Best Practices

Start with what you want to make understandable.

Test an intuition

Ask for a prediction before revealing a result. The difference gives the explanation a question to answer.

Give an unfamiliar idea a familiar object, action, or experience to build on.

Show the same relationship in coordinated diagrams, numbers, or behavior.

Make a controlled change and watch its consequences while keeping the rest visible.

Start with an inspectable case, then gradually reveal the parts and general structure.

Bring relationships and dependencies into view so the whole becomes easier to inspect.

Use a shared frame to make consequential differences visible.

Use a recognizable situation to motivate the structure behind it.