Presenting multi-hierarchical information is tricky. A multi-hierarchy is a sort of tree where any leaf can be on several branches at the same time.

I’ve been researching possible options to represent software parts and how they depend on each other. The trade-off seems to be between supporting the reading flow, helping to grasp details quickly, or giving priority to the overview. Which visualization style would you pick?

Supporting the reading flow

The visualization as a cluster dendrogram is using the space efficiently. The hierarchy is visible from left to right. It is widely used and can be seen in many visual depictions.The labels are readable. On the other hand the information box, if it’s placed by the label will cover other labels.

Helping to grasp information quickly with interaction

Sunburst, the interactive graph helps the user to understand the information quickly through its graphical interface and user experience. To zoom in the sunburst click on any arc and to zoom out click on the center.

This visually appealing graph has also down sides. When navigating through the sunburst you don’t know on which arc you are, so the level is not clear. Apparently in many examples text labels are even hidden or cut off. In addition, it needs a systematic usage of the colors. If you place it on a dashboard it consumes a lot of white space.

Presenting an overview

The tree layout with radial orientations is displaying an overview of the information in a circular manner. This visual has the advantage to see the interlinks and dependencies with bird-eye view. In addition, this visual also uses space efficiently. Contrarily, the label are displayed upside-down.

Which visualization style would you use to present multi-hierarchical information? Thanks for leaving a comment.