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Concepts 006


Using the Concepts for Conflict

These frameworks are the "action" element of the slide illustrating conflict or opposition. Each set of arrows should flow from a text or graphic field that represents one half of the conflict. If you ghost or watermark these frameworks, you can add text as an overlay to describe the conflict. Below are two examples of how these frameworks might be used.

Customizing Concepts for Conflict

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Color variations

Select color from your document's color palette or a complimentary color so that the PowerFramework will reflect the color scheme of the rest of your document. Select "No line" if you want to eliminate the outline of the object; or change the line point size if you want thinner or heaver lines. These frameworks work well as a "watermark," i.e., assign a color that is slightly lighter than your background if your background is dark or slightly darker than your background if your background is light. Used as a watermark, you can place text directly over the arrows to describe the conflict that is taking place. The fields (text or graphic with text) at the start of each arrow group is used to describe the opposing factors.

3D variations

3D effects are not recommended for this type of framework. The 3D effect interferes with the alignment of the elements of this chart. See how the 3D makes the arrows look like they are not pointing directly at one another? This makes it look more like an interface concept. Try using another effect instead of 3D.


Similar to the 3D issues, shadows assigned to this framework work best if they are understated, as there is the possibility that they will interfere with conveying the concept. If you decide to use long shadows, you need to be careful about the layering order. The layering order will change depending on which way the shadow is cast. It's probably best to stay away from the long shadows unless it really ties into the other shadows on the page.

Gradients, patterns, and pictures

Gradients and patterns (probably better not to use pictures with this framework) can be added as fills from the "Fill Effects" menu. The gradients are particularly useful when combining text only with this framework instead of a graphic element that contains text. See the example above or this type of application.


Animations should be selected that will enhance the meaning of the message, not merely to add interest to the slide. The arrow groups (all pointing in one direction) can be "wiped" to enhance the flow of the arrow. They can come in one at a time if you add text to the individual arrows of the set. As a best practice, less animation is more. Avoid using pinwheels and other "exciting" animation schemes unless it is really appropriate to do so. As an added element to this type of concept, you may want to add a ragged burst (there are a couple in the AutoShapes menu for stars and banners) at the point of conflict. The ragged burst will add a slightly chaotic feel to where the arrows meet.

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