When I teach computer graphics, I generally create on-line notes with embedded interactive diagrams. The idea is that if a student can interact with a diagram that illustrates the text and math, then they are more likely to absorb and remember the underlying concepts.
Recently I’ve been going back and rebuilding many of those diagrams — some that I first created many years back — to use a more modern version of my software library. And that has given me a unique opportunity to review my own work.
This process has made me come to realize that my creation of interactive diagrams isn’t so much about technology, or even about math. It’s really mostly about storytelling.
Whatever the topic, when you create an interactive diagram you are really asking your reader to partake in an unfolding narrative. By making the reader an active participant in that narrative, you are inviting them to be part of the story.
And that is really where the learning happens.