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How to Use Sentinel NET
Getting Started
1. Set up your center node using the "Me" panel. This represents you as the ego in an ego-centric network.
2. Add people. When a center node exists, a connection from you to each new person is created automatically. Edge properties (strength, type, structural pattern) are derived from what you enter.
3. Use "Connect Others" to link two people who know each other. Their structural pattern is derived from both endpoints' dimension profiles.
Five Structural Dimensions
Each dimension is a structural assessment of the relationship, not an emotional label. You are describing what the relationship does, not how it feels.
EmpowermentHow much energy does this relationship generate or consume?
GrowthDoes this relationship produce change or maintain stasis?
FreedomHow much autonomy does this relationship permit?
SupportHow much load-bearing capacity does this bond have?
CommitmentHow reliable is this connection's structural integrity?
Structural Patterns (Auto-Derived)
Patterns are computed from the five dimensions. You never label these directly. The system reads the structural shape and classifies it.
ReinforcingHigh average, strong support axis
ActivatingHigh empowerment + growth
GenerativeHigh growth + freedom
StabilizingModerate-high, balanced profile
BaselineMid-range, low variance
AsymmetricHigh dimensional spread, at least one weak axis
ConstrainedLow scores across multiple dimensions
Reading the Graph
Nodes: Ring colors show the primary and secondary archetype, derived from dimensions. The center "Me" node renders in gold.
Edges: Three visual channels encode different properties simultaneously:
ColorToggle between Type, Pattern, or Tension (click the edge mode button)
WidthConnection strength (weak = thin, strong = thick)
DashStructural pattern (solid = reinforcing/activating/generative/stabilizing, dashed = baseline, dotted = asymmetric/constrained)
Wobble: Nodes with high dimensional conflict (tension) wobble. More conflict = more movement. This is a structural readout, not a judgment.
Keyboard Shortcuts
\ or Ctrl+B Toggle the sidebar panel
Double-click any node or edge to see its detail view.
A Note on Interpretation
This tool shows structure. It names patterns, measures topology, and maps dimensional profiles. If you recognise something in what it shows you, that recognition is yours. The tool did not tell you how to feel about your network. It showed you a shape. What you do with that shape is your decision.