Explaining the world one sketch at a time

Sketchplanations makes complex ideas simple with clear, insightful sketches. Explore topics from science, creativity, psychology, and beyond explained in pictures.

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Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs

The basic idea goes that you have to satisfy those at the bottom before the top: if you’re freezing cold and hungry, you’re not giving much thought to the joy mastering new skills. Not terribly robust. But interesting and somewhat clarifying. See updated sketchplanation of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.…

28 Oct 2013

Rules of thumb for remaining daylight

In temperate latitudes and around the Summer. 12 minutes per finger. 1 hour for your fist. (hat tip to Joel Wilson)…

27 Oct 2013

What is the RICE acronym for repairing injured joints: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

Repair injured joints with RICE

A mnemonic that has helped me many times: RICE—Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation—is a simple and effective way to treat joint injuries. Whether it’s a sprain or strain, this first aid method reduces pain and swelling to promote recovery. Keep this handy memory aid in mind for when you need it most.…

26 Oct 2013

Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants

Advice to eat well, from Michael Pollan. From In Defense of Food.…

25 Oct 2013

Why ice doesn’t sink

Whichever way you look at it, water is a remarkable substance.…

24 Oct 2013

The Zanclean Megaflood: 3 illustrations showing Africa pushing into Europe, a giant rushing of the Atlantic filling the basin of the Mediterranean, and the map of how the Mediterranean sea appears today

The making of the Med

The Mediterranean Sea was formed kind of how you think it might have happened from just looking at a world map — the mighty Atlantic Ocean breaking free to fill up the giant basin from the African continent and pushing into Europe. Except that it was probably even more spectacular than you might think. It's known as the Zanclean Megaflood, and Mike Sowden has a brief intro to it (and a longer one, too). I imagine it somewhat like the footage of when the sea reclaimed a tin mine in Malaysia in a few short minutes. Or when the waves finally overcame the walls of my sandcastle, just at a staggering scale. Don't miss the podcast episode on the Zanclean Megaflood with Mike Sowden and lots of other fascinating geological stories.…The Mediterranean Sea was formed kind of how you think it might have happened from just looking at a world map — the mighty Atlantic Ocean breaking free to fill up the giant basin from the African continent and pushing into Europe. Except that it was probably even more spectacular than you might think. It's known as the Zanclean Megaflood, and Mike Sowden has a brief intro to it (and a longer one, too). I imagine it somewhat like the footage of when the sea reclaimed a tin mine in Malaysia in a few short minutes. Or when the waves finally overcame the walls of my sandcastle, just at a staggering scale. Don't miss the podcast episode on the Zanclean Megaflood with Mike Sowden and lots of other fascinating geological stories.

23 Oct 2013

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