Flow diagram

Flow diagram is a collective term for a diagram representing a flow or set of dynamic relationships in a system. The term flow diagram is also used as a synonym for flowchart,[1] and sometimes as a counterpart of the flowchart.[2]

"Boxes and arrows" redirects here. For the magazine, see Christina Wodtke.
Example of a flow diagram of a nuclear submarine propulsion system.

Flow diagrams are used to structure and order a complex system, or to reveal the underlying structure of the elements and their interaction.[3]

Overview

The term flow diagram is used in theory and practice in different meanings. Most commonly the flow chart and flow diagram are used in an interchangeable way in the meaning of a representation of a process. For example the Information Graphics: A Comprehensive Illustrated Reference by Harris (1999) gives two separate definitions:

Flow chart or flow diagram... is a diagram that visually displays interrelated information such as events, steps in a process, functions, etc., in an organized fashion, such as sequentially or chronologically.[4]
Flow diagram [is] a graphic representation of the physical route or flow of people, materials, paperworks, vehicles, or communication associated with a process, procedure plan, or investigation.[2]

In the second definition the meaning is limited to the representation of the physical route or flow. An example of such a diagram is the illustration of the flows in a nuclear submarine propulsion system, which shows different streams back and forth in the system. The representation of such a system can be supplemented by one or more flowcharts, which show the sequence of one of the flows in one direction, or any of the control flows to manage the system.

The physical movement of objects from one location to another can also be visualized in a mix of maps and flowchart or sankey diagram, which are called flow maps. Flow maps can indicate on a map, what flows, moves or migrates, in which direction, and in which quantities etc.[5]

Specific types of flow diagrams
Sankey Diagram of US Consumer Expenditure in 2012

In theory and practice specific types of diagrams are also called a type of flow diagrams, such as:

gollark: Our tape is so red it's infrared.
gollark: Sadly, bee-feet and seconds aren't dimensionally compatible.
gollark: Boot into a live USB and fix the kernel, or at least keep your home folder.
gollark: You could probably have not entirely reinstalled it, you know.
gollark: It seemed like they might have forgotten to.

See also

References
  1. Robert L. Harris. Information Graphics: A Comprehensive Illustrated Reference. 2000. p. 153-155
  2. Harris. (1999, p. 156)
  3. Urs B. Meyer et al. Process Oriented Analysis: Design and Optimization of Industrial Production Systems. 2006. p. 38.
  4. Harris. (1999, p. 153)
  5. Harris. (1999, p. 157)
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