The traditional form 圖 places content inside an enclosing border (囗 wéi): within that border sits 啚 bǐ, an old character for a granary or storehouse — a bounded place of stored resources. The whole character depicts a bounded representation of a piece of territory: a map, a plan, a schematic. The outer frame is the edge of the representational space; what's inside is the organized content.

The simplified form 图 keeps the enclosure but strips the interior to a simple cross shape — much more abstract, but the structural logic remains: something organized inside a defined boundary.

From "bounded visual representation" the meaning branches: a map is a plan of territory; a plan (deliberate intent) is a mental map of desired territory. This gives 图 its double life as both a noun (diagram, map) and a verb (to plan, to seek, to covet).

Visual representation (noun). Any diagram, image, map, chart, or illustration: 地图 (map), 图片 (picture), 图表 (chart), 示意图 (schematic). In digital contexts: 图标 (icon), 图层 (layer in image editing). The sense of "bounded visual content" runs through all uses.

To plan / seek / intend (verb). 图谋 (to scheme), 企图 (to attempt, to harbor ambitions), 意图 (intention, intent). When 图 is used as a verb, it typically implies deliberate, calculated pursuit — often with a slightly ominous undertone. 图谋不轨 means to harbor treasonous plans.

To seek personal gain (贬义 negative register). 图利 (to seek profit/advantage), 图方便 (to seek convenience — doing something the easy way at someone else's expense). This usage often carries mild reproach.