Timeline Layout Styles
About This MicroSim
Compare four timeline layout styles to understand when each is most appropriate.
Learning Objectives
- Compare timeline layout styles
- Select appropriate styles for different content types
- Understand how layout affects data presentation
How to Use
- Browse Gallery: View all four styles with the same data
- Click to Expand: See larger examples with descriptions
- Use Bottom Buttons: Quick-switch between styles
- Compare: Note how the same events look in each layout
Timeline Styles
| Style | Best For |
|---|---|
| Horizontal Linear | Simple sequences, limited events |
| Vertical Scroll | Rich content, long timelines |
| Centered Alternating | Dense timelines, presentations |
| Parallel Tracks | Comparing multiple sequences |
Lesson Plan
Grade Level: Undergraduate Duration: 15-20 minutes Bloom's Level: Understand (L2)
Activities
- Exploration (5 min): View each style with the same data
- Analysis (5 min): Identify strengths of each layout
- Application (10 min): Given historical data, choose appropriate style
Assessment
Students demonstrate mastery by:
- Explaining why vertical works for rich content
- Choosing parallel tracks for comparing sequences
- Identifying when horizontal is insufficient