10 Funny and Fabulous Flowcharts

Flow charts are wonderful for mapping processes for machines, as they lay out a sequence of binary decisions, meaning yes or no. When you think about it, most of what we do in life is also based on yes/no decisions -you just have to break the problem down into small pieces to see that clearly. In these flow charts, we see how life choices can be broken down into a set of binary decisions taken to a ridiculous degree.

1. Should I Worry?

I love this chart. It illustrates what I tell my family from time to time -there's no sense in worrying about something you can't do anything about. And when you think about it, there's no sense in worrying about anything else, either. And if you squint your eyes, the chart looks as if it is saying "OK."

2. Should I Become an Astronaut or Not?

You may be devoted to space and space travel, but if you're not cut out for the position of astronaut, you may as well focus on something else. This flow chart will help you make that decision in a logical, orderly fashion. After all, hiring is down, even at NASA. It's from Good magazine, where they have a new flowchart for your life decisions every week.

3. Video Game Characters

If you've ever wondered how game makers design characters, there are only a few easily-parsed rules. This is just the beginning of the flow chart, but if you go to the full chart, you will see more character development. You already know where the female line is heading.

4. How to Play Pictionary

I'm not sure if this is the best way to play the game, but it's what actually happens when people play it, illustrated by the webcomic Doghouse Diaries. If you have a better method, it would be prudent to keep it to yourself to gain an edge on the competition (yeah, right- as if Pictionary is a competitive game).

5. Should You Friend Your Parents on Facebook?

What a conundrum! In my case, the question is whether I should "friend" my children. With a house full of teenagers, I am torn between wanting to keep up with their social interactions and not wanting them to know the details of my online business. This handy flowchart by Mike Newman at Cool Material leads you through the decision-making process.

6. How to Find YouTube Videos

YouTube is a vast ocean consisting of almost anything that can be committed to video. Finding what you'll most likely enjoy is made easier with this maze of a flowchart by Karen Kavett. A series of questions will lead you to a recommended channel, or at least a starting point. See the full size version at her site.

7. How to Hack a Computer in an Action Movie

Hacking someone else's computer system in the real world is a complicated feat that not just anyone can do. In Hollywood, however, all you need is a few time-tested steps that can be followed in a flow chart from College Humor. Only the beginning is shown here. Click to enlarge the original version to read it all.

8. Expressing Your Thoughts

Paul Davis designed a series of a dozen greeting cards with hand-drawn flow charts that explain the sender's message. Each step in the flow makes the greeting more meaningful.

9. What Produce Should I Eat?

What Should I Eat? Produce Aisle Edition is just one of the many food flowcharts from Top Cultured. They also have flowcharts to help you select your beer, candy, fast food, chain restaurant, and more. Looking at all the choices from the produce aisle makes me crave a salad, especially in the summer when everything tastes so much better. Even if you have no trouble selecting your food, this chart may give you ideas for something new to try. Only a small portion is pictured here.

10. Obsession

This flow chart explains the daily life of a cyclist, but it could be adapted to anyone who has a hobby that takes over their life. It was designed by Karl Rosengarth of Wearhold. I can't argue against anything that will make someone this happy.

See more funny flowcharts in other mental_floss posts:
Run Your Life with Flowcharts!
Fun with Flowcharts
7 Geeky Flowcharts
7 Brilliant and/or Baffling Flowcharts
7 Flowcharts for Fun
10 Funny Flowcharts
10 Clever and Confusing Flowcharts