Graph Exploration Guide
Understanding Knowledge Graphs
The Digital Twin can visualize organizational knowledge as an interactive graph - a network of connected information that shows how different concepts, processes, and people relate to each other.
What is a Knowledge Graph?
Think of a knowledge graph like a map of relationships:
Traditional documents: Linear text, information in isolation
Knowledge graph: Visual network showing connections between concepts
Why This Matters
For business advisors: See how different services connect, understand client pathways
For managers: Visualize organizational structure, identify knowledge gaps
For leadership: Strategic overview of capabilities, spot opportunities
Graph Components
Nodes: The “What”
Nodes are individual pieces of information represented as circles or shapes.
Types you’ll see:
- Services - Business Advisory, Employability Programs, Community Development
- Processes - Application Process, Intake Procedure, Enrollment Steps
- People/Roles - Business Advisors, Program Managers, Clients
- Resources - Documents, Templates, Tools
- Concepts - Eligibility Criteria, Bilingual Services, Economic Development
Edges: The “How They Connect”
Edges are lines connecting nodes, representing relationships.
Relationship types:
- “Requires” - Business Advisory → Requires → Intake Form
- “Leads to” - Initial Consultation → Leads to → Business Plan Development
- “Supports” - Business Coaching → Supports → Entrepreneurship
- “Related to” - Community Development → Related to → Economic Growth
Node Colors and Sizes
Color coding (typical):
- Blue - Services and Programs
- Green - Processes and Procedures
- Orange - People and Roles
- Purple - Resources and Tools
- Yellow - Outcomes and Goals
Node size:
- Larger = More connections (central concepts)
- Smaller = Fewer connections (specific details)
Navigating the Graph
Basic Exploration
Zooming:
- Zoom in: Mouse wheel up or pinch out
- Zoom out: Mouse wheel down or pinch in
- Fit to screen: Double-click background
Panning:
- Click and drag background to move around
Selecting nodes:
- Click on a node to select it
- See highlighted connections
- View details panel
Interactive Features
Hover information:
- Move mouse over node for quick tooltip
Click for details:
- Full description
- All relationships
- Related documents
- Available actions
Follow connections:
- Click connected nodes to explore relationships
- Trace pathways through the organization
Common Use Cases
Exploring Service Relationships
- Locate “Business Advisory Services” node
- Click to select it
- Observe highlighted connections
- Click connected nodes to explore deeper
Result: Complete understanding of how business advisory fits into the ecosystem
Tracing Client Pathways
- Find “New Entrepreneur” node
- Follow the edges through the client journey
- See touchpoints and decision points
Result: Visual map of client experience
Identifying Process Dependencies
- Locate “Grant Application Process”
- Look for incoming and outgoing edges
- Identify “Requires” relationships
- Understand prerequisites and next steps
Result: Complete checklist of dependencies
Interpreting Visual Patterns
Dense Clusters
What it means:
- Well-integrated knowledge area
- Strong documentation
- Team collaboration zone
Isolated Nodes
What it means:
- Potential knowledge gap
- New or underdeveloped area
- May need integration
Hub Nodes
What it means:
- Core organizational concepts
- Frequently used services
- High strategic value
Best Practices
Do:
- Start with big picture, then zoom in
- Follow interesting connections
- Use filters to reduce complexity
- Share discoveries with colleagues
Don’t:
- Expect to understand everything immediately
- Get overwhelmed - focus on one area at a time
- Forget the graph is a tool, not the answer itself
The knowledge graph reveals the hidden structure of your organization. The more you explore, the more connections you’ll discover.
Last Updated: January 2026