Mapping in Circles

After eleven years, it's time to update my London Underground concentric-circles-and-spokes map. Completely redrawn from centre to edges, it's so much better than before, and more geographically accurate than the official map. pic.twitter.com/WMd8fkdphY

— Tube Map Central (@TubeMapCentral) August 6, 2024

At inception an all-time classic in diagrammatic simplicity, the electrical-founded London tube map of Harry Beck back in the 1930s has perhaps lately succumbed to overload.

As included transport options expand, maybe the law of diminishing returns now kicks in. Not quite a case of 'too many notes, Mozart', but the original winning concept with so many recent graphic additions may now be rendered victim of its own success.

So one man long enthralled has just delivered an update. A decade in the making. You can also glean his reasoning via the psychologist-cum-designer's LinkedIn explainer.

The idea to replace circuitry with circles isn't new. Many have sought curvy adaptations to offer upgrades on various worldwide official subway versions of knots, spaghetti or tentacles.

Having witnessed the selling power of such like down the years, I documented a number of such mapping, system and relationship visuals in my book, 101 Diagrams That Sell

What this latest release reminds me, is that too few a solution seller will actively map out the situation they seek to both identify and resolve.

Mainly because it might not be straightforward. Can be time consuming too. Then there's the concern on prospect pushback.

Yet all such worries can be put to one side.

To simply start mapping a prospect process - with its bottlenecks, lags and knock-ons - is to elevate ourselves above any competing interest.

Then factor in the collaborative thrust working together on improving said 'map' can propel, and you're well on the way to clearly distinguishing yourself from all other options.

Grab a pen, get drawing, and unravel their next stage.