring, reflecting, and curating.

From my research and real-life experiences, this view can guide us in the following actions:

• Explore Graphic Space Affordances
• Explore Potential Thematic Spaces of a diagram or a knowledge framework
• Explore Possible Connections of Diagram Networks
• Explore the Spatial Structure of a diagram or a knowledge framework
• Explore Possible Paths of moving between thematic spaces

These actions can be claimed as a new practice of diagramming.

A New Set of Meta-diagrams

A meta-diagram is not a knowledge framework or model. The value of meta-diagrams is highlighting the hierarchy of diagrams and the cognitive diversity of diagramming. You don’t have to only use the 2x2 matrix meta-diagram to frame your thoughts.

In Diagram Blending: Building Diagram Networks (Introduction), I presented the following set of meta-diagrams.

The above 11 meta-diagrams are classified into three categories due to their complexity. I used small grey dots to mark this aspect.

• One grey dot: Low-complexity meta-diagrams
• Two grey dots: Mid-complexity meta-diagrams
• Three grey dots: High-complexity meta-diagrams

The Part — Whole Curativity is the foundation of Diagram Blending. Low-complexity meta-diagrams can form higher-complexity meta-diagrams. Thus, the low-complexity meta-diagrams can be considered as parts of the higher-complexity meta-diagrams.

For me, the above 11 meta-diagrams connect and form a large dynamic network that can roughly match the dynamic network of my tacit knowledge. You can use these meta-diagrams or develop your own meta-diagrams too.

From Jan 2022 to Jan 2024, I developed a new set of meta-diagrams while working on some knowledge projects.

• Square — Universal Reference
• Sandglass — The S-T-O Tendency
• Container — The Attach — Container — Detach
• The Network-Container-Platform Move
• Dot and Circle
• Thematic Matrix Canvases

I also used the old 11 meta-diagrams for my knowledge projects and made some amazing examples.

A New Possible Book

The new possible book aims to present the above new theoretical perspective, the above new practice, and the above new set of meta-diagrams. It is divided into four parts:

• Part 1: Diagram Explained
• Part 2: Creative Diagramming
• Part 3: Diagram-in-Use
• Part 4: Meta-Diagrams
• Part 5: Diagramming as Art

Some numbers about the possible books:

• 5 parts
• 27 chapters
• 109 articles
• Total 1434 min read
• Total 380,010 words (about 760 sing-spaced pages)

How to read this book?

Don’t read this book from the perspective of Visualization.

Read this book from the perspective of Diagramming as Thinking.

I don’t work on the direction of Visualization. I use diagrams to develop concept systems and create knowledge frameworks. I considered Creative Diagrmming as a Way of Knowing.

In this book, you can see many details of my journey of knowledge engagement.

Part 1: Diagram Explained

Part 1 collects a series of articles that apply the Ecological Formism framework and the Ecological Actualism framework to discuss several themes about diagrams and the practice of diagramming.

• Chapter 1: The Ecological Formism Approach to Diagrams — 10 min
• Chapter 2: Concept System, Diagram Network, and Knowledge Frameworks — 14 min
• Chapter 3: Activity, Knowledge, and Moving on Diagrams — 12 min
• Concept 4: Themes, Concepts, and Situational Diagrams — 14 min
• Chapter 5: Space, Thematic Space, and Activity System + — 21 min
• Chapter 6: Kinds of Cognitive Representation and The FifthWay of Knowing — 16 min

Part 2: Creative Diagramming

Part 2 focuses on the primary themes of the Creative Diagramming method. It collects articles about the following 6 themes:

• Graphic Space Affordances
• Potential Thematic Spaces
• Thematic Triangles
• Spatial Structure
• Possible Connections
• Possible Paths

Chapter 7 is the introduction to these primary themes. Each chapter of the rest of Part 2 focuses on one particular theme with more supporting articles.

Chapter 7: An Introduction to Creative Diagram

• [Creative Diagramming] Graphic Space Affordances, Thematic Space, and Possible Paths — 24 min

Chapter 8: Explore Graphic Space Affordances

• Physical Space Affordances and Graphic Space Affordances — 16 min

Chapter 9: Explore Potential Thematic Spaces

• Creative Life Curation: Discover Thematic Spaces of Creative Life — 4 min
• The “Identity — Program — Action” Thematic Space and the “SET” Projects — 5 min
• The “Social — Theme — Identity” Thematic Space and the “CLUE” Projects — 4 min

Chapter 10: Develop Thematic Triangles

• Thematic Triangles and Life Discovery + — 11 min
• Meaning Discovery: The “Perspective — Opportunities — Resources” Thematic Space — 6 min
• Meaning Discovery: Two Thematic Triangles — 6 min

Chapter 11: Explore Spatial Structures

• The Life Discovery Canvas (v1.0) — Part 2: Spatial Structure — 15 min
• Kinds of Project Engagement — 14 min
• A Possible Theme called “Ecological Strategic Cognition” — 9 min

Chapter 12: Explore Possible Connections

• The Echoes of A Thematic Dialogue — 13 min
• Appropriating Lui’s Theoretical Sociology — 27 min
• Psychological Counseling Platform: A Case Study of “Social Moves” — 3 min

Chapter 13: Explore Possible Paths

• The Development of AAS (August 21, 2021 — August 26, 2022) — 17 min
• Appropriating Activity Theory — 10 min
• A Case Study of Moving between Thematic Space — 1 min

Part 3: Diagram-in-Use

Part 3 collects articles about the secondary themes of the Creative Diagramming method. It highlights the following 6 themes.

• Diagram Blending
• 1+ N Knowledge Network
• Semiotic System Diagram
• Kant’s Fractal Tree
• Situational Discussions
• Continuous Curation

Chapter 14: Diagram Blending

• The Expanded Creative Course Framework — 10 min
• Mental Platform: The Evolving Concept System — 13 min
• Activity Circle + Concept Dynamics — 11 min
• The Project Engagement Toolkit
• Social Moves: An Integrated Ecological Approach to Social Cognition — 17 min

Chapter 15: “1+ N” Knowledge Network

• The idea of “Thematic Matrix +” — 10 min
• Mapping Developmental Projects (book, v1, 2023) — 14 min
• The Developmental Project Model + (2023) — 5 min
• Thematic Triangles and Life Discovery + — 11 min

Chapter 16: Semiotic System Diagram

• The idea of “Meaning Matrix” — 3 min
• Platform Ecology (v3.1) — 8 min
• A Semiotic System Diagram for Creative Life Curation — 12 min
• Three Paths of Creative Life and A Semiotic System Diagram — 30 min

Chapter 17: Kant’s Fractal Tree

• Creative Life Curation: Kinds of Actors — 12 min
• A Tree of Thoughts (Oliver Ding, v2, Jan 25, 2024) — 12 min

Chapter 18: Situational Discussions

• A Case Study of Strategic Change: Weaving the Mind and Clarifying the Order — 20 min
• A Strategic Designer’s Creative Journey — 12 min
• The Self-referential Strategy to Developing Mental Platform — 8 min
• The Deep Analogy Technique for Strategic Thematic Exploration — 7 min
• Value Circle #5: Building A Joint Knowledge Center — 12 min

Chapter 19: Continuous Curation

• The Continuous Curation of Second-order Experience — 18 min
• Projectivity as Cultural Attachance — 37 min
• A Journey of Engaging with the Theme of “Themes” (2017–2023) — 7 min
• A new network of possible themes (August 24, 2023) — 9 min
• Thematic Scrapboard — 6 min

Part 4: Meta-Diagrams

Part 4 collects articles about my meta-diagrams. From Jan 2022 to Jan 2024, I developed the following 6 meta-diagrams.

• Square — Universal Reference
• Sandglass — The S-T-O Tendency
• Container — The Attach — Container — Detach
• The Network-Container-Platform Move
• Dot and Circle
• Thematic Matrix Canvases

I also used the old 11 meta-diagrams for my knowledge projects and made some amazing examples. You can find them in the last chapter Once Upon A Meta-diagram.

Chapter 20: Square (Universal Reference)

• A Typology of Knowledge Diagrams (v2, 2022) — 18 min
• A Universal Reference for Knowledge Engagement — 13 min
• A Possible Theme called “Life (Self)” — 14 min
• A Possible Theme called “Theme (Concept)” — 33 min
• The Concept of “Activity” — 15 min
• A Possible Theme called “Context (Mind)” — 15 min
• The Concept of Mindset and Theoretical Integration — 48 min
• TALE: Thematic Scrapboard — 6 min
• The Development of Creative Life Theory (2020–2023, Part 7): The World of Works and Five Possible Books — 14 min

Chapter 21: Sandglass (The S-T-O Tendency)

• The Creative Life Curation Framework — 15 min
• The Activity U Project and Creative Life Curation — 20 min
• The Development of “Project Engagement” — 10 min
• The Development of Creative Life Theory (2020–2023, Part 1) — 13 min
• The Development of Creative Life Theory (2020–2023, Part 2) — 9 min
• The Development of Creative Life Theory (2020–2023, Part 3) — 12 min
• The “Strategic Thematic Exploration” Framework — 13 min
• The Serendipity of Making A New Framework — 6 min

Chapter 22: Container (the Attach — Container — Detach model)

• A Possible Theme called “Context (Mind)” — 15 min
• Thematic Space: Sparks In, Statue Out — 14 min
• A Possible theme called “Life Coordinate” — 10 min
• Mental Moves: The Attachance Approach to Ecological Creative Cognition — 14 min

Chapter 23: The “Network — Container — Platform” Move model

• Platform, Platform-ba, and Platform Ecology — 17 min
• A new network of possible themes (August 24, 2023) — 9 min
• Situational Note-taking: Mental Platform as Evolving Concept System — 4 min

Chapter 24: Dot and Circle

• A mental element called “Dance” — 14 min
• The “Dot and Circle” meta-diagram — 4 min
• Product, Langue, and Speech — 14 min
• Situational Note-taking: Capture Significant Insights Outside the Room — 22 min
• Mental Moves #3: Attachance, Thematic Space, and Framework — 7 min
• Mental Moves #6: Mental Models and the Attachance of Multiple Moves — 18 min

Chapter 25: Thematic Matrix Canvases

• The Notion of Thematic Spaces — 11 min
• Three Canvases for Developing Tacit Knowledge — 12 min
• Three Canvases for Personal Life Reflection — 4 min
• The Life Discovery Canvas (v1.0) — Part 2: Spatial Structure — 15 min
• How did I develop the “Product Engagement” Framework? — 8 min
• A Possible Theme called “Mental Moves” — 11 min
• The Landscape of Creative Life Theory (v2, 2023) — 10 min
• The Ecological Practice Design Toolkit (V2, 2023) — 14 min
• Psychological Knowledge Engagement and Robert Kegan’s Knowledge Enterprise — 59 min
• The Thematic Matrix Canvas and Meaning Discovery Canvas — 4 min
• The Landscape of “Meaning Discovery” — 11 min (Added on Feb 9, 2024)
• The Foolish Explorer
• The Foolish Explorer: A Trilogy about “Discovery” — 14 min

Chapter 26: Once Upon A Meta-diagram

As mentioned above, I introduced 11 meta-diagrams in Diagram Blending in 2021.

Chapter 26 selects some examples of using these old meta-diagrams from Jan 2022 to Jan 2024.

Theme U

• Theme U for Single-theory Curation (23 min)

Container Z:

• The Development of Creative Life Theory (2020–2023, Part 5) — Creative Dialogue and Mental Moves — 28 min
• Advanced Life Strategy: The Microdynamics of Creative Identity — 13 min
• The “5A” Slow Cognition Model — 18 min
• The ECHO Trip: A 10-day Road Trip and Creative Life Curation — 24 min

Interactive Zone

• Mental Moves #5: The Attachance of Rediscovery and Diagram Development — 23 min
• The ARCH Diagram — 7 min
• ARCH: A Visual Language of Interpersonal Interactions and Collaborative Project Engagement — 6 min
• Slow Talk: The ARCH of Thematic Engagement — 8 min

Thing — People

• The Activity Circle (Oliver Ding, 2017) — 9 min

Tripartness:

• Themes of Practice: Concept, Activity, and Cognition — 29 min

Part 5: Diagramming as Art

From the perspective of Creative Life Theory, Creative Diagramming brings amazing experiences to knowledge creators. Sometimes, we could say that they are artists.

In the past several years, I had several amazing creative moments of making diagrams. At each moment, I felt that I was making an art. Chapter 27 collects articles that represent such subjective experiences.

Chapter 27: Creative Moments

• Oliver Ding: My Twelve Creative Moments of 2023–10 min
• A Sparkling Moment @ House on Jan 2, 2022–13 min
• The “Means — End” Spectrum and Becoming — 15 min
• The “Mapping Multiple Moves” Map — 18 min
• Knowledge Engagement: The Hermeneutics of Creative Life — 6 min
• Creative Life Curation: Discover Thematic Spaces of Creative Life — 4 min
• Situational Note-taking: The idea of “Thematic Matrix +” — 10 min
• The Serendipity of Making A New Framework — 5 min

In 2023, I edited a series of possible books about Early Discovery.

The Creative Diagramming Method and Meta-diagrams are very useful for Early Discovery.

Related Books (Drafts)

• Creative Life Theory: Building A Knowledge Enterprise
• Creative Life Curation: Turning Experiences into Meaningful Achievements
• Advanced Life Strategy: Anticipatory Activity System and Life Achievements
• Thematic Exploration: The Early Discovery of Knowledge Engagement (book, v1)
• Mental Moves: The Attachance Approach to Ecological Creative Cognition
• Social Moves (book, v1, 2023)
• Grasping the Concept (book, v1, Introduction)
• Knowledge Discovery: Developing Tacit Knowledge with Thematic Space Canvas
• Knowledge Curation: Turning Pieces into A Meaningful Whole
• Life Discovery: Biography, Journey, Program
• Meaning Discovery: Capture Significant Insights in Everyday Life
• Perspectives on Product Engagement
• Diagramming as Practice
• Diagram Blending: Building Diagram Networks
• Situational Note-taking (book, v1, 2024)