The Skewer #

Represents "Happy Path" #

In a DRAKON diagram, the main vertical line or "skewer" represents the "happy path" - the most common or successful sequence of steps in the algorithm. This central path is visually emphasized, making it easy for the reader to quickly identify the main flow of the process.

Sorting Paths from Left to Right When there are multiple paths branching off from the skewer, they are sorted from left to right in order of decreasing desirability or likelihood. The "best" path follows the central skewer, while less favorable paths branch off to the right.

This left-to-right ordering helps the reader quickly grasp the overall structure and prioritization of the different scenarios modeled in the diagram.

Minimizing Visual Clutter By using the skewer to highlight the main flow, DRAKON diagrams avoid the visual complexity and clutter that can plague traditional flowcharts. The central path stands out clearly, while secondary paths branch off in an organized manner.

This clean, uncluttered layout makes the diagrams much easier to comprehend at a glance, without forcing the reader to parse a tangled web of arrows and connections.

Aligning with Human Cognition The skewer concept aligns well with how humans naturally process information. We tend to focus on the "happy path" or most common scenario first, and then consider less likely alternatives. DRAKON's visual design taps into this cognitive tendency, making the diagrams more intuitive and easier to understand.

In summary, the skewer is a powerful organizational principle that gives DRAKON flowcharts a clear, readable structure. It emphasizes the main flow, organizes secondary paths, minimizes visual clutter, and aligns with human cognitive patterns. This results in diagrams that are simpler to comprehend and communicate effectively.

Citations: [1] https://drakonhub.com/en/drakon-examples [2] https://drakon-editor.sourceforge.net/DRAKON.pdf [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRAKON