# Slide Archetypes

Select layout by semantic content. Do not use a fixed template order.

## Archetype Map

| Content Semantic | Archetype | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| Opening theme | Cover metaphor | A deck or chapter starts with one strong concept |
| Definition | Single concept explainer | One term or idea needs unpacking |
| Misunderstanding vs correct framing | Left-right contrast | The source contrasts two ways of thinking |
| Before vs after | Transformation contrast | The content shows a shift or upgrade |
| Steps or pipeline | Horizontal process | There is a sequence from input to output |
| Feedback loop | Circular mechanism | The process repeats or learns over time |
| Decision conditions | Branching map | The audience must choose among cases |
| Taxonomy | Classification map | The content groups concepts or types |
| Multi-axis comparison | Matrix table | There are options compared across dimensions |
| Abstract system | Main metaphor diagram | A metaphor explains the structure better than boxes |
| Warning or caveat | Annotation slide | A risk needs focused attention |
| Summary | Takeaway slide | The deck needs a final remembered judgment |

## Core Archetypes

### Cover Metaphor

Use for a deck/chapter opening.

Structure:

- Medium-to-large Chinese title
- One main handdrawn metaphor
- Optional subtitle
- Optional small reader character

Only cover slides may use relatively large type.

### Single Concept Explainer

Use for definitions and conceptual pivots.

Structure:

- Title
- Central concept label
- Two to four supporting annotations
- Small icon or metaphor

### Left-Right Contrast

Use for wrong/right, old/new, dirty/clean, before/after.

Structure:

- Two main groups
- Light divider or arrow
- Left can look messier; right can look more structured
- One small conclusion

### Horizontal Process

Use for stages, pipelines, execution flows.

Structure:

- Thin line from left to right
- Four to seven small modules
- Light arrows
- One or two annotation boxes

### Circular Mechanism

Use for loops, agents, feedback, iteration.

Structure:

- Three to six loop stages
- Curved arrows
- Center label for the mechanism
- Edge notes for exit conditions or risks

### Branching Map

Use when a decision depends on task type or condition.

Structure:

- Central question or decision
- Three to five branches
- Each branch has a short condition and action

### Classification Map

Use for frameworks and conceptual families.

Structure:

- Parent concept
- Three to five branches
- One to three micro labels under each branch

### Matrix Table

Use for comparisons.

Structure:

- Handdrawn grid
- Short row/column labels
- Small icons in selected cells
- Optional reader character at edge

### Main Metaphor Diagram

Use for hard abstract ideas.

Structure:

- One large metaphor object or scene
- Thin arrows and labels around it
- Minimal small characters

### Takeaway Slide

Use for final summary.

Structure:

- One clear judgment
- Three or fewer supporting echoes
- Small metaphor or icon

Avoid turning this into a motivational poster.

## Anti-Patterns

- Reusing one layout for every slide
- Turning every idea into a huge card
- Putting a character next to every node
- Oversized title on non-cover slides
- Full-slide bullet lists
- Tiny decorative elements without semantic function

