Tufte

Edward Tufte is a well-published information design theorist. His idea of an effective design is that it should not display "chart junk" or be excessively designed. He believes a design should be without distraction in order for it to be functional

I think the proper format of information design depends largely on the intended audience. In a professional setting, the use of too much design can distract from a presentation. In a less structured setting, I think more design is appropriate.

A centralized network contains a common point in which the network branches out from. A decentralized network has a spine with radiating elements.

The "Tuned In" diagram in the GD is most similar to my own culture identity map because the nodes have a special significance according to their placement and the the connections between them are demonstrated with lines.