Typography: Use graphics in the margin to visually represent which part of a system is treated?

Question

In the theory section of my Computer Science thesis, I treat a toolbox to get a job done. In the introduction of the chapter, I will place a flow diagram showing the order and possible combinations of toolboxes, like so (but more complicated, I'd say around 12 interconnected boxes in 4 layers):

[A]    [B]
 |    / | \
 |   /  |  \ 
 |  /   |   \
[C]    [D]  [E]------[D]

I am typesetting on Din-A4 with rather big margins (because A4 is such a bad format for thesis...) and constantly feature marginpars (Quotes, Loosely related infos, ...).

I am toying with the idea of putting small versions of the flow diagram in the marginpar, with the currently described toolbox highlighted by color. Similar to a thumb-index, but not aligned to each other through pages, just one picture at the start of the sections.

What do you think about it typographically?

what do you think about it from a content perspective? Am I helping the reader too much?

Answer 1

I’d say: go for it.

I did this in my master thesis after seeing that both Nature and Science (two of the most important science publications) liberally put figures into their margins and that it works nicely for them.

^{(Screenshot from my master thesis)}

Furthermore, your stated purpose (orientation) sounds like a prime example of margin usage.

Answer 2

I advice you to look at the tufte-latex class, both for an inspiration as well as a practical tool to achieve what you want. Typographically what you are proposing has been used over and over in many good publications.

Answer 3

I applaud your typographical efforts. As a computer scientists I'd like to caution you that your thesis most likely is read only by few people and they might not value your efforts as much. In terms of overall results (think grade and peer recognition) it might be better to publish parts of your thesis as a paper at a workshop or conference.