# Type: cycle

A **closed-loop process** — 3-6 steps arranged in a circle (or rounded loop), connected by directional arrows that return the flow to its starting point. The structural backbone for PDCA, growth flywheel, design-thinking cycle, continuous-improvement loops, lifecycle diagrams.

> **What cycle means inside a PPT block**: a **closed circular flow** — every step leads to the next, and the last step leads back to the first. Unlike `flowchart` (linear, one-way), cycle has no terminal end. Unlike `framework` (centered hub with passive satellites), cycle has directional motion around the perimeter.

---

## 1. Composition skeleton

```
             ┌─────────┐
       ┌────▶│ Step 1  │────┐
       │     └─────────┘     │
       │                     ▼
   ┌───┴───┐             ┌─────────┐
   │ Step 4│             │ Step 2  │
   └───────┘             └────┬────┘
       ▲                      │
       │     ┌─────────┐      │
       └─────│ Step 3  │◀─────┘
             └─────────┘
```

| LAYOUT | 3-6 step nodes arranged on a circular (or rounded square) perimeter; arrows connect each node to the next, closing back to the first |
| ELEMENTS | One simple iconic symbol per step + curved or straight directional arrows between them. Optional central anchor (a label, a small icon representing the cycle's name) |
| NEGATIVE SPACE | Center of the circle is calm — either empty or holds a small anchor element only |
| BALANCE | Step nodes spaced evenly around the perimeter; arrow weights uniform |

## 2. Text-policy variants

### 3.1 `text_policy: none`

Each step shows an icon only; step labels are handled in SVG.

Sample fragment:

> NO text, letters, numbers, or step labels in the image. Each step node contains only one simple iconic symbol; SVG text overlay will add step names externally.

### 3.2 `text_policy: embedded`

Self-contained cycle diagram with step names typeset into the artwork. Keep each name concise and stable, use the wording and script required by the content, and echo the deck's body typography.

---

## 3. Fewshot prompt snippets

**Snippet A — vector-illustration + cool-corporate PDCA cycle, text_policy: none, 700×700**

> Clean flat vector illustration of a closed-loop process cycle. Four step nodes arranged in a perfect circle on the canvas perimeter — at 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock positions. Each node is a rounded square (about 130×130px equivalent) filled with primary deep navy `#1E3A5F`, with one simple white iconic symbol centered inside — a clipboard (plan), a hand (do), a magnifying glass (check), a gear (act). Curved directional arrows in accent gold `#D4AF37` connect each node to the next going clockwise, closing the loop. The center of the circle is calm — secondary light gray `#F8F9FA` field with one small accent gold dot at the exact center as the cycle's anchor. Crisp 2px outlines, soft 8% drop shadow under each node. Composed as a 700×700 half-page cycle block with 15% padding. NO text, letters, or step labels anywhere — SVG will overlay all step names. Color values are rendering guidance only.
