Chart Gallery

Every chart type, rendered from a real example — hover any diagram to copy its source. 43 types and counting.

Software 12

Block

block

A hand-placed grid of rectangular blocks where the 2-D arrangement itself carries the meaning. Reach for it when you want precise control over columns, spans, and nesting instead of automatic layout.

Reach for it when

  • system or hardware block diagrams
  • layered stacks and signal chains
  • deployment topology you place yourself
Block guide →
Web Service ArchitectureClientsBrowserMobileCLIBackendAuthOrdersInventoryBillingDataLayerEdgeServiceData
Web Service ArchitectureClientsBrowserMobileCLIBackendAuthOrdersInventoryBillingDataLayerEdgeServiceData
block Web Service Architecture

tag Layer as l
  Edge blue
  Service green
  Data orange

[Clients] l: Edge
  [Browser] [Mobile] [CLI]

[Backend] l: Service
  [Auth] [Orders]
  [Inventory] [Billing]

[Data] l: Data collapsed
  [Postgres] [Redis]

Boxes and Lines

boxes-and-lines

General-purpose components wired together with the layout handled for you. Boxes carry status colors and connect to their neighbors — the workhorse for system and component sketches.

Reach for it when

  • system and component overviews
  • status-tagged architecture sketches
  • quick wiring without manual layout
Boxes and Lines guide →
Pirate Fleet CommandHarbor DefensesFlagshipCrew: 120Fort CannonCrew: 40WatchtowerCrew: 12Sea MinesCrew: 6Intel NetworkCrew: 35Spy RingCrew: 18Signal FlagsCrew: 8StatusOperationalDamagedSunkBuildingCrew
Pirate Fleet CommandHarbor DefensesFlagshipCrew: 120Fort CannonCrew: 40WatchtowerCrew: 12Sea MinesCrew: 6Intel NetworkCrew: 35Spy RingCrew: 18Signal FlagsCrew: 8StatusOperationalDamagedSunkBuildingCrew
boxes-and-lines Pirate Fleet Command

tag Status as s
  Operational green
  Damaged orange
  Sunk red
  Building blue default

heat Crew red green
show-values
active-tag Status

Flagship s: Operational, heat: 120
  -> [Harbor Defenses]
  -> IntelNetwork

[Harbor Defenses]
  FortCannon s: Operational, heat: 40
    -> Watchtower
  Watchtower s: Operational, heat: 12
  SeaMines s: Building, heat: 6

IntelNetwork s: Operational, heat: 35
  -> SpyRing
  -> SignalFlags

SpyRing s: Operational, heat: 18
  -> [Harbor Defenses]

SignalFlags s: Damaged, heat: 8

C4

c4

Documents software architecture in the C4 style — people, systems, containers, and their interactions across zoom levels. Built to explain how a system fits together for mixed technical and non-technical readers.

Reach for it when

  • system context diagrams
  • container and component views
  • architecture onboarding docs
C4 guide →
Pirate Treasure Map SystemViews treasure locationsSends raid alerts [carrier pigeon]Relays sightings to«person»CaptainCommands the fleetand plans raids«system»TreasureMapTracks buried treasurelocations and raidintelligence«system»LookoutCrow's nest spotter onallied shipsScopeCrewExternal
Pirate Treasure Map SystemViews treasure locationsSends raid alerts [carrier pigeon]Relays sightings to«person»CaptainCommands the fleetand plans raids«system»TreasureMapTracks buried treasurelocations and raidintelligence«system»LookoutCrow's nest spotter onallied shipsScopeCrewExternal
c4 Pirate Treasure Map System
solid-fill

tag Scope as sc
  Crew blue
  External gray

Captain is a person description: Commands the fleet and plans raids

TreasureMap is a system description: Tracks buried treasure locations and raid intelligence
  -Views treasure locations-> Captain
  -Sends raid alerts [carrier pigeon]-> Lookout

  containers
    ChartRoom is a container description: Interactive sea chart with treasure markers, tech: Parchment
      -Queries treasure data [secret code]-> Vault

    Vault is a container description: Encrypted treasure ledger and coordinates, tech: Iron Chest
      -Reads/writes [quill and ink]-> TreasureLog

    TreasureLog is a container description: "Stores locations, guard counts, and loot inventories", tech: Leather-Bound Tome

Lookout is an external description: Crow's nest spotter on allied ships, sc: External
  ~Relays sightings to~> Captain

deployment
  Flagship
    container ChartRoom
    container Vault
  SecretCave
    container TreasureLog

Class

class

Models object-oriented structure — classes with their attributes, methods, and inheritance or interface relationships. The go-to for capturing a type hierarchy or domain model.

Reach for it when

  • object-oriented type hierarchies
  • domain models and interfaces
  • documenting a class design
Class guide →
Ship Class HierarchyTypeClassAbstractInterfaceEnumhas type«interface»Vessel+ sail(): void+ anchor(): void«abstract»Ship# name: string# crew: number+ getName(): stringGalleon- cannons: number+ fire(): voidSloop- speed: number+ flee(): void«enum»ShipTypeGalleonSloopFrigate
Ship Class HierarchyTypeClassAbstractInterfaceEnumhas type«interface»Vessel+ sail(): void+ anchor(): void«abstract»Ship# name: string# crew: number+ getName(): stringGalleon- cannons: number+ fire(): voidSloop- speed: number+ flee(): void«enum»ShipTypeGalleonSloopFrigate
class Ship Class Hierarchy

interface Vessel
  + sail(): void
  + anchor(): void

abstract Ship implements Vessel
  # name: string
  # crew: number
  + getName(): string

Galleon extends Ship
  - cannons: number
  + fire(): void

Sloop extends Ship
  - speed: number
  + flee(): void

enum ShipType
  Galleon
  Sloop
  Frigate

Ship
  -> ShipType has type

Entity Relationship

er

Describes a database schema as entities, their columns and keys, and the cardinality of the relationships between them. Reach for it when the data model is what you need to communicate.

Reach for it when

  • relational database schemas
  • entity relationships and cardinality
  • planning tables and keys
Entity Relationship guide →
Pirate Fleetaboardcarriesfrequentshasdocksshipsid: intname: varcharship_type: varcharcannons: intcrew_membersid: intname: varcharship_id: introle: varcharcaptainsid: intname: varcharship_id: intbounty: inttreasureid: intname: varcharvalue: intportsid: intname: varcharregion: varcharRoleCore entityDependent
Pirate Fleetaboardcarriesfrequentshasdocksshipsid: intname: varcharship_type: varcharcannons: intcrew_membersid: intname: varcharship_id: introle: varcharcaptainsid: intname: varcharship_id: intbounty: inttreasureid: intname: varcharvalue: intportsid: intname: varcharregion: varcharRoleCore entityDependent
er Pirate Fleet

ships
  id int pk
  name varchar
  ship_type varchar
  cannons int
  1-aboard-* crew_members
  1-1 captains
  1-carries-* treasure

captains
  id int pk
  name varchar
  ship_id int fk
  bounty int
  ?-frequents-1 ports
  *-has-1 crew_members 

crew_members
  id int pk
  name varchar
  ship_id int fk
  role varchar nullable

treasure
  id int pk
  name varchar
  value int
  ship_id int fk, nullable

ports
  id int pk
  name varchar
  region varchar unique
  1-docks-* ships

Flowchart

flowchart

Shaped nodes and labeled arrows that trace a process or decision path from start to end. The default choice when you need to show steps, branches, and outcomes.

Reach for it when

  • step-by-step processes
  • decision branches and outcomes
  • algorithm or logic flow
Flowchart guide →
Mutiny ResolutionNoYesStayMutinySailHoldMutinyMaroonNewSailTrouble?VoteHoldMutinyMaroonNew
Mutiny ResolutionNoYesStayMutinySailHoldMutinyMaroonNewSailTrouble?VoteHoldMutinyMaroonNew
flowchart Mutiny Resolution
direction-tb

[Sail] Set sail under the captain
{Trouble?} Discontent in the crew?
[Hold]   Hold steady, stay loyal
{Vote}   Crew vote called
[Mutiny] Seize the ship
[Maroon] Maroon the captain
[New]    Elect a new captain

(Sail) -> (Trouble?)
(Trouble?) -No-> (Sail)
(Trouble?) -Yes-> (Vote)
(Vote) -Stay-> (Hold)
(Vote) -Mutiny-> (Mutiny)
(Mutiny) -> (Maroon)
(Maroon) -> (New)
(New) -> (Sail)
(Hold) -> (Sail)

Infrastructure

infra

Maps service and infrastructure topology with live operational metrics on each node — request rates, cache-hit ratios, latency. For showing how traffic moves through a running system.

Reach for it when

  • service and traffic topology
  • infrastructure with per-node metrics
  • request flow through a platform
Infrastructure guide →
Allied Ports3xEdgeRPS: 200p90: 259243.0savailability: 2.3%SignalFlagsRPS: 200p90: 259243.0savailability: 2.3%FlagshipRPS: 200 / 50p90: 259205.0savailability: 2.9%ScoutShipRPS: 100 / 60p90: 259213.0savailability: 1.7%2xCarrierPigeonsRPS: 50p90: 86403.2savailability: 24.0%lag: 38 msg/soverflow: ~3sTavernNetworkRPS: 62 / 60p90: 86400.0savailability: 96.8%RumRunnerRPS: 50 / 0instances: 8.6M / 4p90: 259200.0savailability: 0.0%Pirate Communication NetworkFleetBlackbeardBonnyRackham
Allied Ports3xEdgeRPS: 200p90: 259243.0savailability: 2.3%SignalFlagsRPS: 200p90: 259243.0savailability: 2.3%FlagshipRPS: 200 / 50p90: 259205.0savailability: 2.9%ScoutShipRPS: 100 / 60p90: 259213.0savailability: 1.7%2xCarrierPigeonsRPS: 50p90: 86403.2savailability: 24.0%lag: 38 msg/soverflow: ~3sTavernNetworkRPS: 62 / 60p90: 86400.0savailability: 96.8%RumRunnerRPS: 50 / 0instances: 8.6M / 4p90: 259200.0savailability: 0.0%Pirate Communication NetworkFleetBlackbeardBonnyRackham
infra Pirate Communication Network

tag Fleet as f
  Blackbeard red
  Bonny purple
  Rackham blue

Edge
  rps: 200
  -> SignalFlags

SignalFlags f: Blackbeard
  description: Flag semaphore relay  ship-to-ship messaging
  latency-ms: 30000
  -> Flagship
  -> ScoutShip

Flagship f: Blackbeard
  description: Command vessel  decrypts and routes all intelligence
  instances: 1
  max-rps: 50
  latency-ms: 5000
  -> CarrierPigeons
  -> RumRunner

ScoutShip f: Bonny
  description: Fast sloop for reconnaissance
  instances: 2
  max-rps: 30
  latency-ms: 8000
  -> Flagship

CarrierPigeons f: Rackham
  description: Long-range bird relay  messages to allied ports
  buffer: 100
  drain-rate: 12
  retention-hours: 72
  -> TavernNetwork

[Allied Ports]
  instances: 3

  TavernNetwork f: Rackham
    description: Dockside tavern informants across the Caribbean
    max-rps: 20
    latency-ms: 86400000

RumRunner f: Bonny
  description: Smuggler supply line  moves coded messages in rum barrels
  concurrency: 4
  duration-ms: 172800000
  -> TavernNetwork

Sequence

sequence

Shows how participants exchange messages over time, ordered top to bottom. The standard for tracing a request, protocol, or interaction between services or actors.

Reach for it when

  • request and response flows
  • protocol or API interactions
  • ordered message exchanges
Sequence guide →
Treasure Hunt AppClick to collapseTreasure ServiceUserWebAppTreasureAPIMapDBNotifyQueueif chest availableelseSearch nearby lootGET /treasures?nearbyFind within 5nm3 resultslocationsShow treasure mapClaim chest #42POST /claimSet status = claimedOKtreasure.claimedClaim accepted500 doubloons earned!409 Already claimedToo slow, matey!check locationuse compassConcernSearchClaimsNotifications
Treasure Hunt AppClick to collapseTreasure ServiceUserWebAppTreasureAPIMapDBNotifyQueueif chest availableelseSearch nearby lootGET /treasures?nearbyFind within 5nm3 resultslocationsShow treasure mapClaim chest #42POST /claimSet status = claimedOKtreasure.claimedClaim accepted500 doubloons earned!409 Already claimedToo slow, matey!check locationuse compassConcernSearchClaimsNotifications
sequence Treasure Hunt App

tag Concern as c
  Search blue
  Claims green
  Notifications orange

User is an actor

[Treasure Service]
  TreasureAPI
  MapDB is a database
  NotifyQueue is a queue

User -Search nearby loot-> WebApp
WebApp -GET /treasures?nearby-> TreasureAPI c: Search
TreasureAPI -Find within 5nm-> MapDB c: Search
note
  - check location
  - use compass
MapDB -3 results-> TreasureAPI
TreasureAPI -locations-> WebApp
WebApp -Show treasure map-> User

== Claim ==

User -Claim chest #42-> WebApp
WebApp -POST /claim-> TreasureAPI c: Claims
if chest available
  TreasureAPI -Set status = claimed-> MapDB c: Claims
  MapDB -OK-> TreasureAPI
  TreasureAPI ~treasure.claimed~> NotifyQueue c: Notifications
  TreasureAPI -Claim accepted-> WebApp
  WebApp -500 doubloons earned!-> User
else
  TreasureAPI -409 Already claimed-> WebApp
  WebApp -Too slow, matey!-> User

Sitemap

sitemap

Lays out the pages of a site and the links between them. For planning site structure and navigation before or during a build.

Reach for it when

  • website page structure
  • navigation and link planning
  • access level per page
Sitemap guide →
Pirate Bay Trading Co.Port MarketCrew QuartersshopjoinmapbuypurchasedenlistedvoyageHomeAccess:PublicPage:LandingShopAccess:PublicPage:ContentCheckoutAccess:Crew OnlyPage:FormEnlistAccess:PublicPage:FormShip LogAccess:Crew OnlyPage:ContentTreasure MapAccess:CaptainPage:ContentAccessPublicCrew OnlyCaptain
Pirate Bay Trading Co.Port MarketCrew QuartersshopjoinmapbuypurchasedenlistedvoyageHomeAccess:PublicPage:LandingShopAccess:PublicPage:ContentCheckoutAccess:Crew OnlyPage:FormEnlistAccess:PublicPage:FormShip LogAccess:Crew OnlyPage:ContentTreasure MapAccess:CaptainPage:ContentAccessPublicCrew OnlyCaptain
sitemap Pirate Bay Trading Co.

tag Access
  Public green
  Crew Only blue
  Captain red

tag Page
  Landing purple
  Form orange
  Content cyan 

Home Access: Public, Page: Landing
  -shop-> Shop
  -join-> Enlist
  -map-> Treasure Map
  -> [Port Market]

[Port Market]
  Shop Access: Public, Page: Content
    -buy-> Checkout

  Checkout Access: Crew Only, Page: Form
    -purchased-> Ship Log 

[Crew Quarters]
  Enlist Access: Public, Page: Form
    -enlisted-> Ship Log

  Ship Log Access: Crew Only, Page: Content
    -voyage-> Treasure Map

  Treasure Map Access: Captain, Page: Content

State

state

Models the states an object moves through and the transitions between them. Reach for it when behavior depends on what mode something is currently in.

Reach for it when

  • state machines and lifecycles
  • event-triggered transitions
  • order or object status flow
State guide →
Ship Battle LifecycleCombatenemy spottedin rangeenemy retreatsalongsidehull breachoutgunnedcrew winscrew losesloot takenescapedcaughtSailingBattleStationsEngagingBoardingSinkingRetreatingVictoriousCaptured
Ship Battle LifecycleCombatenemy spottedin rangeenemy retreatsalongsidehull breachoutgunnedcrew winscrew losesloot takenescapedcaughtSailingBattleStationsEngagingBoardingSinkingRetreatingVictoriousCaptured
state Ship Battle Lifecycle
solid-fill

[*] -> Sailing

Sailing
  -enemy spotted-> BattleStations

BattleStations
  -in range-> Engaging
  -enemy retreats-> Sailing

[Combat]
  Engaging
    -alongside-> Boarding
    -hull breach-> Sinking
    -outgunned-> Retreating

  Boarding
    -crew wins-> Victorious
    -crew loses-> Captured

[Aftermath]
  Victorious
    -loot taken-> Sailing

  Retreating
    -escaped-> Sailing
    -caught-> Captured

Captured -> [*]
Sinking -> [*]

Version Control

version-control

Visualizes branches, commits, and merges the way a version-control history unfolds. For teaching a branching workflow or documenting release history.

Reach for it when

  • git branching workflows
  • commit and merge history
  • release and hotfix strategy
Version Control guide →
Feature Branch Workflowmaindevelopfeature/loginInitial commitAdd READMESet up CIAdd test suiteLogin formForm validation⇲ feature/loginAddress review notes⇲ developv1.0.0Hotfix typoHEAD
Feature Branch Workflowmaindevelopfeature/loginInitial commitAdd READMESet up CIAdd test suiteLogin formForm validation⇲ feature/loginAddress review notes⇲ developv1.0.0Hotfix typoHEAD
version-control Feature Branch Workflow

main
  Initial commit
  Add README

develop from main
  Set up CI
  Add test suite

feature/login from develop
  Login form
  Form validation

develop
  merge feature/login
  Address review notes

main
  merge develop tag: v1.0.0
  Hotfix typo type: highlight

Wireframe

wireframe

A low-fidelity screen layout built from stock UI elements — inputs, buttons, nav, checkboxes. For sketching an interface before any pixels are designed.

Reach for it when

  • low-fidelity screen mockups
  • UI layout before visual design
  • form and page structure
Wireframe guide →
Pirate Crew PortalHEADERThe Jolly Roger Crew HubDashboardTreasure MapShip LogCrew RosterMAINAhoy, Captain!Next Raid TargetPort RoyalEstimated Loot5000 doubloonsThe RevengeLoad extra cannonsFly false colorsFull crewSkeleton crewSet Sail!Abort MissionNew to piracy? (Read the Code)
Pirate Crew PortalHEADERThe Jolly Roger Crew HubDashboardTreasure MapShip LogCrew RosterMAINAhoy, Captain!Next Raid TargetPort RoyalEstimated Loot5000 doubloonsThe RevengeLoad extra cannonsFly false colorsFull crewSkeleton crewSet Sail!Abort MissionNew to piracy? (Read the Code)
wireframe Pirate Crew Portal

[Header]
  The Jolly Roger Crew Hub
  nav
    Dashboard active
    Treasure Map
    Ship Log
    Crew Roster

[Main]
  # Ahoy, Captain!

  Next Raid Target  [Port Royal]
  Estimated Loot  [5000 doubloons] readonly

  {The Revenge | The Serpent | The Phantom}

  <x> Load extra cannons
  < > Fly false colors

  (*) Full crew
  ( ) Skeleton crew

  (Set Sail!)
  (Abort Mission) ghost

  ---

  New to piracy? (Read the Code) ghost

Data 11

Arc

arc

Maps weighted connections across a set of entities, drawn as arcs along a baseline or wrapped into a circular chord layout. Best when the pattern of links — who connects to whom, and how strongly — is the story.

Reach for it when

  • weighted relationships between entities
  • co-occurrence or link density
  • a network shown compactly
Arc guide →
CaribbeanWomen PiratesWest AfricaBlackbeardBonnetVaneHornigoldBonnyRackhamReadRobertsDavisPirate Alliances
CaribbeanWomen PiratesWest AfricaBlackbeardBonnetVaneHornigoldBonnyRackhamReadRobertsDavisPirate Alliances
arc Pirate Alliances
//order appearance name, group, degree

// Source -> Target weight
[Caribbean] red
  Blackbeard -> Bonnet    8
  Blackbeard -> Vane      5
  Blackbeard -> Hornigold 4
  Hornigold  -> Bonnet    2

[Women Pirates] purple
  Bonny   -> Rackham 9
  Bonny   -> Read    7
  Rackham -> Vane    3

[West Africa] teal
  Roberts -> Davis    6
  Davis   -> Roberts 10

Bar

bar

Compares a value across categories using length — the most direct way to read which is bigger. Grouped and stacked series handle multi-dimension comparisons.

Reach for it when

  • ranking categories by value
  • comparing groups side by side
  • stacked part-to-whole totals
Bar guide →
Treasure Hauls by Port02004006008001,000Port RoyalTortugaNassauHavanaCartagena8506201,100430780
Treasure Hauls by Port02004006008001,000Port RoyalTortugaNassauHavanaCartagena8506201,100430780
bar Treasure Hauls by Port

Port Royal blue   850
Tortuga green     620
Nassau red       1100
Havana yellow     430
Cartagena purple  780

Function Plot

function

Plots mathematical expressions as continuous curves over a range of x. For visualizing formulas, models, and how one variable responds to another.

Reach for it when

  • plotting mathematical formulas
  • comparing curves over a range
  • modeling one variable against another
Function Plot guide →
Cannonball Trajectories by ElevationFunction15 degrees30 degrees45 degrees05101520253035404550020406080100120140160180200220240Distance (meters)Height (meters)
Cannonball Trajectories by ElevationFunction15 degrees30 degrees45 degrees05101520253035404550020406080100120140160180200220240Distance (meters)Height (meters)
function Cannonball Trajectories by Elevation
x-label Distance (meters)
y-label Height (meters)
x 0 to 250

15 degrees blue: -0.001*x^2 + 0.27*x
30 degrees green: -0.002*x^2 + 0.58*x
45 degrees red: -0.003*x^2 + 0.75*x

Heatmap

heatmap

A grid of cells shaded by value, revealing patterns and hotspots across two dimensions at a glance. For dense matrices where color makes the structure pop.

Reach for it when

  • patterns across a matrix
  • activity by row and column
  • spotting hotspots in dense data
Heatmap guide →
Pirate Activity by Sea RegionJanFebMarAprMayJunCaribbean545345Atlantic232432Mediterranean321234Indian Ocean454543South China Sea123212West Africa334354
Pirate Activity by Sea RegionJanFebMarAprMayJunCaribbean545345Atlantic232432Mediterranean321234Indian Ocean454543South China Sea123212West Africa334354
heatmap Pirate Activity by Sea Region
columns Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun

// label value1, value2, ...
Caribbean       5 4 5 3 4 5
Atlantic        2 3 2 4 3 2
Mediterranean   3 2 1 2 3 4
Indian Ocean    4 5 4 5 4 3
South China Sea 1 2 3 2 1 2
West Africa     3 3 4 3 5 4

Line

line

Connects data points to show how a value moves over a continuous axis — the default for trends over time. Multiple series and shaded eras are supported.

Reach for it when

  • trends over time
  • comparing series trajectories
  • highlighting periods with eras
Line guide →
Ship Speed Over VoyageRough SeasFair Winds024681012Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 6Day 78107129116DaySpeed
Ship Speed Over VoyageRough SeasFair Winds024681012Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 6Day 78107129116DaySpeed
line Ship Speed Over Voyage
series Knots
x-label Day
y-label Speed

era Day 1 -> Day 3 Rough Seas red 
era Day 3 -> Day 7 Fair Winds blue

Day 1  8
Day 2 10
Day 3  7
Day 4 12
Day 5  9
Day 6 11
Day 7  6

Pie

pie

Splits a whole into proportional slices so relative share is immediately visible. Best for a handful of categories that sum to a meaningful total; add a hole for a doughnut.

Reach for it when

  • share of a single total
  • a few proportional categories
  • budget or composition split
Pie guide →
Crew Roles DistributionSailors — 45 (45%)Gunners — 20 (20%)Marines — 15 (15%)Officers — 8 (8%)Specialists — 7 (7%)Cooks & Surgeons — 5 (5%)
Crew Roles DistributionSailors — 45 (45%)Gunners — 20 (20%)Marines — 15 (15%)Officers — 8 (8%)Specialists — 7 (7%)Cooks & Surgeons — 5 (5%)
pie Crew Roles Distribution
solid-fill
//no-percent
//no-value

Sailors          45
Gunners          20
Marines          15
Officers          8
Specialists       7
Cooks & Surgeons  5

Polar Area

polar-area

Compares categories as wedges of equal angle but varying radius around a circle. A rounder alternative to a bar chart when you want values arranged radially.

Reach for it when

  • comparing values radially
  • cyclical or directional categories
  • a circular take on a bar chart
Polar Area guide →
Captain's SkillsNavigation — 90 (21%)Swordsmanship — 75 (18%)Leadership — 85 (20%)Cunning — 95 (22%)Seamanship — 80 (19%)
Captain's SkillsNavigation — 90 (21%)Swordsmanship — 75 (18%)Leadership — 85 (20%)Cunning — 95 (22%)Seamanship — 80 (19%)
polar-area Captain's Skills

Navigation    90
Swordsmanship 75
Leadership    85
Cunning       95
Seamanship    80

Radar

radar

Plots several metrics on axes radiating from a center, tracing a shape that profiles strengths and weaknesses. For comparing entities across the same dimensions.

Reach for it when

  • multi-metric profiles
  • strengths and weaknesses across axes
  • comparing entities on shared criteria
Radar guide →
Ship Combat RatingFirepowerSpeedArmorManeuverabilityCrew Morale8570609075
Ship Combat RatingFirepowerSpeedArmorManeuverabilityCrew Morale8570609075
radar Ship Combat Rating
solid-fill

Firepower       85
Speed           70
Armor           60
Maneuverability 90
Crew Morale     75

Scatter Plot

scatter

Plots points on two axes to reveal how two variables relate — clusters, trends, and outliers. For exploring correlation across many observations.

Reach for it when

  • correlation between two variables
  • spotting clusters and outliers
  • distribution across a population
Scatter Plot guide →
Pirate CaptainsGroupCaribbeanAtlanticIndian Ocean2,0004,0006,0008,00010,00012,00014,00030405060708090100BlackbeardCalico JackAnne BonnyHenry MorganCharles VaneBlack Sam BellamyBartholomew RobertsEdward LowStede BonnetHenry EveryWilliam KiddThomas TewRuthlessnessTreasure
Pirate CaptainsGroupCaribbeanAtlanticIndian Ocean2,0004,0006,0008,00010,00012,00014,00030405060708090100BlackbeardCalico JackAnne BonnyHenry MorganCharles VaneBlack Sam BellamyBartholomew RobertsEdward LowStede BonnetHenry EveryWilliam KiddThomas TewRuthlessnessTreasure
scatter Pirate Captains
x-label Ruthlessness
y-label Treasure

[Caribbean] red
  Blackbeard   90  8500
  Calico Jack  55  3200
  Anne Bonny   70  2800
  Henry Morgan 85 12000
  Charles Vane 75  4100


[Atlantic] blue
  Black Sam Bellamy   60  9200
  Bartholomew Roberts 88 11000
  Edward Low          95  5500
  Stede Bonnet        30  1800



[Indian Ocean] green
  Henry Every  80 14000
  William Kidd 65  6800
  Thomas Tew   50  7200

Slope

slope

Connects two points in time with one line per item, making rises, falls, and rank changes jump out. For before-and-after comparisons across many items.

Reach for it when

  • before-and-after comparison
  • rank changes between two periods
  • who rose and who fell
Slope guide →
17151725404 — Blackbeard1252 — Bartholomew Roberts202 — Charles Vane815 — Anne Bonny186 — Calico JackPirate Fleet Strength: 1715 vs 1725
17151725404 — Blackbeard1252 — Bartholomew Roberts202 — Charles Vane815 — Anne Bonny186 — Calico JackPirate Fleet Strength: 1715 vs 1725
slope Pirate Fleet Strength: 1715 vs 1725

period
  1715
  1725

Blackbeard red           40  4
Bartholomew Roberts blue 12 52
Charles Vane orange      20  2
Anne Bonny green          8 15
Calico Jack purple       18  6

Treemap

treemap

Nested rectangles sized by value, showing both hierarchy and proportion in one dense view. For breaking a total down into categories and subcategories.

Reach for it when

  • hierarchical part-to-whole
  • budget or storage breakdowns
  • proportions across nested groups
Treemap guide →
Plunder Spend ($k)Sailing & Rigging640 · 62%Cannon Battery220 · 21%Provisions180 · 17%Rigging320 · 31%Helm180 · 17%Lookout140 · 13%Shot130 · 13%Powder90 · 9%Rum110 · 11%Hardtack70 · 7%CrewDeckGunsStores
Plunder Spend ($k)Sailing & Rigging640 · 62%Cannon Battery220 · 21%Provisions180 · 17%Rigging320 · 31%Helm180 · 17%Lookout140 · 13%Shot130 · 13%Powder90 · 9%Rum110 · 11%Hardtack70 · 7%CrewDeckGunsStores
treemap Plunder Spend ($k)

tag Crew as t
  Deck blue
  Guns orange
  Stores green

Sailing & Rigging t: Deck
  Rigging 320
  Helm 180
  Lookout 140
Cannon Battery t: Guns
  Powder 90
  Shot 130
Provisions t: Stores
  Rum 110
  Hardtack 70

Business 14

Mind Map

mindmap

Radiates a central topic outward into branches and sub-branches. Built for brainstorming and organizing ideas around a single root.

Reach for it when

  • brainstorming around a topic
  • breaking an idea into branches
  • note-taking and outlining
Mind Map guide →
Product StrategyProduct StrategyResearchUser InterviewsSurveysQuarterly NPS surveyFocus GroupsCompetitor AnalysisFeature MatrixPricing ReviewDevelopmentMVP FeaturesAuth SystemHandle login, signup,OAuth flowsDashboardGo-to-MarketLaunch PlanBlog PostDemo Video2-min productwalkthrough
Product StrategyProduct StrategyResearchUser InterviewsSurveysQuarterly NPS surveyFocus GroupsCompetitor AnalysisFeature MatrixPricing ReviewDevelopmentMVP FeaturesAuth SystemHandle login, signup,OAuth flowsDashboardGo-to-MarketLaunch PlanBlog PostDemo Video2-min productwalkthrough
mindmap Product Strategy

tag Priority as p
  High red
  Medium yellow
  Low green

tag Department as d
  Engineering blue
  Design purple
  Marketing orange

Research d: Marketing
  User Interviews p: High
    Surveys description: Quarterly NPS survey
    Focus Groups
  Competitor Analysis d: Engineering
    Feature Matrix
    Pricing Review
Development p: High, d: Engineering
  MVP Features
    Auth System
      description: Handle login, signup, OAuth flows
    Dashboard
  Nice-to-haves p: Low, collapsed: true
    Dark Mode
    Export PDF
Go-to-Market d: Marketing
  Launch Plan
    Blog Post
    Demo Video description: 2-min product walkthrough

Cycle

cycle

Arranges stages in a closed loop where the last step feeds back into the first. For recurring processes and continuous frameworks like OODA or PDCA.

Reach for it when

  • repeating process loops
  • feedback-driven cycles
  • framework models like OODA
Cycle guide →
The Pirate Raid CycleScoutSpot merchantvessels from afarPursueRaise the colors,trim the sailsBoardSwing across andseize the deckCelebrateDivide the spoils,then repair
The Pirate Raid CycleScoutSpot merchantvessels from afarPursueRaise the colors,trim the sailsBoardSwing across andseize the deckCelebrateDivide the spoils,then repair
cycle The Pirate Raid Cycle
solid-fill

Scout blue
  Spot merchant vessels from afar

Pursue green
  Raise the colors, trim the sails

Board orange
  Swing across and seize the deck

Celebrate red
  Divide the spoils, then repair

Journey Map

journey-map

Charts a person's experience across the stages of a process, plotting emotional highs and lows as a continuous curve. For finding pain points and opportunities in a service.

Reach for it when

  • user experience across a service
  • emotional highs and lows
  • surfacing pain points and gaps
Journey Map guide →
A Cabin Boy's First VoyageSquidlips SamGreenhorn cabin boy, first time at seaSworn to the crew but quietly terrifiedHopefulTerrifiedRelievedTriumphantProudContentSigning OnSign the articlesCaptain reads the code aloud — payshares, no women aboard, lights outat 8The TempestCaught in a squall off the reefTwo crewmates lost overboardbefore dawnMaybe the merchant fleet wasn'tso bad after allDawn, and she still floatsThe PrizeStrike the colorsHeavy with silver from the VeracruzminesHomecomingBury a share on the islandThree doubloons hidden whereonly he can find themBack to the Rusty AnchorNext time he signs on as a fullhand, not a boy
A Cabin Boy's First VoyageSquidlips SamGreenhorn cabin boy, first time at seaSworn to the crew but quietly terrifiedHopefulTerrifiedRelievedTriumphantProudContentSigning OnSign the articlesCaptain reads the code aloud — payshares, no women aboard, lights outat 8The TempestCaught in a squall off the reefTwo crewmates lost overboardbefore dawnMaybe the merchant fleet wasn'tso bad after allDawn, and she still floatsThe PrizeStrike the colorsHeavy with silver from the VeracruzminesHomecomingBury a share on the islandThree doubloons hidden whereonly he can find themBack to the Rusty AnchorNext time he signs on as a fullhand, not a boy
journey-map A Cabin Boy's First Voyage
solid-fill

persona Squidlips Sam color: blue
  Greenhorn cabin boy, first time at sea
  Sworn to the crew but quietly terrified

[Signing On]
  Sign the articles score: 4, emotion: Hopeful
    description: Captain reads the code aloud  pay shares, no women aboard, lights out at 8

[The Tempest]
  Caught in a squall off the reef score: 1, emotion: Terrified
    pain: Two crewmates lost overboard before dawn
    thought: Maybe the merchant fleet wasn't so bad after all
  Dawn, and she still floats score: 3, emotion: Relieved

[The Prize]
  Strike the colors score: 5, emotion: Triumphant
    description: Heavy with silver from the Veracruz mines

[Homecoming]
  Bury a share on the island score: 5, emotion: Proud
    thought: Three doubloons hidden where only he can find them
  Back to the Rusty Anchor score: 4, emotion: Content
    opportunity: Next time he signs on as a full hand, not a boy

Map

map

Renders data on a real geographic map — shaded regions, points of interest, and routes. For anything where location is the organizing dimension.

Reach for it when

  • data shaded by region
  • points of interest on a map
  • routes and geographic flows
Map guide →
weigh anchorraid the galleonscareen & resupply123Dominican Rep.KingstonHavanaSanto DomingoCubaHaitiPuerto RicoPortHome PortFriendlySpanish PrizeThe Brethren's Caribbean
weigh anchorraid the galleonscareen & resupply123Dominican Rep.KingstonHavanaSanto DomingoCubaHaitiPuerto RicoPortHome PortFriendlySpanish PrizeThe Brethren's Caribbean
map The Brethren's Caribbean

tag Port as p
  Home Port red
  Friendly green
  Spanish Prize orange

tag Passage as l
  Open Sea blue
  Coastal Run teal

poi Kingston p: Home Port, size: 120
poi Havana p: Spanish Prize, size: 90
poi Santo Domingo p: Friendly, size: 70

route Kingston
  ~weigh anchor~> Havana l: Open Sea
  ~raid the galleons~> Santo Domingo l: Coastal Run
  ~careen & resupply~> Kingston l: Open Sea

Funnel

funnel

Shows how a quantity narrows through sequential stages, exposing where the biggest drop-offs happen. The standard for conversion and pipeline analysis.

Reach for it when

  • conversion drop-off by stage
  • sales or recruitment pipeline
  • where users leave a flow
Funnel guide →
Pirate Recruitment PipelinePort Visitors1,000Tavern Recruits500Crew Trials200Sworn Pirates100Veteran Buccaneers50
Pirate Recruitment PipelinePort Visitors1,000Tavern Recruits500Crew Trials200Sworn Pirates100Veteran Buccaneers50
funnel Pirate Recruitment Pipeline

Port Visitors blue     1000
Tavern Recruits cyan    500
Crew Trials yellow      200
Sworn Pirates orange    100
Veteran Buccaneers red   50

Org

org

Maps reporting structure as a top-down tree of roles and people. For org charts and any strict chain-of-command hierarchy.

Reach for it when

  • reporting and team structure
  • chain of command
  • headcount by group
Org guide →
The Dread FleetNavigationRigging CrewBoarding PartyGun DeckCargo HoldBarnacle BobRank: SailorShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalSlippery SalStatus: TurncoatRank: SailorShip: RevengeCannonball PeteRank: GunnerShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalSmokey JackRank: GunnerStatus: NewRecruitShip: RevengePowder MegRank: SwabStatus: NewRecruitShip: RevengeCutlass JimRank: BosunShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalRed MaryRank: SailorShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalOne-Eyed DanStatus: TurncoatRank: SailorShip: RevengeMonkey FistRank: BosunShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalPegleg PeteRank: SailorShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalCrow JaneRank: SailorShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalStargazer QuinnRank: QuartermasterShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalCompass RoseStatus: NewRecruitRank: SailorShip: RevengeBlackbeardRank: CaptainShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalCrew: 16Calico RackhamRank: QuartermasterShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalCrew: 2Anne BonnyRank: FirstMateShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalCrew: 6Long JohnRank: FirstMateShip: SerpentStatus: LoyalCrew: 5RankSailorCaptainFirstMateQuartermasterBosunGunnerSwab
The Dread FleetNavigationRigging CrewBoarding PartyGun DeckCargo HoldBarnacle BobRank: SailorShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalSlippery SalStatus: TurncoatRank: SailorShip: RevengeCannonball PeteRank: GunnerShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalSmokey JackRank: GunnerStatus: NewRecruitShip: RevengePowder MegRank: SwabStatus: NewRecruitShip: RevengeCutlass JimRank: BosunShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalRed MaryRank: SailorShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalOne-Eyed DanStatus: TurncoatRank: SailorShip: RevengeMonkey FistRank: BosunShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalPegleg PeteRank: SailorShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalCrow JaneRank: SailorShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalStargazer QuinnRank: QuartermasterShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalCompass RoseStatus: NewRecruitRank: SailorShip: RevengeBlackbeardRank: CaptainShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalCrew: 16Calico RackhamRank: QuartermasterShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalCrew: 2Anne BonnyRank: FirstMateShip: RevengeStatus: LoyalCrew: 6Long JohnRank: FirstMateShip: SerpentStatus: LoyalCrew: 5RankSailorCaptainFirstMateQuartermasterBosunGunnerSwab
org The Dread Fleet
solid-fill
sub-node-label Crew
show-sub-node-count

tag Rank as r
  Sailor blue
  Captain red
  FirstMate orange
  Quartermaster yellow
  Bosun green
  Gunner teal
  Jester cyan
  Swab purple

tag Ship as s
  Revenge blue
  Serpent green
  Phantom purple

tag Status as st
  Loyal green
  Turncoat red
  NewRecruit yellow

Blackbeard r: Captain, s: Revenge
  Anne Bonny r: FirstMate
    [Gun Deck]
      Cannonball Pete r: Gunner
      Smokey Jack r: Gunner, st: NewRecruit
      Powder Meg r: Swab, st: NewRecruit
    [Boarding Party]
      Cutlass Jim r: Bosun
      Red Mary
      One-Eyed Dan st: Turncoat
  Calico Rackham r: Quartermaster
    [Cargo Hold]
      Barnacle Bob
      Slippery Sal st: Turncoat
  Long John r: FirstMate, s: Serpent
    [Rigging Crew]
      Monkey Fist r: Bosun
      Pegleg Pete
      Crow Jane
    [Navigation]
      Stargazer Quinn r: Quartermaster
      Compass Rose st: NewRecruit

Pyramid

pyramid

Stacks layers from a narrow apex to a wide base, encoding rank, foundation, or proportion. For tiered models where each level rests on the one below.

Reach for it when

  • tiered or layered models
  • foundational hierarchies
  • Maslow-style level frameworks
Pyramid guide →
Pirate Crew HierarchyCaptainFinal word on heading and plunder,keeper of the ship's charter.QuartermasterSecond-in-command, arbitratesdisputes, divvies the booty.Boatswain & GunnerKeep the rigging tight andthe cannons ready.Able SeamenHaul lines, swab decks,and stand watch.Powder MonkeysFerry shot and charges to the gunsduring a broadside.
Pirate Crew HierarchyCaptainFinal word on heading and plunder,keeper of the ship's charter.QuartermasterSecond-in-command, arbitratesdisputes, divvies the booty.Boatswain & GunnerKeep the rigging tight andthe cannons ready.Able SeamenHaul lines, swab decks,and stand watch.Powder MonkeysFerry shot and charges to the gunsduring a broadside.
pyramid Pirate Crew Hierarchy
solid-fill

Captain purple
  Final word on heading and plunder,
  keeper of the ship's charter.

Quartermaster blue
  Second-in-command, arbitrates
  disputes, divvies the booty.

Boatswain & Gunner green
  Keep the rigging tight and
  the cannons ready.

Able Seamen yellow
  Haul lines, swab decks,
  and stand watch.

Powder Monkeys orange
  Ferry shot and charges to the guns
  during a broadside.

Quadrant

quadrant

Places items in a 2x2 grid defined by two axes, sorting them into four labeled zones. The classic for prioritization and positioning frameworks.

Reach for it when

  • 2x2 prioritization frameworks
  • positioning items on two axes
  • effort-versus-impact sorting
Quadrant guide →
Crew Performance AssessmentTrainPromoteMaroonWatch CloselyQuartermaster0.90, 0.95Navigator0.85, 0.80Gunner0.70, 0.60Surgeon0.80, 0.75Boatswain0.60, 0.85Cook0.40, 0.90New Recruit0.20, 0.50Troublemaker0.65, 0.20Spy0.80, 0.10Low SkillHigh SkillLow LoyaltyHigh Loyalty
Crew Performance AssessmentTrainPromoteMaroonWatch CloselyQuartermaster0.90, 0.95Navigator0.85, 0.80Gunner0.70, 0.60Surgeon0.80, 0.75Boatswain0.60, 0.85Cook0.40, 0.90New Recruit0.20, 0.50Troublemaker0.65, 0.20Spy0.80, 0.10Low SkillHigh SkillLow LoyaltyHigh Loyalty
quadrant Crew Performance Assessment
x-label Low Skill, High Skill
y-label Low Loyalty, High Loyalty

top-right Promote green
top-left Train yellow
bottom-left Maroon red
bottom-right Watch Closely purple

Quartermaster  0.9 0.95
Navigator     0.85  0.8
Gunner         0.7  0.6
Surgeon        0.8 0.75
Boatswain      0.6 0.85
Cook           0.4  0.9
New Recruit    0.2  0.5
Troublemaker  0.65  0.2
Spy            0.8  0.1

Ring

ring

Concentric rings radiating from a core, each layer a widening sphere of scope or influence. For nested-context models where distance from center means reach.

Reach for it when

  • concentric scope models
  • spheres of influence
  • core-to-periphery frameworks
Ring guide →
Captain's Sphere of InfluenceCaptainQuartermasterCrewAllied CrewsThe Open SeaCaptainFinal word on heading and plunder,keeper of the ship's charter.QuartermasterSecond-in-command, arbitrates disputes and divvies thebootyCrewDeckhands, gunners, and powdermonkeys aboard the ship.Allied CrewsLoose alliances kept by oathor shared bounty in fair seas.The Open SeaWeather, currents, and rivalflags beyond any captain's reach.
Captain's Sphere of InfluenceCaptainQuartermasterCrewAllied CrewsThe Open SeaCaptainFinal word on heading and plunder,keeper of the ship's charter.QuartermasterSecond-in-command, arbitrates disputes and divvies thebootyCrewDeckhands, gunners, and powdermonkeys aboard the ship.Allied CrewsLoose alliances kept by oathor shared bounty in fair seas.The Open SeaWeather, currents, and rivalflags beyond any captain's reach.
ring Captain's Sphere of Influence

solid-fill 

Captain  red
  Final word on heading and plunder,
  keeper of the ship's charter.

Quartermaster orange
  Second-in-command, arbitrates disputes and divvies the booty

Crew yellow
  Deckhands, gunners, and powder
  monkeys aboard the ship.

Allied Crews green
  Loose alliances kept by oath
  or shared bounty in fair seas.

The Open Sea blue
  Weather, currents, and rival
  flags beyond any captain's reach.

Sankey

sankey

Traces quantities as flowing bands whose width encodes volume as they split and merge across stages. For following where a total goes, step by step.

Reach for it when

  • flow of quantities through stages
  • where a budget or energy goes
  • splits and merges by volume
Sankey guide →
Rum Supply Chain of the CaribbeanSugar PlantationsTortuga DistilleryNassau DistilleryKingston DistilleryPirate TavernsShip ProvisionsBlack MarketRoyal NavyCrew MoraleBar FightsLong Voyages
Rum Supply Chain of the CaribbeanSugar PlantationsTortuga DistilleryNassau DistilleryKingston DistilleryPirate TavernsShip ProvisionsBlack MarketRoyal NavyCrew MoraleBar FightsLong Voyages
sankey Rum Supply Chain of the Caribbean

// Source — color the plantation node green
Sugar Plantations green
  Tortuga Distillery orange 3000
  Nassau Distillery orange 2500
  Kingston Distillery orange 2000

// Distribution — indented targets under each distillery
Tortuga Distillery
  Pirate Taverns red 2000
  Ship Provisions teal 1000

Nassau Distillery
  Pirate Taverns 1500
  Black Market purple 1000

Kingston Distillery
  Royal Navy blue 1200
  Pirate Taverns 800

// Final destinations
Pirate Taverns
  Crew Morale 3500
  Bar Fights 800 red

Ship Provisions -> Long Voyages 1000

Swimlane

swimlane

A process laid out across lanes, so each step is tied to the actor or department that owns it. For cross-functional workflows and handoffs.

Reach for it when

  • who owns each process step
  • cross-team handoffs
  • approval and review flows
Swimlane guide →
WriterEditorSocialchangesokDraft PostReviseReviewSchedulePublishPromoteWeekly Publishing
WriterEditorSocialchangesokDraft PostReviseReviewSchedulePublishPromoteWeekly Publishing
swimlane Weekly Publishing
direction LR

lane Writer gray
lane Editor blue
lane Social green

Writer
  Draft Post
  Revise
Editor
  <Review>
  Schedule
  Publish
Social
  Promote

Draft Post -> <Review>
<Review>
  -changes-> Revise -> <Review>
  -ok-> Schedule -> Publish -> Promote

Technology Radar

tech-radar

Positions technologies or practices on a radar of concentric rings — adopt, trial, assess, hold — split into quadrants. For tracking what a team should embrace or retire.

Reach for it when

  • technology adoption decisions
  • tracking tools by maturity
  • team-wide tech strategy
Technology Radar guide →
Pirate Operations Radar — Q2 1718Full SailTrial RunTrial RunSpyglassSpyglassDavy JonesDavy JonesTacticsVesselsPlunder TargetsCrew Welfare789101112131234562122232425262714151617181920Vessels1Brigantine (Full Sail)2Sloop (Full Sail)3War Galleon (Trial Run)4Frigate (Spyglass)5Junk Rig (Spyglass)6Longboat (Davy Jones)Tactics7Ambush at Dawn (Full Sail)8Boarding Parties (Full Sail)9Decoy Flags (Trial Run)10Smoke Screens (Trial Run)11Night Raids (Trial Run)12Kraken Diplomacy (Spyglass)13Ramming (Davy Jones)Crew Welfare14Grog Rations (Full Sail)15Code of Conduct (Full Sail)16Parrot Companions (Full Sail)17Sea Shanty Program (Trial Run)18Dental Plan (Spyglass)19Retirement Fund (Spyglass)20Plank Walking (Davy Jones)Plunder Targets21Merchant Convoys (Full Sail)22Spanish Treasure Fleets (Full Sail)23Port Raids (Trial Run)24Rival Pirates (Trial Run)25Royal Treasury Ships (Spyglass)26Whaling Ships (Spyglass)27Fishing Villages (Davy Jones)
Pirate Operations Radar — Q2 1718Full SailTrial RunTrial RunSpyglassSpyglassDavy JonesDavy JonesTacticsVesselsPlunder TargetsCrew Welfare789101112131234562122232425262714151617181920Vessels1Brigantine (Full Sail)2Sloop (Full Sail)3War Galleon (Trial Run)4Frigate (Spyglass)5Junk Rig (Spyglass)6Longboat (Davy Jones)Tactics7Ambush at Dawn (Full Sail)8Boarding Parties (Full Sail)9Decoy Flags (Trial Run)10Smoke Screens (Trial Run)11Night Raids (Trial Run)12Kraken Diplomacy (Spyglass)13Ramming (Davy Jones)Crew Welfare14Grog Rations (Full Sail)15Code of Conduct (Full Sail)16Parrot Companions (Full Sail)17Sea Shanty Program (Trial Run)18Dental Plan (Spyglass)19Retirement Fund (Spyglass)20Plank Walking (Davy Jones)Plunder Targets21Merchant Convoys (Full Sail)22Spanish Treasure Fleets (Full Sail)23Port Raids (Trial Run)24Rival Pirates (Trial Run)25Royal Treasury Ships (Spyglass)26Whaling Ships (Spyglass)27Fishing Villages (Davy Jones)
tech-radar Pirate Operations Radar  Q2 1718

rings
  Full Sail 
  Trial Run
  Spyglass
  Davy Jones

Tactics quadrant: top-right
  Ambush at Dawn ring: Full Sail, trend: stable
    Our most reliable boarding tactic. **90% success rate** when
    approaching from the east with the sun behind us.
    - Crew morale peaks at dawn  grog hasn't worn off yet
    - Reduced cannon fire needed: *3 volleys* vs 8 at midday
    - See [battle log](https://wiki.pirates.example/dawn-ambush)
  Boarding Parties ring: Full Sail, trend: stable
    Standard 20-man teams equipped with **cutlasses**, *grappling hooks*,
    and smoke pots. Training regimen updated after the *Tortuga Incident*.
  Decoy Flags ring: Trial Run, trend: up
    Flying false colours until within cannon range. Early results
    are promising  merchant ships drop anchor **40% more often**
    when they see a Dutch East India flag.
    - Works best in *foggy conditions*
    - Risk: Royal Navy ships sometimes call the bluff
  Smoke Screens ring: Trial Run, trend: new
    Burning wet straw and tar barrels on approach. Visibility drops to
    **under 10 metres**  perfect for sneaking alongside.
  Kraken Diplomacy ring: Spyglass, trend: new
    Exploring alliances with *sea monsters*. Negotiations ongoing
    but the Kraken's demands are... unreasonable.
    - Wants **50% of all treasure** plus exclusive fishing rights
    - Communication barrier: only speaks in bubbles
  Night Raids ring: Trial Run, trend: up
    Blackened sails and muffled oars. Three successful raids on
    *sleeping harbours* this quarter. Key constraint: **no moonlight**.
  Ramming ring: Davy Jones, trend: down
    Costs more in hull repairs than it's worth. The *HMS Splinter*
    incident of 1716 proved this conclusively.

Vessels quadrant: top-left
  Brigantine ring: Full Sail, trend: stable
    Our workhorse. Fast, manoeuvrable, carries **18 cannons**.
    - Crew capacity: 100 pirates
    - Top speed: *11 knots* in fair wind
    - Draft shallow enough for **coastal ambushes**
  Sloop ring: Full Sail, trend: up
    Fastest ship in the fleet. Only **6 cannons** but can outrun
    anything the Royal Navy sends. Perfect for *reconnaissance*
    and courier runs between hideouts.
  War Galleon ring: Trial Run, trend: up
    Captured from the Spanish fleet. Massive firepower but
    **slow to turn**  best for convoy raids, not chases.
    - 42 cannons across *three gun decks*
    - Requires 200+ crew to operate effectively
    - Ongoing hull repairs from [Battle of Nassau](https://wiki.pirates.example/nassau)
  Frigate ring: Spyglass, trend: new
    Intercepted blueprints from a *British shipyard*. Could be our
    next flagship if we can find enough **seasoned carpenters**.
  Junk Rig ring: Spyglass, trend: new
    Far Eastern design with **battened sails**  easier to handle
    in storms and requires *fewer crew*. Trader Wong demonstrated
    one in Macao harbour.
  Longboat ring: Davy Jones, trend: down
    Too slow, too small, too leaky. Last three longboat missions
    ended in **catastrophic sinkings**. Retired from active duty.

Plunder Targets quadrant: bottom-left
  Merchant Convoys ring: Full Sail, trend: stable
    Core revenue stream  **78% of total plunder**. East India
    Company ships running the spice route remain most lucrative.
    - Average haul: *4,200 doubloons* per convoy
    - Best intercepted near the [Windward Passage](https://wiki.pirates.example/windward)
    - Seasonal peak: JulySeptember during *monsoon trade runs*
  Spanish Treasure Fleets ring: Full Sail, trend: stable
    The **crown jewels** of piracy. Annual fleet carries gold,
    silver, and emeralds from the New World. Requires *coordinated
    multi-ship ambush* but one raid funds operations for a year.
  Port Raids ring: Trial Run, trend: up
    Shifting from sea-only operations. The raid on *Port-de-Paix*
    yielded **12,000 doubloons** and a warehouse of rum.
  Rival Pirates ring: Trial Run, trend: new
    Controversial but profitable. Blackbeard's crew carries
    **more gold** than most merchants. Ethics committee (the parrot)
    has filed an objection.
  Royal Treasury Ships ring: Spyglass, trend: new
    High risk, astronomical reward. Requires:
    - Inside information from *corrupt harbourmasters*
    - At least **3 allied ships** for the blockade
    - A really good escape plan
  Whaling Ships ring: Spyglass, trend: stable
    Moderate value  whale oil fetches **decent prices** in European
    markets. But the ships fight back *hard*.
  Fishing Villages ring: Davy Jones, trend: down
    Terrible ROI and **bad for reputation**. The parrot union
    filed a formal complaint. We're pirates, not bullies.

Crew Welfare quadrant: bottom-right
  Grog Rations ring: Full Sail, trend: stable
    Non-negotiable. Cutting grog rations caused the *Great Mutiny
    of 1716*. Current allocation: **2 pints per day** per pirate.
    - Premium rum reserved for post-battle celebrations
    - Watered grog for the night watch (safety first)
  Code of Conduct ring: Full Sail, trend: stable
    Our **Articles of Agreement**  fair share of plunder, compensation
    for injuries, voting rights on major decisions. *Democracy at sea.*
  Sea Shanty Program ring: Trial Run, trend: new
    Hired a shanty master from *Liverpool*. Crew productivity up
    **25%** during long voyages. Current repertoire:
    - "Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum"  *morale boost*
    - "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor"  **work efficiency**
    - "Haul Away Joe"  anchor duty motivation
  Dental Plan ring: Spyglass, trend: up
    Exploring options. Most crew down to **4 teeth** on average.
    Parley with a Port Royal dentist scheduled for Q3 1718.
    - Estimated cost: *3 doubloons per extraction*
    - [Tooth census results](https://wiki.pirates.example/dental)
  Parrot Companions ring: Full Sail, trend: up
    Every pirate deserves a **shoulder companion**. Proven benefits:
    - *Scouts* that can spot sails at 3x human range
    - Morale boost: crew happiness up **30%**
    - Built-in alarm system for surprise attacks
  Retirement Fund ring: Spyglass, trend: new
    Proposal to set aside **5% of all plunder** for retirement.
    Controversial  most pirates don't expect to *live that long*.
  Plank Walking ring: Davy Jones, trend: down
    Terrible for recruitment and **crew retention**. Modern pirates
    prefer *marooning*  at least they get a pistol and a bottle.

Venn

venn

Overlapping circles that show what sets share and where they diverge. For illustrating intersections between two or three groups.

Reach for it when

  • overlap between groups
  • shared versus unique traits
  • two- or three-set intersections
Venn guide →
Pirate Skill OverlapSwordsmanshipNavigationLeadershipSea RaidersVoyager CaptainsBuccaneer ChiefsLegendary Pirates
Pirate Skill OverlapSwordsmanshipNavigationLeadershipSea RaidersVoyager CaptainsBuccaneer ChiefsLegendary Pirates
venn Pirate Skill Overlap

Swordsmanship as sw red
Navigation as nav blue
Leadership as lead green

sw + nav        Sea Raiders
nav + lead      Voyager Captains
sw + lead       Buccaneer Chiefs
sw + nav + lead Legendary Pirates

Word Cloud

wordcloud

Sizes words by weight so the most prominent terms stand out at a glance. For summarizing frequency or emphasis across a body of terms.

Reach for it when

  • term frequency at a glance
  • summarizing themes or tags
  • emphasis across many words
Word Cloud guide →
Pirate Skillsswordsmanshipnavigationseamanshipgunneryleadershipcartographyintimidationsailingplunderingknot-tyinglookoutcookingcarpentryfishing
Pirate Skillsswordsmanshipnavigationseamanshipgunneryleadershipcartographyintimidationsailingplunderingknot-tyinglookoutcookingcarpentryfishing
wordcloud Pirate Skills

// word weight (higher = larger)
swordsmanship 95
navigation    88
seamanship    85
gunnery       80
leadership    75
cartography   70
intimidation  68
sailing       65
plundering    60
knot-tying    55
lookout       50
cooking       45
carpentry     40
fishing       35

Project 6

Gantt

gantt

Lays tasks along a timeline as bars, with dependencies, milestones, and a critical path. The standard for project scheduling and tracking.

Reach for it when

  • project schedules and timelines
  • task dependencies and milestones
  • tracking progress against a plan
Gantt guide →
May 1May 1May 8May 8May 15May 15May 22May 22Blockade ActiveRansom DeadlineTodayPreparation 100%Provision ShipScout HarborRecruit HandsAnchor FleetPosition CannonsBlockade 82%Seize MerchantsPatrol PerimeterDemand MedicineHold HostagesThreaten ExecutionsResolutionReceive RansomBurn EvidenceRelease PrisonersBlackbeard's Blockade — 1718RoleCommandCrewCaptiv…Group by Role▼ Preparation 100% Provision Ship Scout Harbor Recruit Hands Anchor Fleet Position Cannons▼ Blockade 82% Seize Merchants Patrol Perimeter Demand Medicine Hold Hostages Threaten Executions▼ Resolution Receive Ransom Burn Evidence Release Prisoners Set Sail
May 1May 1May 8May 8May 15May 15May 22May 22Blockade ActiveRansom DeadlineTodayPreparation 100%Provision ShipScout HarborRecruit HandsAnchor FleetPosition CannonsBlockade 82%Seize MerchantsPatrol PerimeterDemand MedicineHold HostagesThreaten ExecutionsResolutionReceive RansomBurn EvidenceRelease PrisonersBlackbeard's Blockade — 1718RoleCommandCrewCaptiv…Group by Role▼ Preparation 100% Provision Ship Scout Harbor Recruit Hands Anchor Fleet Position Cannons▼ Blockade 82% Seize Merchants Patrol Perimeter Demand Medicine Hold Hostages Threaten Executions▼ Resolution Receive Ransom Burn Evidence Release Prisoners Set Sail
gantt Blackbeard's Blockade  1718

start 1718-05-01
today-marker 1718-05-15

tag Role as r
  Command red
  Crew blue
  Captives orange

marker 1718-05-14 Ransom Deadline red
era 1718-05-08 -> 1718-05-17 Blockade Active blue

[Preparation] r: Command
  Provision Ship 3d r: Crew, progress: 100
    -> Anchor Fleet 2d r: Crew, progress: 100
  Scout Harbor 3d r: Crew, progress: 100
    -> Position Cannons 3d r: Crew, progress: 100
  Recruit Hands 5d r: Crew, progress: 100

+7d [Blockade] r: Crew
  Seize Merchants 4d progress: 100
    -> Hold Hostages 5d r: Captives, progress: 60
  Patrol Perimeter 9d progress: 75
  Demand Medicine 4d r: Command, progress: 100
    -> Threaten Executions 3d? r: Command, progress: 90

+17d [Resolution] r: Command
  Receive Ransom 2d r: Captives
    -> Release Prisoners 1d r: Captives
      -> Set Sail 0d
  Burn Evidence 2d r: Crew

Kanban Board

kanban

Cards sorted into columns that represent stages of work, moving left to right toward done. For tracking work-in-progress on a board.

Reach for it when

  • tracking work in progress
  • tasks by stage or status
  • sprint and backlog boards
Kanban Board guide →
Crew TasksPriorityLowMediumHighCriticalBacklog2Repair the foretops'lPriority: LowWatch: MorningMend after the last stormReinforce the gunwalesPriority: MediumWatch: AfternoonIn Progress2Caulk the hull seamsPriority: HighWatch: AfternoonHold has been taking waterRestock powder kegsPriority: HighWatch: MorningLast batch ran dampBlocked1Find a new sailmakerPriority: CriticalWatch: MorningOld one took ill at last portDone2Inventory the holdPriority: MediumWatch: NightSharpen the cutlassesPriority: LowWatch: Night
Crew TasksPriorityLowMediumHighCriticalBacklog2Repair the foretops'lPriority: LowWatch: MorningMend after the last stormReinforce the gunwalesPriority: MediumWatch: AfternoonIn Progress2Caulk the hull seamsPriority: HighWatch: AfternoonHold has been taking waterRestock powder kegsPriority: HighWatch: MorningLast batch ran dampBlocked1Find a new sailmakerPriority: CriticalWatch: MorningOld one took ill at last portDone2Inventory the holdPriority: MediumWatch: NightSharpen the cutlassesPriority: LowWatch: Night
kanban Crew Tasks

tag Priority as p
  Low blue
  Medium yellow
  High orange
  Critical red

tag Watch as w
  Morning green
  Afternoon yellow
  Night purple

[Backlog] blue
  Repair the foretops'l p: Low, w: Morning
    Mend after the last storm
  Reinforce the gunwales p: Medium, w: Afternoon

[In Progress] yellow
  Caulk the hull seams p: High, w: Afternoon
    Hold has been taking water
  Restock powder kegs p: High, w: Morning
    Last batch ran damp

[Blocked] red
  Find a new sailmaker p: Critical, w: Morning
    Old one took ill at last port

[Done] green
  Inventory the hold p: Medium, w: Night
  Sharpen the cutlasses p: Low, w: Night

PERT

pert

A network of tasks and dependencies with estimated durations, exposing the sequence that drives the schedule. For planning projects where timing and order matter.

Reach for it when

  • task dependency networks
  • estimating project duration
  • finding the critical sequence
PERT guide →
Pirate Voyage to the Atolloutfit ship0w◆ voyage approved0w2.17w2.17wrecruit crew0w0w2.17w0w1.94w1.94wcareen hull0.23w0.23w2.17w2.17w1.08w3.25wload powder2.17w0w3.25w3.25w6.46w9.71wsail to atoll3.25w0w9.71w9.71w2w11.71wcount gold11.58w1.88w13.58w9.71w3.88w13.58wrepair hull9.71w0w13.58w13.58w2w15.58wdivvy shares13.58w0w15.58wActivity Risksail to atoll−2.71+8.54repair hull−1.63+5.13careen hull+2.33recruit crew−0.23+1.83divvy shares−1+1load powder−0.58+0.92Expected duration: 15.6 weeks (± 2.28 weeks)0%25%50%75%100%Probability of completionP50 · 15.5w50% chance within 15.5wP80 · 17.5w80% chance within 17.5wP95 · 19.7w95% chance within 19.7w13.6w15w16.4w19.2w20.5w
Pirate Voyage to the Atolloutfit ship0w◆ voyage approved0w2.17w2.17wrecruit crew0w0w2.17w0w1.94w1.94wcareen hull0.23w0.23w2.17w2.17w1.08w3.25wload powder2.17w0w3.25w3.25w6.46w9.71wsail to atoll3.25w0w9.71w9.71w2w11.71wcount gold11.58w1.88w13.58w9.71w3.88w13.58wrepair hull9.71w0w13.58w13.58w2w15.58wdivvy shares13.58w0w15.58wActivity Risksail to atoll−2.71+8.54repair hull−1.63+5.13careen hull+2.33recruit crew−0.23+1.83divvy shares−1+1load powder−0.58+0.92Expected duration: 15.6 weeks (± 2.28 weeks)0%25%50%75%100%Probability of completionP50 · 15.5w50% chance within 15.5wP80 · 17.5w80% chance within 17.5wP95 · 19.7w95% chance within 19.7w13.6w15w16.4w19.2w20.5w
pert Pirate Voyage to the Atoll
time-unit w
default-confidence medium

voyage approved 0
  -> recruit crew

[outfit ship]
  recruit crew 1 2 4 as rc
    -> load powder
  careen hull 1.5
    -> load powder
  load powder 0.5 1 2
    -> sail to atoll

sail to atoll 5
  -> count gold
  -> repair hull

count gold 1 2 3
  -> divvy shares

repair hull 3
  -> divvy shares

divvy shares 1 2 3

RACI Matrix

raci

A responsibility matrix mapping tasks to roles as Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, or Informed. For clarifying who does what on a project.

Reach for it when

  • clarifying roles per task
  • responsibility across a team
  • removing ownership ambiguity
RACI Matrix guide →
Voyage OperationsRResponsibleAAccountableCConsultedIInformedCapQMBosNavCrewDeparturePlot the courseAccountableConsultedResponsibleProvision the holdConsultedRAInformedAt SeaStand the watchAccountableResponsibleMend sail damageAccountableResponsibleLandfallNegotiate with portRAConsultedInventory the takeRAInformed
Voyage OperationsRResponsibleAAccountableCConsultedIInformedCapQMBosNavCrewDeparturePlot the courseAccountableConsultedResponsibleProvision the holdConsultedRAInformedAt SeaStand the watchAccountableResponsibleMend sail damageAccountableResponsibleLandfallNegotiate with portRAConsultedInventory the takeRAInformed
raci Voyage Operations
roles
  Cap  red
  QM orange
  Bos  yellow
  Nav  blue
  Crew gray

[Departure] teal
  Plot the course
    Cap: A
    Nav: R
    QM: C
  Provision the hold
    QM: A R
    Cap: C
    Crew: I

[At Sea] purple
  Stand the watch
    Bos: A
    Crew: R
  Mend sail damage
    Bos: A
    Crew: R

[Landfall] green
  Negotiate with port
    Cap: R A
    QM: C
  Inventory the take
    QM: A R
    Crew: I

Timeline

timeline

Places events along a chronological axis, grouped into eras with markers. For narrating history or a sequence of dated milestones.

Reach for it when

  • chronological event history
  • milestones grouped into eras
  • a sequence over time
Timeline guide →
Golden Age PeakRoyal Navy ResponseRogers Arrives NassauJan 1717Jan 17171718171817191719Mar 1719Mar 1719▼ Blackbeard Blockade of Charles Town Queen Anne's Revenge captured Carolina Coast raids Last stand at Ocracoke▼ Bonnet First cruise Revenge refitted Cape Fear pursuit Trial and hanging▼ Royal Navy Fleet assembles Nassau secured Sweep operationsPirate Campaigns 1717-1719
Golden Age PeakRoyal Navy ResponseRogers Arrives NassauJan 1717Jan 17171718171817191719Mar 1719Mar 1719▼ Blackbeard Blockade of Charles Town Queen Anne's Revenge captured Carolina Coast raids Last stand at Ocracoke▼ Bonnet First cruise Revenge refitted Cape Fear pursuit Trial and hanging▼ Royal Navy Fleet assembles Nassau secured Sweep operationsPirate Campaigns 1717-1719
timeline Pirate Campaigns 1717-1719

era 1717-01 -> 1717-12 Golden Age Peak
era 1718-01 -> 1718-12 Royal Navy Response
marker 1718-05 Rogers Arrives Nassau

[Blackbeard]
  1717-03 -> 1717-09 Blockade of Charles Town
  1717-11 Queen Anne's Revenge captured
  1718-01 -> 1718-06 Carolina Coast raids
  1718-11 Last stand at Ocracoke

[Bonnet]
  1717-06 -> 1717-10 First cruise
  1718-03 -> 1718-07 Revenge refitted
  1718-08 -> 1718-10 Cape Fear pursuit
  1718-12 Trial and hanging

[Royal Navy]
  1718-02 -> 1718-06 Fleet assembles
  1718-07 -> 1718-09 Nassau secured
  1718-10 -> 1719-03 Sweep operations

Event Line

event-line

A vertical, annotated list of dated events grouped into phases, each with room for a paragraph of detail. For richly described histories where entries need more than a label.

Reach for it when

  • annotated event histories
  • dated entries with detail
  • phased chronological narratives
Event Line guide →
Product MilestonesTrackProductGrowthFundingIdea sketchedMar 2019A weekend prototype becomes areal plan.Private betaSep 2019First fifty users kick thetires.Seed roundJun 2020$2M raised to grow theteam.Public launchJan 2021Open to everyone, nowaitlist.100k usersNov 2021Word of mouth does the heavylifting.Series AApr 2023Expansion into new markets.1M usersAug 2024A milestone years in themaking.Series BTBDRaising when the metrics lineup — no date yet.Mobile appTBDOn the roadmap, not yetscheduled.Early DaysScaling UpGoing LongWhat's Next
Product MilestonesTrackProductGrowthFundingIdea sketchedMar 2019A weekend prototype becomes areal plan.Private betaSep 2019First fifty users kick thetires.Seed roundJun 2020$2M raised to grow theteam.Public launchJan 2021Open to everyone, nowaitlist.100k usersNov 2021Word of mouth does the heavylifting.Series AApr 2023Expansion into new markets.1M usersAug 2024A milestone years in themaking.Series BTBDRaising when the metrics lineup — no date yet.Mobile appTBDOn the roadmap, not yetscheduled.Early DaysScaling UpGoing LongWhat's Next
event-line Product Milestones
no-scale

tag Track as t
  Product blue
  Growth green
  Funding purple

[Early Days]
  2019-03 Idea sketched  t: Product
    A weekend prototype becomes a real plan.
  2019-09 Private beta  t: Product
    First fifty users kick the tires.

[Scaling Up]
  2020-06 Seed round  t: Funding
    **$2M** raised to grow the team.
  2021-01 Public launch  t: Product
    Open to everyone, no waitlist.
  2021-11 100k users  t: Growth
    Word of mouth does the heavy lifting.

[Going Long]
  2023-04 Series A  t: Funding
    Expansion into new markets.
  2024-08 1M users  t: Growth
    A milestone years in the making.

[What's Next]
  TBD Series B  t: Funding
    Raising when the metrics line up  no date yet.
  TBD Mobile app  t: Product
    On the roadmap, not yet scheduled.