067 Hierarchy
Hierarchies are the simplest way to visualize and understand complex information.
• There are three types of hierarchical structures: trees, nests, and stairs.
• Tree structures locate child elements below or to the right of parent elements, forming a triangle. Trees are used to represent organizations and high-level maps.
• Nest structures locate child elements within parent elements. Nest structures are used to group information and represent logical relationships.
• Stair structures stack child elements vertically below parent elements, as in an outline. Stairs are used to represent complex structures that change over time.
• Use tree structures to represent hierarchies of moderate complexity. Use nest structures to represent simple hierarchies and logical relationships. Use stair structures to represent complex hierarchies.
See Also Alignment • Five Hat Racks • Layering • Modularity
