Module 1: Recognize different types of flowcharts and distinguish between their uses
While flowcharts may seem indistinguishable to the uninitiated, the way each chart is structured impacts both the audience’s understanding of the information shown and the conclusions they draw. This section introduces participants to the different types of flowcharts, including their distinctive characteristics and uses.
Module 2: Select and create the appropriate flowchart to communicate the desired information to stakeholders
In designing flowcharts, form follows function – understanding the purpose of a flowchart enables us to determine the type of flowchart to create and the pertinent information to include in it. This section introduces participants to a framework for determining the type of flowchart to create taking into consideration factors like intended purpose and audience demographics.
Module 3: Understand the essential and optional components which constitute a flowchart
While flowcharts may seem complex to create, each segment of a chart can be broken down into basic building blocks which come together to form a complete picture for audiences. This section examines the fundamental components which make up a flowchart and enables participants to discern between need-to-have and nice-to-have components in the flowchart they create.
Module 4: Recognize standard symbols used to represent information in flowcharts
Flowcharts may seem like they are composed primarily of a mix of rectangles, circles, and triangles, but each shape serves a specific purpose. In this section, participants will be introduced to universally recognized symbols and their accompanying functions.
Module 5: Utilize web-based media resources to select and create non-standard symbols to represent information in flowcharts
Utilizing standard symbols in flowcharts enables information to be easily recognized by audiences but may come across as being predictable and boring. This section explores alternative approaches to illustrating flowcharts in a more creative manner while instilling a sense of structure which enables audiences to easily understand the alternative symbols used.
Module 6: Recognize good and bad design practices when designing flowcharts and other types of visual content
Design principles are often overlooked in favour of efficiency when creating flowcharts. This in turn results in flowcharts which do not blend well aesthetically with the template used for the presentation or which do not effectively captivate an audience’s attention. This section introduces participants to good and bad design principles. Through case studies, participants will gain a better understanding of design principles which work and design mistakes which should be avoided.
Module 7: Utilize appropriate shapes, objects, and graphics to create flowcharts
Creating flowcharts can be easily achieved if one has a clear understanding of the different types of flowcharts and their uses, the building blocks which make them, and most importantly – a framework for creating different flowcharts. In this section, participants will be introduced to a framework for creating the basic blocks within a flowchart and learn how to link them together to form different types of flowcharts.
Module 8: Apply best design practices to shapes, objects, graphics and text to create professional flowcharts
Creating a flowchart is achievable with the right framework, but more needs to be done if we want the flowchart to stand out and captivate audiences. In this section, we explore the different approaches to apply the best design practices identified in the section “Recognize good and bad design practices when designing flowcharts and other types of visual content” to the flowcharts which we have created.
