Apply It: Choosing and Using Graphics

  • Learn when to use tables, charts, diagrams, and infographics
  • Determine the best visual aid to present your data
  • Understand how the placement, style, and color of graphics affect your message
  • Learn about the importance of using descriptive captions and titles with graphics

Improving a Diagram[1]

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being.” It refers to something that gives a person a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Ikigai is often illustrated as the convergence of four elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. When all these elements overlap, it creates a sense of purpose and satisfaction in life.

Let’s consider how to display this concept in a Venn diagram.

Venn diagram showing the four elements of the Japanese concept of Ikigai: What you love, What you are good at, What the world needs, and What you can be paid for. The circles overlap but are not labeled in the intersections.
Figure 1. A Venn diagram

The diagram clearly shows the four main elements and is easy to understand. However, the diagram does not label the areas where two or more circles overlap and the color scheme could be improved. The diagram also has no information in the caption that helps to explain what the diagram means.

This diagram illustrates the concept of Ikigai, a Japanese term meaning "a reason for being." It consists of four overlapping circles, each representing a different aspect of life: "What you love," "What you are good at," "What the world needs," and "What you can be paid for." The intersections of these circles form the following combinations: Passion: The overlap between what you love and what you are good at. Mission: The overlap between what you love and what the world needs. Profession: The overlap between what you are good at and what you can be paid for. Vocation: The overlap between what the world needs and what you can be paid for.
Figure 2. Ikigai, a Japanese concept

This diagram has been improved with the addition of a title and subtitle to clearly label what the diagram presents. It introduces labels for the areas where the circles overlap, adding more depth to the concept. It also uses more vibrant colors. However, the central area is not labeled and the diagram could benefit from some additional explanation to provide better context.

This diagram illustrates the concept of Ikigai, a Japanese term meaning "a reason for being." It consists of four overlapping circles, each representing a different aspect of life: "What you love," "What you are good at," "What the world needs," and "What you can be paid for." The intersections of these circles form the following combinations: Passion: The overlap between what you love and what you are good at. Mission: The overlap between what you love and what the world needs. Profession: The overlap between what you are good at and what you can be paid for. Vocation: The overlap between what the world needs and what you can be paid for. At the center, where all four circles overlap, lies Ikigai, representing the balance of all four aspects. Each intersection also includes a note on how one might feel if that particular combination is the focus of their life: Passion and mission might make one feel happy and fulfilled but without monetary wealth. Profession and vocation might make one feel comfortable but not excited. Passion and profession might make one feel satisfied but yearning for more. Mission and vocation might make one feel excited and content but with uncertainty.
Figure 3. Find Your Ikigai: Explore your career path by considering what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

This diagram not only labels the overlaps but also provides additional context for each overlapping area, explaining the feelings associated with each intersection. The central area representing Ikigai is clearly labeled, making it obvious what the final goal is. 

Is the caption for Figure 3 necessary?

 

  1. Adapted from Developing and Managing Knowledge and Practice of Care-giving: The Case of Filipina Domestic Workers in Singapore Committee Members - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/IKIGAI-A-Japanese-concept-meaning-A-Reason-for-Living-This-figure_fig3_331982903 [accessed 17 Jun, 2024] ↵