[andymangold]

Thanks for taking the time to write this out, Gordon.

One of our biggest concerns with the node view was that it would imply more significance than is actually present, as you mention. Like you point out, the radial order of the nodes, their relative proximity, and which nodes are actually shown are completely arbitrary. At the end of the day, you're right: it is far more aesthetic than it is informative.

However, we do think there is something to be said for aesthetics and how the app feels. Our goal was not to expose all sorts of new data and information, but rather to make the browsing of Wikipedia more fun. While I concede the node-view does not convey a whole lot of meaning, my hope is that is stimulates curiosity and delights the user.

[teeja]

Couple the nodes with AI that learns what the user is interested in, however, and the user can create meaning for themselves. No 'authoritative source' has ever created -that- kind of freedom.