Pyramids are excellent for representing hierarchies because most people understand that the top tier is the most important. However, they can also be useful for breaking down, simplifying, and explaining complex concepts. Here’s how you can use pyramid diagrams for this purpose.

Identify the Key Elements and Underlying Concept

Which concepts do you want to simplify or explain? This should be the first question you answer before creating a pyramid diagram. The answer should be the overarching concept the pyramid you build should simplify.

For example, you might want to explain your product design process. You can use this as the primary concept before breaking it down into smaller pieces that fit into different tiers on the pyramid.

Once you have these smaller concepts, think about how they fit into a hierarchical structure. The concepts should build upon each other from the bottom to the top, getting increasingly more complex the higher one climbs until they understand the overall concept.

Use Visual Tools for Presentation

Pyramid charts also make it easier to break down complex processes and concepts when talking to stakeholders. However, they must be well-designed and organized to serve this role effectively. Using a pyramid chart template gives you an excellent starting point if you wish to use these diagrams for presentation in front of stakeholders.

Once you break down the concept you want to explain into smaller constituent parts, add each of them to individual tiers, keeping the idea of each building upon the one below it and building the one above it in mind. A pyramid chart template should also allow you to add additional notes and legends to make explaining the concept easier.

Consider Additional Inputs

In some cases, leaders might need external inputs to explain complex concepts. Such inputs can include external data or input from others involved in a process or workflow. A well-designed pyramid should allow them to fit this input at different points. Doing so makes it easier to provide additional context and information that makes understanding the underlying complex easier.

Using a pyramid chart that allows collaboration also makes it much easier to design one that serves this purpose effectively. The reason is that input from other team members or stakeholders can be useful when breaking down a concept. This is especially true where those providing the input have more experience or know more about the concept than the person creating the pyramid diagram.

Establish Relationships Between Concepts

Understanding the relationships between the smaller concepts can make it easier for people to see how they fit into the bigger one. Different visuals, such as labels, colors, and shapes, can make these relationships clearer for easier understanding.

A pyramid diagram is an excellent tool for simplifying complex concepts and information so it is easier to understand. When creating one, it is important to break down the overall concept into smaller pieces and ensure the pyramid is clear and simple to understand. It should also allow for the logical flow of information from one tier to the next.