An explosion is a rapid expansion of energy which can blow things apart. An exploded view shows the pieces and parts of something suspended in space and separated from each other, so you can see how they all fit together.
Because exploded views often mirror the assembly process, they make useful instructions for how to put something together or take it apart. If you have put together furniture from IKEA, you have probably encountered an exploded view diagram.
Exploded views are often used in manuals or patent drawings, to explain how a design or idea is structured or put together.
Are you looking at a situation that’s hard to unravel? What are the parts? How do they fit together? How can it be taken apart, or put back together? Can you make an exploded view drawing to explore the possibilities?
See also: Cutaway view, Org chart.
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