Algorithm Read Me

Algorithms for Guidelines - Consistent Branded Design Experience

Design Overview

The file includes all the necessary assets to create guideline algorithms, ensuring consistency across all designs. To maintain the established design system, use the provided color swatches, Illustrator panels, and graphic, character, and paragraph styles.

These design enforcements support a consistent experience and are reader-focused, making the algorithms easy to read, understand, and provide valuable information like the CORs (Class of Recommendation). The algorithm is mostly monochromatic, with a focus on high contrast separation between the background and text to improve readability. COR colors are used specifically to highlight important information, ensuring that critical details stand out for the reader.

Designing an Algorithm

  • Node and Decision Symbols: Always use the predefined symbols for nodes and decisions. These symbols are already designed to align with the correct COR color and shape, ensuring that each element is visually consistent and recognizable.
  • Line and Label Symbols: Use the predefined line and label symbols to maintain consistent visual direction and clarity. Lines such as "YES," "NO," and the avoid markers are standardized for effective communication.
  • Node Binders: Use symbols like NODE BINDER -- AND, NODE BINDER -- OR, and NODE BINDER -- ANY to represent logical connections between nodes clearly. This ensures that all decision junctions are presented in a consistent manner.
  • Line Styles: Lines connecting nodes are styled consistently with arrows indicating the direction of flow. There are no variations in line thickness.
  • Text Alignment: Text within each node should be aligned to the left and vertically centered to enhance readability.
  • Legend Placement: Place the legend in the top right corner by default. If there is insufficient space, use the bottom right, followed by the bottom left. Legends should never be placed in the top left.

Refer to the finished example to understand how these elements work together to create a consistent and branded algorithm design.

How the File is Set Up

The Illustrator file is set up with an artboard named "Toolkit," which contains all the essential elements for designing guideline algorithms. This toolkit includes:

  • Symbols: Predefined symbols such as data nodes, decision shapes, and other graphic elements.
  • Graphic Styles: Graphic Styles are used for line styles and arrows, applying the consistent look and feel to lines and arrows based on a simple line in Illustrator.
  • Character Styles: The character styles in the file include options for titles, labels, node content, and more. Use the Title style for main headings, Zone Label for section labels, and Node Regular or Node Strong for content within nodes. There are also specific styles for COR Labels to ensure that Class of Recommendation values stand out appropriately.
  • Paragraph Styles: Utilize the Paragraph Styles to maintain consistency across body text and labels. For instance, use Node Text for text within nodes and Footnotes for any additional information provided at the bottom of the algorithm. The Line Labels style ensures all directional labels (e.g., "YES," "NO") are clearly formatted.
  • Color Swatches: The approved color palette for decision points and node types.
  • Toolkit Artboard: Refer to the toolkit artboard to quickly access and apply these elements.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use the Toolkit: Start by using the elements provided in the toolkit artboard to maintain consistency.
  • Smart Alignment: Use smart guides to align elements properly, ensuring nodes align in the same column for a clean and professional layout.
  • Apply Character and Paragraph Styles: Always use the predefined character and paragraph styles to ensure that text formatting is consistent. This includes titles, labels, footnotes, and node content. Consistent use of styles helps maintain a reader-friendly experience and aligns with branding standards.