Proximity Diagram

also known as:

Classification

• #method
• #medium/graph #medium/visual #medium/diagram
• #roles/designer
• #used-by/designer #used-by/artist #used-by/engineers
• #tools/digital #tools/non-digital

Intent

• Similar to Molecule Diagrams.
  • Structuring the level using a detailed, language-coded approach.
  • Providing a spatial overview of the level.
  • Determining the placement of level objects, gates, encounters, gameplay beats, and story points in a spatial context.
  • Establishing a dynamic relationship between narrative and space.
• Coordinating space requirements alongside space allocation.

Problem

• In contrast to Molecule Diagrams, you specifically want to describe spatial relationships, e.g. the size of the rooms/game spaces or the connection of specific rooms
• Establishing connections between game spaces within the level based on how important their connection is.

Solution Approach

• Create a Molecule Diagram but convey additional meaning through node size and connections.
• Utilize all the principles of the Molecule Diagram while enhancing its meaning.

Application

Input

• Decisions regarding which game spaces are present in the level and require additional information.
• Pen and paper or digital tools.
• Knowledge of graph theory.

Application

• Construct a Molecule Diagram.

• Adjust the sizes of nodes based on:

  • Spatial metrics, such as larger representations for rooms of 50m² compared to rooms of 30m².
  • The significance of the game space within the level.

• Modify the thickness of connections between nodes to reflect their importance.

  • Utilize different line types to signify accessibility between spaces (normal lines) or one-way visibility from one space to another (dashed lines). Apply creativity and only depict what you wish to communicate.

• Apply the tips and principles from Molecule Diagrams.

Output

• A proximity Diagram.
• An interpretation of the diagram, such as Map.

When to Use It

• In the planning and designing phases.
• When you want to imbue a Molecule Diagram with additional layers of meaning.

Relevant Roles Using This Model

• #roles/designer Designer #used-by/designer
• Artist #used-by/artist
• Engineer #used-by/engineers

Relevance in the Following Processes

• Gamespace Prototyping
• Planning and designing phases of Game Development
• Combat Design

Applicability

• Similar to the Molecule Diagram, with added details.

Pros and Cons

• Similar to the Molecule Diagram.

Relation with Other Methods

• Closely related to the Molecule Diagram.
• May lead to Drawing a Map as a subsequent step after constructing the diagram.

Examples

• One example of transferring a Proximity Diagram to a Map (Source: Totten 2019 - An Architectural Approach of Level Design, p.133)

Relevant Tools

• See Molecule Diagram

Relevant Literature

Totten 2019 - An Architectural Approach of Level Design

The Metrics of Space - Molecule Design

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