This paper's main claim is that analytical reasoning on spatio-temporal diffusion patterns requires a step into abstraction that traditional figurative solutions like maps or 3D virtual models do not encourage. Accordingly, we investigate alternative research practices, namely infovis (Information visualisation) and visual analytics, where the focus is put on revealing patterns of change, and more generally on gaining insight on individuals and collections through visual means. We introduce four graphic combinations implemented on a test case - Zbigniew Dmochowski's architecture of Poland, a respected and comprehensive classification of architectural facts & trends in Poland over a millennium that combines morphological, stylistic and functional division lines. The contribution presents the pluses and minuses of these combinations, the arguments behind their making, how they have shed (or not) a new light on the test case.