creative writing concept map

The Ultimate Guide to Concept Maps: From Its Origin to Concept Map Best Practices

This concept map tutorial is to help you master the technique of using concept maps, whether it is for your education or for your business.

In this concept map guide, you will find insight into,

What is a Concept Map?

Origin of concept maps.

• The Characteristics of a Concept Map

How to Draw a Concept Map

• How Do You Fine-tune a Concept Map
• Concept Map Templates

Uses of Concept Maps

• What are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Concept Map
• Concept Map Best Practices

Concept maps are a graphical tool that is used to visualize meaningful relationships among concepts. It’s used as a knowledge representation tool, meaning they basically represent the knowledge structure that we humans store in our minds about a certain topic.

Both simple and complex concept maps consist of two things: concepts and relationships among them.

Concept maps were the outcome of a research done in the 1970s at Cornell University by Joseph Novak – an American Educator and Research Scientist – and his research team.

In order to study how children understand basic science concepts, they studied and interviewed many children. However, they found it difficult to identify the changes in the ways children understood science concepts with the detailed interview transcripts alone.

The need to find a better solution to represent children’s conceptual understanding led to the development of the concept map in 1972.

Since then it has been used extensively not only in the fields of education and research but also in business.

The Key Characteristics of a Concept Map

Not all diagrams that have words/ phrases inside nodes are concept maps. Concept maps have specific characteristics that distinguish themselves from other diagrams that are used to represent knowledge. And they are,

Nodes are the circles or the boxes that are used to represent a concept or an idea. These may vary in size, according to their hierarchy on the map; for example, more general nodes at the top of the map may be bigger than the more specific nodes that follow them.

Cross-Links

Concept maps consist of concepts in different domains.  And the relationships between these different domains of knowledge are shown with cross-links.

Linking Words

Or linking phrases if it contains more than a word. These describe the type of relationship between the two concepts and appear on the line connecting them.

Hierarchical Structure

Usually, concept maps are organized hierarchically. This means the most general and inclusive concepts are placed at the top of the map. Those that are more specific are positioned below them. Accordingly, hierarchical concept maps are read from top to bottom.

However, the structure of a concept map is not limited to this structure, it could take a free-form approach too – starting from the center and spreading outwards.

Propositional Structure

A concept map illustrates a set of meaningful propositions about a topic.

Every two concepts (in some cases more than two,) along with the linking phrases, form a meaningful sentence, otherwise known as a proposition.

Focus Question

Generally, a concept map should be woven around a focus question, which is the problem or the issue the concept map seeks to resolve. The better the focus question, the richer the concept map will be.

Underlying Theory

Concept maps are based on Ausubel’s Assimilation theory . This is built around the fact that new knowledge can be learned effectively by linking it to what is already known. Concept maps are seen as a methodological tool of this theory.

Generate new ideas and add structure to your thoughts with concept maps. Explore connections between concepts to better understand them with Creately.

Create a Concept Map

You can either draw a concept map on a piece of paper or on a concept mapping software. Either way, stick to the following steps when you are drawing one.

Step 1: Pick a Topic

The first step is to identify a topic you need to study with your concept map. This could be an idea, a question or an issue.

For example, let’s say you are interested in SEO or Search Engine Optimization.

Step 2: Do a Quick Brainstorm

What are the facts, ideas, concepts, themes, queries etc. that come to your mind when you think about this topic? Note these down as you brainstorm around the topic you have selected. Remember to keep these as concise as possible.

Step 3: Start to Draw the Map

It’s recommended to start a concept map from the top and develop it downward, although you can put down your topic at the center and expand it outwards. Either way make sure that the central topic stands out from the rest (use a bigger node, a different color etc.).

Step 4: Connect the Concepts

Now it’s time to connect what you have brainstormed to the central topic and to each other. Remember, the more important the idea, the closer it should be to the top or the center.

As you identify these connections put down the linking words or phrases to indicate the relationship between the two concepts you are linking.

Once the direct connections between concepts have been identified, look for crosslinks that link together concepts from different areas or domains.

Step 5: Anything Missing?

Scrutinize what you have created to make sure that you haven’t missed anything and that the relationships you have identified make sense.

How Do You Fine-tune a Concept Map?

Fine-tuning the concept map is a crucial step when effectively visualizing complex information. Below are some key pointers to follow.

• Begin by reviewing the entire map to identify areas needing improvement or some adjustments.
• Refine the central idea, if necessary, to ensure that the central idea accurately represents the main topic of the concept map.
• If there are long labels, simplify them using specific or descriptive keywords that represent the concept or idea of the map. This will help to reflect the content of each node accurately.
• Evaluate whether any nodes should be added or removed depending on their relevance and redundancy. Look to see if any additional concepts or ideas should be included.
• Review the connections to ensure they correctly represent the relationships between the concepts. If necessary, add or remove connections or adjust the placement of nodes to reflect the connections better.
• Test the map! Test the map with others for feedback, especially on its accuracy and effectiveness.

Editable Concept Map Examples and Templates

Here are some concept map diagram templates you can edit right away on Creately. Click the image to open it in the editor. Make changes according to your needs and export them as images, PNG, PDF, or JPEG.

Concept Map Example 1

Concept Map Example 2

Concept Map Example 3

Concept Map Example 4

Concept Map Example 5

Concept Map Example 6

Concept Map Example 7

Although first introduced to the field of education, concept maps have gained popularity across a number of other fields over the last few decades.

Concept Maps in Education

In the field of education, concept maps are used as both a learning tool and an evaluation tool to assess student learning.

• Foster meaningful learning by helping create connections between what students already know and new knowledge they acquire
• Organize knowledge around a subject for quick analysis
• Assess students’ understanding to see where their knowledge needs improvement
• Conduct effective brainstorming around a topic
• Present complex concepts in an easily digestible way
• Organize instructional material for courses or curricula
• Can be used as a basis for discussion among students
• Help identify valid and invalid ideas held by students
• Help promote creative and critical thinking among students
• Can be used as an alternative to traditional note-taking and writing assignments

Concept Maps in Business

By design, concept maps are apt for business analysis. In the field of business, concept maps are popularly used to preserve, generate and share knowledge.  

• To facilitate team brainstorming sessions to come up with new strategies, new business concepts etc.
• Support creative and result-oriented approach towards business development
• Can be used as a systematic way to share expert business ideas, insights etc. with others
• Help with planning and drafting business documents, business presentations etc.

Concept Maps in Qualitative Research

Concept maps in qualitative research are used as a methodical research strategy.

• Can be used to plan a research project
• Can help reduce voluminous text-based data into a manageable form without losing the meaning
• Identify interconnections between concepts in a study and analyze themes
• Analyze the information provided by interviewees in a study; help the researcher maintain the meaning of the interview
• Present findings in an effective way

What are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid when Creating a Concept Map

When creating your concept map, avoid the below common mistakes that will undermine the map’s effectiveness.

• Overcomplicating. This will make the map too complex or difficult to understand.
• Focusing too much on the details. Getting bogged down with too many details will derail you from the main focus with too much irrelevant and unnecessary information.
• Not using a hierarchy. Without a hierarchy, the concept map will be too complicated to follow and disorganized.
• Not using consistent formatting. It will be difficult to read or understand without consistent formatting and symbols throughout the map, leading to confusion and misunderstandings.
• Being too rigid by not making changes as and when necessary to reflect new information or insights.
• Not testing the map for effectiveness to help identify areas that may need further improvement.

Concept Mapping Best Practices

Start with a clear central idea.

Begin the concept map with a clear yet concise central idea representing the main topic or theme. The central idea should be easily understood, and it should also be the focal point of the map.

Stick with the Hierarchical Structure

Concept maps organized according to the hierarchical structure are easier to read. As the most general concepts go at the top and the more specific ones coming below them, it can easily be read from top to bottom.

Keep a Single Root Concept

A concept map can have two root concepts, but limiting it to one helps the learner easily identify how concepts are constructed. On the other hand, having two root concepts may make it confusing.

Use Meaningful Keywords

Use meaningful and specific keywords to label the concepts. The labels should be descriptive and accurately represent the content of each node.

Color Code Your Concept Maps

Colors help distinguish concepts in different domains immediately. This does not only make it easier to read the map but when it comes to recalling information, color coding plays a vital role.

Add Visual Cues to the Map

Add visual cues such as symbols and images if necessary to highlight important information and to make the concept map more engaging and visually appealing.

Connect Related Ideas

Add visual cues such as symbols and images to highlight important information and make the concept map more engaging and visually appealing.

Make Sure Linking Phrases Make Sense

Two concepts and a linking phrase should make a meaningful sentence. This could be a word, phrase or sometimes even a symbol such as + or %. In any case, make sure that your concept map reads well.

Be Consistent

Use consistent formatting, symbols, and color codes throughout the concept map to make it easier to read and understand.

Always Base Your Concept Map on a Focus Question

Having one single question to answer will help you better structure your concept map and keep yourself from deviating from your focus.

Keep it Simple

If possible, avoid using complex sentences or too much text. Instead, use simple phrases or keywords to communicate the main ideas and connections.

Link to Further Resources

If you are drawing your concept maps with a concept mapping software, you have the ability to make it more resourceful. When mentioning concepts, you can add active links to your concept maps allowing the reader to study the idea more thoroughly.

Review and Revise

One thing to remember is that concept maps can be changed and updated regularly as needed. This will help to refine your ideas and to identify new connections between concepts.

Feed Back on the Comprehensive Concept Map Tutorial

In this concept map tutorial we have covered, everything – whether you are a stranger to concept mapping or have used it before – you should know when it comes to concept map diagrams. If you are ready to go ahead and draw your concept map, start with the Creately Concept Map Maker .

And don’t forget to leave your feedback!

Join over thousands of organizations that use Creately to brainstorm, plan, analyze, and execute their projects successfully.

FAQs About Concept Maps

More related articles.

Amanda Athuraliya is the communication specialist/content writer at Creately, online diagramming and collaboration tool. She is an avid reader, a budding writer and a passionate researcher who loves to write about all kinds of topics.

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10 Concept Mapping

Creating a concept map is a way of organizing your brainstorming around key concepts.

This video from the University of Guelph offers a brief and helpful overview of concept mapping: [1]

Ready to get started with a concept map? This KPU learning aid can also help guide you through the process.

Let’s use our example where an instructor has given us the assignment: Write a 1,500 word persuasive essay that responds to the question: “Are transit services effective for Kwantlen University students?” Include your own perspective in your analysis and draw on two primary and two academic sources.

We’ll follow the seven steps of concept mapping outlined in the video above and I’ll include some examples.

• Identify the main topic
• Brainstorm everything you know about the topic
• Use relevant content from course, lectures, textbooks, and course material

Sticky notes can be a great way of jotting down ideas – you can move the notes around as you begin to identify similarities and differences. You can also ask questions and include reminders of work that that you need to do. See the example below of some sticky notes I might use to start my assignment:

I’ll add more sticky notes with key questions that relate back to the assignment – I’ll need to find primary and academic sources:

I can use these questions as I begin my research process and identify the primary and academic sources I need to support the argument that I will make.

To find out more about the research process, ask a librarian , or check out the KPU Library’s Research Help guide.

This video, included in KPU Library’s Research Help page, provides a good overview of working with an assignment to make sure that you develop a response that is specific and well-supported:

• Organize information into main points 

After noting down what I know about my topic and identifying key questions that I’ll need to research everything, I can focus on a few things that will be important to describe and analyze in my essay. I’ve made a list of some that I can use:

Based on what I’ve done so far, I’m setting up a descriptive comparison of transit options for KPU students, but will emphasize that current transit options are not effective. I want to look for further connections between ideas and see how I can shape my argument.

Step Three :

• Start creating map
• Begin with main points
• Branch out to supporting details

Give it a try! Based on your experience of public transit and the ideas that I’ve outlined so far, how might you start to create a concept map? You can use a piece of paper, or concept mapping software, to make note of ideas and start to connect them.

Step Four :

• Review map and look for more connections
• Use arrows, symbols, and colours, to show relationships between ideas

I start to build layers of connections and relationships in my map:

Step Five :

• Include details

This is where I can provide more information about each point – below, I’ve taken one of the points and added to it:

• Analyze and improve map by asking questions
• How do ideas fit together?
• Have all necessary connections been made?

This is where I can step back and review my map and keep the purpose of my assignment in mind. This is also a good time to follow up on questions that I might have – I can talk through my ideas with a classmate or visit my instructor as I continue to develop and refine my ideas.

Step Seven :

• Update concept map as you learn more
• Ask key questions about connections between ideas

I’ll keep my map with me as I meet with my instructor to discuss my ideas and when I visit the library to locate any academic resources that I might need; this way, I can keep everything together.

• “ How to Create a Concept Map ” by University of Guelph Library CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 ↵

Academic Writing Basics Copyright © 2019 by Megan Robertson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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18 Concept Mapping – Seven Steps

Creating a concept map is a way of organizing your brainstorming around key concepts. Mapping was introduced in Chapter 8 – Note-taking Skills.

This video from the University of Guelph offers a brief and helpful overview of concept mapping: [1]

Let’s use our example where an instructor has given us the assignment: Write a 1000 word persuasive essay that responds to the question: “Are transit services effective for Kwantlen University students?” Include your own perspective in your analysis and draw on two primary and two academic sources.

We’ll follow the seven steps of concept mapping outlined in the video below and I’ll include some examples.

If you have your own assignment that you are currently working on, use the steps below to make your own concept map for your assignment.

• Identify the main topic
• Brainstorm everything you know about the topic
• Use relevant content from course, lectures, textbooks, and course material

Sticky notes can be a great way of jotting down ideas – you can move the notes around as you begin to identify similarities and differences. You can also ask questions  and include reminders of work that you need to do. See the example below of some sticky notes I might use to start my assignment:

I’ll add more sticky notes with key questions that relate back to the assignment – I’ll need to find primary and academic sources . I can use these questions as I begin my research process and identify the primary and academic sources I need to support the argument that I will make:

• Organize information into main points

After noting down what I know about my topic and identifying key questions that I’ll need to research, I can focus on a few things that will be important to describe and  analyze in my essay. I’ve made a list of some I can use:

Based on what I’ve done so far, I’m setting up a descriptive comparison of transit options for KPU students, though I will emphasize that current transit options are not effective. I want to look for further connections between ideas and see how I can shape my argument.

• Start creating map
• Begin with main points
• Branch out to supporting details

Give it a try! Based on your experience of public transport and the ideas that I’ve outlined so far, how might you start to create a concept map? You can use a piece of paper, or concept mapping software, to make notes of ideas and start to connect them.

• Review map and look for more connections
• Use arrows, symbols, and colours, to show relationships between ideas

I start to build layers of connections and relationships in my map:

• Include details

This is where I can provide more information about each point – below, I’ve taken one of the points and added to it:

• Analyze and improve map by asking questions
• How do ideas fit together?
• Have all necessary connections been made?

This is where I can step back and review my map and keep the purpose of my assignment in mind. This is also a good time to follow up on questions that I might have.  I can talk through my ideas with a classmate or visit my instructor as I continue to develop and refine my ideas.

• Update concept map as you learn more
• Ask key questions about connections between ideas

I’ll keep my map with me as I meet with my instructor to discuss my ideas and when I visit the library to locate any academic resources that I might need; this way, I can keep everything together.

• “ How to Create a Concept Map ” by University of Guelph Library CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 ↵

first; original A primary source is one that is unmediated such as a first-hand account of events.

researched, reliable, written by academics and published by reputable publishers; often, but not always peer reviewed

Academic Writing Skills Copyright © 2021 by Patricia Williamson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to make a concept map

Reading time: about 4 min

5 easy steps for drawing a concept map

• Select a drawing medium
• Establish a main concept
• Identify related concepts
• Organize shapes and lines
• Fine-tune the map

Concept mapping is brainstorming with a purpose. You start with an overarching concept that you break down into its smaller parts, using arrows and linking words to show how ideas are connected. Common in education, concept maps are helpful in any field by driving creative and visual thinking.

A concept map helps you gain a better understanding of complex topics, see the big picture, and discover new connections through a collaborative and visual approach. With Lucidchart’s drag-and-drop shapes, flexible lines, and real-time collaboration, you can dive into any concept and map it out in a snap.

Read on to learn how to easily draw a concept map so you can communicate, problem-solve, and brainstorm more effectively.

1. Select a drawing medium

Where will you create your concept map? Many people just use pen and paper or a whiteboard to make a concept map because they’re readily available, but it’s not easy to save your whiteboard scribbles or make your handwritten diagram look professional once you’re done. 

Lucidchart, a cloud-based visual diagramming application, has the advantage of saving your work in a digital format, so it’s easy to share, edit, and polish your diagram. Plus, you can access your diagrams with any Internet-enabled device.

2. Narrow your focus

Whatever medium you choose to make your concept map, the next step is to determine the central idea or topic that you want to detail.

Keep in mind, if the topic is too broad, it will be difficult to organize your ideas. It might be useful to come up with a single question, called a focus question, that clearly specifies the problem or issue the concept map will help resolve. If you’re not sure where to begin, try identifying a portion of text, a classroom activity, or a tough problem that needs solving. Your concept map will consistently lead back to that question and its answer.

3. Identify key concepts

Now that you’ve selected a main concept, the next step is to write down subordinate concepts. Make a list of related ideas, and rank them from the general to the specific. This list, also known as a parking lot because you’re waiting to move these ideas to your map, should consist of around 15-25 key concepts. 

Describe each concept as briefly as possible; usually one or two words per idea will suffice. Keeping your descriptions concise will prevent your map from becoming bloated and text-heavy.

4. Organize shapes and lines

Order each of your concepts in a hierarchical format, with the most general ideas at the top of the map under your main concept and the most specific ones at the bottom. Your concept map will take form as you connect shapes with lines and pinpoint the correct location for each idea. 

Concept maps typically have text, or linking words, written on each line to make sense of the relationship between a general concept and more specific ones. The text might include a specific verb like “provides” or “encompasses.”

Once you’ve created this preliminary concept map containing the basic links, add cross-links to illustrate relationships between concepts that are on the same level of specificity.  

5. Fine-tune the map

As you add links to every concept, be sure to carefully examine the relationships you’re illustrating. Ask yourself questions like:

• Does every element fit well in its respective place?
• Is there a better position for this idea or group of ideas?
• Can I use a more accurate linking word to represent this relationship?

These questions will help you improve cognitive performance and challenge your knowledge on any subject.

Remember this is a preliminary map that will likely need revising. Lucidchart makes it simple to rearrange shapes on the page, add supplementary notes and comments, and even apply attractive styling to your diagram.

Concept map examples

Here are a few examples of what you could do with Lucidchart. Use any of these templates as inspiration or starting points for creating your own concept maps.

How to make a concept map in Google Workspace

Sometimes you might find that you need to include a concept map as part of a business case, a school presentation, or other documentation. Because Lucidchart is integrated with Google Workspace , you can easily insert your concept map in Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Learn how to make a concept map in Google Docs with our free add-on.

How to create a concept map in Microsoft Office

If you use Microsoft Office and not Google Workspace, you can still enjoy all the same benefits because Lucidchart is also integrated with Microsoft Office . Add in concept maps and provide context for data in Excel, engaging visuals in Word, and up-to-date diagrams to PowerPoint. Learn how to make a concept map in Microsoft Word with our free add-on.

Make concept mapping work for you with these easy steps and Lucidchart’s integrations. You’ll be able to spend more time solving problems, improving processes, or putting your ideas into action.

Ready to take your concept map to the next level with Lucidchart?

Lucidchart, a cloud-based intelligent diagramming application, is a core component of Lucid Software's Visual Collaboration Suite. This intuitive, cloud-based solution empowers teams to collaborate in real-time to build flowcharts, mockups, UML diagrams, customer journey maps, and more. Lucidchart propels teams forward to build the future faster. Lucid is proud to serve top businesses around the world, including customers such as Google, GE, and NBC Universal, and 99% of the Fortune 500. Lucid partners with industry leaders, including Google, Atlassian, and Microsoft. Since its founding, Lucid has received numerous awards for its products, business, and workplace culture. For more information, visit lucidchart.com.

Related articles

Everything you need to know about concept maps, from definitions and key features to use cases and history. 

Need a concept map to make sense of complex ideas? Lucidchart can get you started—take a look at our customizable concept map templates.

Learn more about documenting your as-is process. Studying your current state helps organizations document, track, and optimize processes for better performance, greater efficiency, and improved outcomes.

Want to find new ways to generate ideas? This article will help you unpack different brainstorming techniques, learn the advantages and shortcomings of each, and select the best method for yourself and your team.

Bring your bright ideas to life.

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How to make a concept map

Why make a concept map?

Concept maps, sometimes called conceptual diagrams, can help you explore and understand complex systems or processes. They allow you to visually represent relationships between different concepts, making these relationships easier to grasp. From business strategy formulation to educational learning, concept maps can transform abstract ideas into something concrete and understandable.

Whether you're a project manager planning a new initiative or an educator trying to explain a complex topic, concept maps can be a powerful tool in your arsenal. But how do you make a concept map? Let's take a closer look at the process.

The elements of a concept map

A concept map consists of several key elements. The 'concepts' are usually enclosed in boxes, with lines or arrows connecting related concepts. Each line is labeled with linking words to clarify the nature of the relationship between the concepts. Now that you know the building blocks, let's dive into how to make a concept map.

Step 1: Identify the main concept

The creation of a concept map begins with the identification of the main concept or topic. This forms the focal point of your concept map. It's the central idea from which all other nodes branch out. This main concept should be written down and encased within a box or a circle at the center or top of your page.

Step 2: Identify related concepts

Following the identification of the main concept, the next step is to generate related ideas or subtopics. These will act as the secondary nodes branching out from your central node.

During this stage, it's essential to let your thoughts flow freely. Don't concern yourself with the arrangement or the connections between the nodes. The goal is to get all the related concepts down on paper.

Step 3: Start to draw your concept map

With the main and related concepts identified, it's now time to begin constructing your map. An online tool like Miro's concept map maker can make this process smoother and more effective.

Place your main idea at the center of your workspace and start arranging your related concepts around it, as branches stemming from the central node.

Step 4: Connect related concepts

Once the nodes are arranged on the workspace, draw lines or arrows to connect related concepts. Use linking words to describe the relationship between them.

These linking words play a pivotal role in a concept map as they bring context to the relationships and facilitate a more precise understanding of the map.

Step 5: Finalize and review your concept map

When all concepts have been connected, it's time to review and finalize your map.

Ensure that the structure is logical, that the links are correct, and that the map accurately reflects your understanding of the topic.

Don't hesitate to make revisions if needed; the map should serve your purpose and facilitate your understanding.

Tips to make a concept map more effective

Creating an effective concept map requires more than just understanding its components. The goal of a concept map is to distill complex ideas into a simpler, more digestible format.

Therefore, it's essential to keep your map clean, uncluttered, and user-friendly. Be concise and clear in your wording for both your concepts and linking phrases, making them as straightforward as possible for the reader.

Using online tools to create concept maps

Today's digital age offers an array of online tools like Miro to streamline the process of creating concept maps. Miro's intuitive interface allows you to effortlessly add shapes, adjust text, and draw connecting lines. Our concept map template provides a ready-to-use structure that you can customize to fit your needs, allowing you to focus more on the content and less on the formatting.

Concept maps are an invaluable tool for visualizing and understanding complex systems or ideas. They are beneficial in various fields, from business to education. They serve as a catalyst for clear thinking and a deeper understanding of complex topics, proving their value in a wide array of professional and educational contexts.

So why wait? Start exploring the power of concept maps today! Learn how to make a concept map using Miro and elevate your thinking process.

What is a concept map? Learn all you need to know

Concept maps for note taking

6 Creative concept map ideas

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How to Make a Concept Map

Last Updated: March 5, 2023 References

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 25 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 224,778 times. Learn more...

A concept map can help you organize your thoughts and brainstorm stellar ideas for any creative project. Concept maps are also perfect as a study aid for visual learners, as they allow you to see how a variety of topics and processes are connected. Concept maps are typically made by placing a word in a box or oval and using arrows or lines to link it to other words, showing the relationship between these subjects. The most common concept maps are the hierarchy concept map, the spider concept map, and the flow chart concept map.

The Hierarchy Concept Map

• This word will appear in a box or oval at the top of your map.
• Note that in some cases, you can skip the first step. If you already know that you have to write a paper or give a presentation on "Trees," for example, you can write that word at the top of the hierarchical map right away.

• Trees give oxygen and wood
• Oxygen is important to humans, plants, and animals
• Wood is used to make houses, paper, furniture

The Spider Concept Map

• The spider concept map is also very useful for helping you see which topics are richer than others, because you'll see that you can "branch off" more concepts from larger topics.
• Let's say the main topic is "Health." Write this topic in the center of a piece of paper and circle it. This circle should be larger and more prominent than the others to emphasize that this is the most important topic.

• Let's say you've brainstormed the following concepts related to health: lifestyle, relaxation, no stress, sleep, healthy relationships, happiness, diet, fruits and vegetables, exercise, avocado, massage, walking, running, stretching, bike riding, three balanced meals, and proteins.
• Pick the three most important subtopics, which can encompass many of these terms and are broad enough to incorporate a number of concepts. From this list, the most productive terms are: exercise, lifestyle, and diet. Write these terms in circles around the main topic and connect them with lines. They should be somewhat evenly spaced around the central topic, "Health."

• Around the subtopic "exercise," you can write the following terms: walking, yoga, variety, how often, how much, and biking instead of driving.
• Around the subtopic "lifestyle," you can write the following terms: sleep, healthy relationships, relaxation, massage, routine, variety, and love.
• Around the subtopic "diet," you can write the following terms: fruits, vegetables, proteins, balance, carbs, and hydration.

• Around the supporting topic "sleep," you can write, "8 hours a night," "don't drink caffeine before bed," and "the same amount every night"
• Around the supporting topic "yoga," you can write "yoga for meditation," "power yoga," or "vinyasa yoga".
• Around the supporting topic "balance," you can write "three meals a day," "protein with every meal" and "healthy snacks".

The Flowchart Concept Map

• But if the lamp is plugged in, you'll follow "yes" to another option: "Bulb burned out?" This is the next logical solution.

• You have now completed a flowchart for the problem of a broken lamp, which will lead you to one of three solutions: plugging it in, replacing the bulb, or repairing the lamp.

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• ↑ http://cmap.ihmc.us/docs/constructingaconceptmap.php
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About This Article

To make a concept map, start by writing an important concept related to the project you're working on in a box or oval at the top of a piece of paper. Then, draw 2 or 3 arrows extending down off the first concept, and write a concept related to the main one underneath each arrow. For example, if your main concept was "Trees," the two concepts below that could be "Leaves" and "Wood." Finally, continue to branch off from each concept, and look for ways that the different concepts are related to each other. To learn how to make a spider concept map, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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10+ Concept Map Examples to Showcase Your Ideas

By Tessa Reid , Aug 16, 2022

Lack of inspiration. Roadblocks. Confusion. 

These are just a few of the problems concept mapping can solve for you and your team. By visualizing the relationship between different concepts, these maps simplify complex ideas, support learning and promote critical thinking. 

Not quite sure what a concept map looks like? Not to worry. The following concept map example roundup will clear things right up. But first, let’s make sure we have all our basics covered… 

Click to jump ahead:

What is concept mapping, how can businesses use concept mapping.

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Simply put, a concept map is a diagram that shows how concepts are related to one another. These maps have many modern uses, but were originally developed to support meaningful learning. 

In his book, Learning How to Learn , Joseph D. Novak defines this as, “the assimilation of new concepts and propositions into existing cognitive structures.” 

In addition to learning, concept mapping can help with everything from brainstorming to decision-making. (More on the different ways businesses use concept maps in a sec.) How? 

By representing a main idea in a circle or box (called a node) and connecting related ideas with labeled lines (called links), a concept map organizes all the information on a topic, outlines how that info fits together and points to insights and/or actions.

For example, this concept map lists out strategies for staying awake and alert. Each strategy links to additional bullet points with supporting facts: 

Return to Table of Contents

From clarifying complex concepts and promoting memory recall to solving sticky problems and generating fresh ideas, concept maps have many uses in the realm of business. But let’s get a little more concrete about it… 

Here are a few quick examples of how businesses can use concept mapping: 

• To simplify complex topics. When onboarding new employees or training existing ones, concept maps can help you convey processes and information (and help them retain it!). 
• To make decisions. By mapping out a strategy or problem, you can identify any information or resource gaps and decide on next steps. 
• To brainstorm new ideas. Visualizing the relationship between different concepts can help you uncover new connections and, as a result, new strategies. 
• To map customer journeys. Understanding how customers interact with your brand and product is key… and with a concept map, you can create a visual representation of these journeys. 
• To facilitate communication. Concept maps can come in handy if you need to convey a vision or strategy — your team will be able to see the big picture and how everything fits together.

Concept map example roundup: 10 templates and design tips

Now for some examples, design tips and concept map templates ! 

Sidebar: you can edit any of the following templates with Venngage’s concept mapping software. Many of these templates are free to use, while others require a small monthly fee. Sign up is always free, as is access to Venngage’s user-friendly, drag-and-drop editor.   

This template uses one of the most popular formats for a concept map: the spider map (also called a spider diagram ). Spider concept maps feature a main topic in a central node with sub-concepts branching out in various directions. 

If you’re doing a brainstorming session , this type of concept map is a great choice. It gives you lots of flexibility, and you can keep extending your map as new ideas crop up. Alternatively, check out these brainstorming examples and techniques that can help boost problem-solving.

Design tip: create a stronger visual connection between your concepts by color-coating related nodes. For consistency, choose colors in similar tones (e.g. all pastels). Here’s a helpful guide for more advice on how to pick colors .   

Here’s an example of a concept map with a hierarchical structure. As you may have surmised, this format visualizes related concepts in a top-down fashion. The content here goes from general concepts to more specific ones the further down you read. 

Ideal for study or job aids , this particular template gives you plenty of space to include additional details about the relationship between concepts. 

Design tip: for legibility, try not to add more text to this template than the placeholder content showcases. If you need more space for your content, you can extend the page size in Venngage and add additional nodes, links and notes as needed. 

Another example of a spider concept map, this template gives you lots of room to elaborate on ideas and get creative. In addition to an intro and outro, it makes clever use of icons and illustrations to visualize the main concept and sub-concepts. 

All these elements give this concept map the feel of a bonafide infographic . All this to say, if you’re looking for an option to engage an audience, this template is a great choice.  

Design tip: when customizing the icons in this template (which you can do with a click in Venngage!), try and stick to one icon style. For example, if all your icons are flat, don’t add a three-dimensional icon to the mix. For more tips on styling icons, check out this post . 

I did say spider concept maps were the most popular! Here’s a more playful example of this concept map format. Again, icons paired with text make this template easy on the eyes, and of course, easy to understand. 

In educational settings, you could create a concept map like this to help students get a better understanding of a topic or study for an exam. In a business setting, this concept map could outline an organization or department’s structure. But really, you could customize this map for many different uses. 

Design tip: make sure you size your icons as consistently as possible. Consider both the positive space an icon takes up and the negative space (also called white space ) around it. If your icons are near other elements, it can actually be easier to gauge whether they’re sized properly by looking at the padding (space) around them, than just the icons themselves.  

For the minimalist in you, this template uses succinct terminology and simple arrows to convey a complex process. The hierarchical structure here makes this simple concept map a good option for visualizing cascading steps in a process, like protein synthesis.

But you could visualize any business process in this concept map template, too. Just click create to customize away! 

Design tip: not big on red? No biggie. You can swap out any of the colors in this template with your company’s brand-approved options. In fact, with a Venngage business account, you can even change colors with a click using My Brand Kit . 

Hierarchy abounds! This concept map example visualizes an even more complex system with many different branches and relationships. It features strategic flourishes: the background behind the main node and the icons atop the two first nodes draw the eye to the key concepts. 

Though used here for educational purposes, you could visualize anything from company structure to the competitive landscape with this template. 

Design tip: as a rule of thumb, stick to using a maximum of two to three typefaces per design, like in this example. Any more than that and your design may become messy! For more on choosing fonts, check out this guide . 

Recognize this content? Yup, it’s the same as the minimalist example we saw above, but the design of this concept map template has a totally different feeling. It’s clean and modern, while at the same time pops of color add visual interest. 

Again, the structure here would work for mapping any business process . 

Design tip: notice how this template uses just one icon to support the main idea. Consider this clutter-free approach for more complicated concepts where icons might just create confusion. 

Now for a new type of concept map! This example has what’s called a “system” structure. Similar to a flowchart , a system concept map branches out in a linear manner. The difference is, a system concept map is more free-form and can feature many different nodes and concept clusters.

System maps are great for mapping (you guessed it!) systems. This is a simpler example, but you can also use these types of concept maps to organize extremely complex systems, like you might encounter in software design.  

Design tip: a surefire way to make sure your color choices complement each other? Choose a one color and use varying shades of it, from dark to light. Find even more color selection tips here .  

On the system concept map theme, here’s another example with nodes going in multiple directions. Again, you can see how this type of concept map is more free-form — the nodes and links can go in any direction necessary to represent the relationships between concepts. 

You might use a diagram like this in a classroom or in a business setting with a few tweaks. 

Design tip: add a little depth to your concept map by playing with patterns and icons with dual toned icons. You can choose from many pre-made backgrounds in Venngage or import your own. Check out this post for some simple background inspiration .

Chemical reactions take two! Though a little less traditional, you could still classify this template as a spider concept map. Between the vibrant colors and the generous use of icons, it’s certainly an eye-catching design. 

If you have a lot of text to park and you’re looking for a more casual option, this concept map template is for you.

Design tip: choose a symmetrically balanced design like this one when all the elements in your composition have equal importance. Read up on the balance design principle here .

Concept map example FAQs

How do you make a concept map.

There’s no hard rules that dictate how to make a concept map . But there are some general guidelines you can follow when creating your own.

Start by identifying the core concept or topic you’d like to map out. It can help to turn this concept into a focus question to better define the problem you’re trying to solve.

Next, brainstorm a list of related concepts. Write everything down that comes to mind. Organize these concepts from least to most specific.

Now you’re ready to start creating your concept map. Copy your ideas into a concept map template, connecting them with lines or arrows and linking words as you go along.

Take a step back and consider whether there are any missing links, cross-links or concepts. Once you’re happy with the contents of your concept map, add graphics, like icons and illustrations, to clarify your ideas and make your map visually appealing. 

What are the types of concept maps?

There are four main types of concept maps : spider, hierarchy, flowchart and system.

• Spider concept maps feature a central concept with sub-concepts radiating outwards. This format is great for brainstorming or conveying simple concepts.  
• Hierarchical concept maps showcase a main concept on top with sub-concepts underneath. It follows that this type of map is a good choice for getting across the relative importance of concepts. 
• Flowchart concept maps organize concepts in a linear manner. Choose this type of concept map to outline processes and workflows.
• System concept maps are similar to flowcharts but more free-form with additional nodes and concept clusters. This type of concept map is the best choice for visualizing complex systems and data. 

What goes on a concept map?

Concept maps are made up of several key elements, including nodes (circles or squares that contain a concept), links (lines or arrows with words describing the connection between concepts) and cross-links (lines or arrows that connect concepts across a map).

A concept map may also include longer descriptions and examples, depending on the content at hand. It’s common for a concept map to feature visuals, like icons, illustrations and images as well. 

Is a bubble map a concept map?

Bubble maps and concept maps aren’t the same thing. In fact, they’re quite different. A bubble map may refer to an actual map that uses circles of different sizes to represent numeric values in various regions. Or, it may refer to a mind map style diagram that showcases related ideas.

Bubble chart mind maps are likely the version that get confused with concept maps. But as we’ve seen, concept maps also describe the relationship between concepts via linking words. Bubble maps lack linking words and the additional context they provide the reader. 

Concept maps aside, check out our guide on the best brainstorming tools that can be a game-changer for you and your team.

Make your own concept map in minutes with Venngage

You may have noticed many of the concept map examples we covered featured educational content… and this is no coincidence! 

Concept mapping has its roots in education. 

But nowadays, the practice is popular across many professions: product managers, business leaders, L&D professionals and more create concept maps to simplify information and stimulate innovation. After all, who doesn’t need to come up with new ideas? Or communicate existing ones, for that matter.

Ready to give concept mapping a try? Get a head start by choosing a Venngage template and make your own concept map for free.

Concept Maps

What are concept maps.

Concept maps are visual representations of information. They can take the form of charts, graphic organizers, tables, flowcharts, Venn Diagrams, timelines, or T-charts. Concept maps are especially useful for students who learn better visually, although they can benefit any type of learner. They are a powerful study strategy because they help you see the big picture: by starting with higher-level concepts, concept maps help you chunk information based on meaningful connections. In other words, knowing the big picture makes details more significant and easier to remember.

Concept maps work very well for classes or content that have visual elements or in times when it is important to see and understand relationships between different things. They can also be used to analyze information and compare and contrast.

Making and using concept maps

Making one is simple. There is no right or wrong way to make a concept map. The one key step is to focus on the ways ideas are linked to each other. For a few ideas on how to get started, take out a sheet of paper and try following the steps below:

• Identify a concept.
• From memory, try creating a graphic organizer related to this concept. Starting from memory is an excellent way to assess what you already understand and what you need to review.
• Go through lecture notes, readings and any other resources you have to fill in any gaps.
• Focus on how concepts are related to each other.

Your completed concept map is a great study tool. Try the following steps when studying:

• Elaborate (out loud or in writing) each part of the map.
• List related examples, where applicable, for sections of the map.
• Re-create your concept map without looking at the original, talking through each section as you do.

Examples of concept maps

Example 1 : This example illustrates the similarities and differences between two ideas, such as Series and Parallel Circuits. Notice the similarities are in the intersection of the 2 circles.

Example 2 : This example illustrates the relationship between ideas that are part of a process, such as a Food Chain.

Example 3 : This example illustrates the relationship between a main idea, such as climate change, and supporting details.

Example 4 : Outlining is a less visual form of concept mapping, but it might be the one you’re most familiar with. Outlining by starting with high-level course concepts and then drilling down to fill in details is a great way to determine what you know (and what you don’t know) when you’re studying. Creating an outline to start your studying will allow you to assess your knowledge base and figure out what gaps you need to fill in. You can type your outline or create a handwritten, color-coded one as seen in Example 5.

Additional study strategies

A concept map is one tool that you can use to study effectively, but there are many other effective study strategies. Check out these resources and experiment with a few other strategies to pair with concept mapping.

• Study Smarter, Not Harder
• Higher Order Thinking
• Metacognitive Study Strategies
• Studying with Classmates
• Reading Comprehension Tips

Make an appointment with an academic coach to practice using concept maps, make a study plan, or discuss any academic issue.

Attend a workshop on study strategies to learn about more options, get some practice, and talk with a coach.

How can technology help?

You can create virtual concept maps using applications like Mindomo , TheBrain , and Miro . You may be interested in features that allow you to:

• Connect links, embed documents and media, and integrate notes into your concept maps
• Search across maps for keywords
• See your concept maps from multiple perspectives
• Convert maps into checklists and outlines
• Incorporate photos of your hand-written mapping

Testimonials

Learn more about how a Writing Center coach uses TheBrain to create concept maps in our blog post, TheBrain and Zotero: Tech for Research Efficiency .

Works consulted

Holschuh, J. and Nist, S. (2000). Active learning: Strategies for college success. Massachusetts: Allyn & Bacon.

If you enjoy using our handouts, we appreciate contributions of acknowledgement.

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How to Improve Your Writing Using Concept Maps

Do you rely on your writing skills for your job? Are you a blogger that needs to be at the top of your game at all times, making sure your writing is concise, engaging, and unique? Does it feel as though you haven’t been hitting the mark as of late, and your readership numbers are suffering because of it?

The blogging industry is quite competitive in that if your content doesn’t appeal to readers, they will move on and find another blogger to read.

This means you don’t want to let things slide, and you want to work on the issue as soon as it becomes a problem.

So, if you’re suffering from a bit of a creative block/writer’s block or your writing just isn’t resonating with readers, then it’s time to improve your writing using concept maps. What are concept maps, and how can they help you? Let’s peel back the layers and take a look.

What Is a Concept Map?

Concept mapping is a creative and effective tool that people can use in all different jobs, with writing/blogging being one of them. This tool is meant to help you visualize various ideas and concepts to bring them together cohesively and effectively. It is a way to get all those random ideas and thoughts out of your head and start to flesh them out so you can build from them.

Part of what makes concept mapping so effective is that it’s a diagram, which means you can quickly see ideas and thoughts. These are connected and placed based on their priority level. Let’s say you have a blog you want to work on; your main concept or idea will be at the top of the graphic, with all other ideas stemming from it. It’s a form of brainstorming but allows for better organization of your ideas.

You Can Break Things Down to the Smallest Details

As you embark on your concept mapping journey, you may also be surprised to see how much detail it allows you to add. For example, you have that main story idea/concept, but then you can start to break the story down into sections, subsections, paragraphs, and so forth – getting as detailed as you want. Before you know it, you’ve formed an entire story that will weave together seamlessly since the concepts were all tied to one another.

It’s Meant for Those Who are Visual Learners

Many people consider themselves visual learners, meaning they need to see things in a diagram or graphic form to truly absorb them. If that sounds like you, then concept mapping will be a natural fit and could be why your writing is currently falling short.

Concept Mapping Can be Done Digitally

Another cool feature about concept maps is the fact they can be done digitally. There is no need to bring out a pad of paper and pencils, jotting down ideas and erasing them, basically creating a giant mess on the page. Digital concept maps allow for a streamlined and clean approach that ensures your ideas are prominent and perfectly planned out.

If you happen to be co-authoring a piece, you can even share these digital concept maps with them, allowing the two of you to brainstorm and collaborate in real-time. This can help ensure the writing is more cohesive.

Weave Keywords and Phrases Into the Story

Now let’s say your blog has a set of keywords and/or phrases that need to be included in it. Again, concept mapping can be beneficial. You will add those items to the map and then create ideas, phrases, and concepts that start to link everything together. It will ensure that the keywords feel natural and work with the blog or story.

Remember, your concept map can be expanded as much as you need or want, with ideas stemming from each other. Everything flows downward from the main theme/concept. The bigger the story, the bigger the concept map may need to be.

Don’t Forget Essential Details

As a writer, one of the worst things you can do is leave out essential details and information. This can happen by mistake once you get caught up in the moment and the piece. How many times have you published content only to realize after the fact you left something important out?

With concept mapping, everything is right there in front of you, you’ve got a visual blueprint of how the story needs to be structured, so there is no such thing as forgetting key details. The concept map ends up almost writing the story for you.

Give Your Writing the Boost It Needs

While writing may be something that comes naturally to you and that you excel at, it doesn’t mean every story is going to be a huge success. Sometimes you can feel as though the content missed the mark, it wasn’t your best work, and it lacked focus and cohesion. This is exactly where concept mapping comes into play, and it can have a massive impact on the quality of your writing.

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Using mind mapping and concept mapping for writing.

Jul 17, 2018 | Uncategorized

We all use writing for work, whether it’s our actual job title or we simply need to communicate intelligently to others. This post focuses on a writing project but can be used for any mind mapping or concept mapping project. Mind maps focus on one word or idea, while concept maps connect multiple ideas and focus on the relationships between.

You may remember using mind maps in school or for a personality or career exercise. They are great for expressing thoughts and getting ideas out quickly. Even if you don’t use it to connect relationships at a high level, the exercise itself is of significant value. It reveals more about our inner complex thoughts than more linear exercises. Mind maps are great for making connections, and can then morph to a more complex form. Here’s a simple map I made after watching Westworld. (I kept it basic to prevent any spoilers. 🙂 )

According to Wikipedia : “A mind map is a diagram used to visually organize information. A mind map is hierarchical and shows relationships among pieces of the whole. It is often created around a single concept, drawn as an image in the center of a blank page, to which associated representations of ideas such as images, words and parts of words are added. Major ideas are connected directly to the central concept, and other ideas branch out from those.”

Mindmaps are great for analyzing content, but what about creating content? How can we use this concept for brainstorming? I’m using a mind map to write my next book. Nothing is worse than a blank page when trying to write, so a mind map is fantastic at getting your ideas down without committing to anything. I typically will have an idea, and maybe some loose idea of a character and/or plot, but can’t seem to get going on a scene. By brainstorming freely with a few variables I can start expanding those ideas into a whole world of possibilities for the story, all the while keeping a structured overview approach.

The first step is to focus on what you are most passionate about. In this example, it’s about my story as a whole. I branch out with sections: Characters, Themes, Settings, and Plot. You can use this as a template, but I find that I like to just dive in, and then create the connections that are useful for me to explore.

I could stop there, but I’m not quite done. So, I expand the board even further and lose the “center” feel to it. This starts to look like a concept map, where different ideas and concepts connect with each other, without a specific sense of hierarchy and more about the relationships between. This is especially helpful when I feel my plot or storyline is feeling trite and I need a deeper construct that fully encompasses my characters, their destinies, and the point of the story.

According to Wikipedia : “Mind maps differ from concept maps in that mind maps focus on only one word or idea, whereas concept maps connect multiple words or ideas. Also, concept maps typically have text labels on their connecting lines/arms. Mind maps are based on radial hierarchies and tree structures denoting relationships with a central governing concept, whereas concept maps are based on connections between concepts in more diverse patterns. However, either can be part of a larger personal knowledge base system.”

What’s great about this approach is that I can create new boards and simply “copy cards with data” as a shortcut to create new boards that focus on a specific direction that I’ve created here. If I’m not sure my plot is really defined in a certain area, it becomes pretty obvious with lack of offshoots and I know right away which section to work on.

But here’s what really powerful: I’m using this to brainstorm and create, not just organize things. What I love about Cardsmith is the ability to grow my map and zoom out, just when things are looking a little too tight. I can keep adding and connecting to my cards in order to get my thoughts out, without getting bogged down by linear constraints.

Now that I have a clear view of how things may go, I can start to figure out the structure. In real life, I’d put these cards on a table and move things around to figure out a timeline. With Cardsmith, I can do this with a click. Switching to the “grid view” gives me a structural view to adapt my already created cards and move them to their appropriate columns and/or rows.

I can now section some of these off to focus on a specific scene if I want. My favorite tactic in the grid view is to move cards into sections or chapters so that I can start seeing the linear progression of the story. Now I have plenty to work with on my blank page (which isn’t so blank anymore) – or skip ahead to a section that I’m really excited to work through, without fear of losing my place in the story.

I can make notes in each card and then move them into different chapters as I work through mapping out the storyline. I can even add more cards to the grid view as needed and switch back to the free form view to reference my mind map, which is still completely intact. This is how you can use “idea mapping” or “brainstorming mapping” to write your next book or blog post. You can also use this process to solve any problem that has too many variables or complexity to immediately understand it. The visualization of the pieces becomes a map to guide you to a solution. Try it out yourself and see what new connections bubble to the surface!

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The Benefits of Mind Mapping for Writing (And How You Can Get Started Right Away)

Crafting a bestselling novel isn’t for the faint of heart. And not just because of all the writing, editing, and marketing. Trying to keep all those plot points, characters, settings, and other details straight can be a major challenge. And the further in you get, the more difficult it becomes. 

Fortunately, there is a way to streamline your writing process and reign in the complexity of your story’s world. Mind mapping for writing can help you get organized, stay focused, and write faster. And that means you’ll reach the finish line of your story sooner. 

But mind maps aren’t just for writing fiction. They can be used for all types of writing. And you don’t even need a stash of pen and paper. With mind mapping software at your side, you’ll be able to write better blog posts, research papers, and more .

Keep reading to discover how a mind mapping tool could be just the jumpstart your writing process has been needing.

What is mind mapping anyway?

Mind mapping is a technique that can be used to brainstorm ideas, organize your thoughts , or remember something more easily. The basic idea is to create a map of your thoughts by connecting related ideas with lines and arrows. This can help you to see the connections between different ideas and to remember information more effectively. 

Mind maps come in a variety of styles, from timeline mind maps to Venn diagrams . And each kind of graphic organizer offers unique benefits.

How can mapping be useful in writing fiction?

As any novelist knows, writing a book is no easy feat. You don’t just have to come up with a compelling story. You’ve also got to keep track of all the different characters and plot threads. 

Mind mapping can be a helpful tool for keeping everything organized. By creating a mind map, you can visualize the different elements of your story. 

For example, you might brainstorm story ideas for a single book or an entire series. Then, you could create a timeline mind map to give yourself a clear picture of when events take place. You could even include significant events that happened before or after your story. Mind maps can also help you flesh out your characters. They offer a place to describe them physically, psychologically, and in other ways. 

And with mind mapping software , you can even add images and links to show relationships to other characters or places.

How do you create a mind map for a story?

Want to know specifically how to mind map for fiction?

First, you’ll need to think through the kinds of mind maps you’ll need. Will character maps be beneficial? Could you use mind maps describing particular scenes or settings? Would a timeline be helpful? How about a mind map that divides your story into its various beats?

Once you’ve decided which mind maps will be best for your story, choose mind map templates that fit your need. Mindomo has a host of templates specifically for literature and writing. There, you’ll find everything from characterization study maps to story maps and more.

Once you’ve finished your mind maps, they can be used as a guide when writing the actual story. They’ll make it easy to ensure all of the important elements are included.

But a mind mapping tool won’t just help you keep each individual story straight. You can also use them to track your progress, setting yourself milestones for each section of the book. And if you ever get stuck, mind maps can provide a handy way to jump-start your creative juices. After all, they’re the perfect tool for brainstorming.

How can mind mapping be useful in other types of writing?

Maybe you’re not a fiction writer.  That doesn’t mean mind mapping isn’t for you. Mind mapping benefits extend to any type of writing.

Start by brainstorming your ideas and then organize them into categories. Once you have the structure of your post, use your mind map to identify your central topic. You can also use the mind map to come up with good ideas for supporting points. Then, you can add them as child branches on your map.

With a clear outline of your post or article, it will be much easier to write the actual content. And if there’s something you’d like to add or change while writing, simply update your mind map accordingly.

For maximum efficiency, you can also use a digital mind map for outlining and organizing the flow of the post. And you may even be able to create a mind map to illustrate your central topic or a supporting idea. Having all these elements at your fingertips will ensure that your blog posts are well thought out and organized. You can use mind mapping to structure an essay with ease.

With a mind map, you’ll save yourself from wasting valuable time and energy on unnecessary rewrites. Having a clear plan in place before starting your writing makes it much easier to stay organized. That way, you can produce better content faster. 

Use mind maps to structure your paragraphs:

Use mind mapping software like Mindomo to create mind maps

While mind mapping may sound like a complicated process, it can actually be quite simple. All you need is a piece of paper and a pen, and you can get started. However, pen and paper will only take you so far. If you really want to take full advantage of creating a mind map, you’ll need mind mapping software.

Mind mapping software like Mindomo makes it easy to create mind maps. You can start with a blank canvas or use one of the many mind map templates available. The software provides a variety of tools for adding text, images, links, and other information to your mind map. You can also customize the appearance of your mind map, including the color scheme, shape, font, size, and lines. Best of all, mind mapping is a fun and effective way to learn and remember information.

No matter what you’re looking to write, Mindomo has mind map examples and templates you can use to get started. Simply choose a template that fits your needs, add your own central topic, and edit it to your heart’s content.

That’s everything you need to know about creating a mind map for your next project.  From brainstorming ideas to tracking progress and getting organized, mind mapping can be a valuable tool for any type of writer. With the help of mind mapping software like Mindomo, you’ll be able to take your writing to the next level. 

So, what are you waiting for? Start mind mapping today and see how it can help you produce better stories, articles, and papers than ever before.

Keep it smart, simple, and creative! The Mindomo Team

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Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing: Concept Map

• Concept Map
• Select a Topic
• Develop a Research Question
• Identify Sources
• Thesis Statements
• Effective Paragraphs
• Introductions and Conclusions
• Quote, Paraphrase, Summarize
• Synthesize Sources
• MLA and APA
• Transitions
• Eliminate Wordiness
• Grammar and Style
• Resource Videos

Concept Maps

Create a concept map using your annotations and highlights of the text .

Define your map’s focus question and topic.  Your focus question guides your map in a certain direction.  What is the purpose of what you read? Your topic is  what  you are reading about.  

Create a list of relevant concepts, thoughts and implications of your topic as you read.  , think about the relationships between these concepts and begin to organize the list of concepts from broad to specific.  you can set a topic at the center, with supporting points and details branching outwards, or you can create a hierarchy, with  the  topic at the top and its components below.   , add links and cros s -links  between related concepts   and  label these links with words or phrases to  clarify  the relationship between concepts., color code, add symbols, and personalize to your map so that is meaningful to you..

Check out these free online Concept Mapping tools:

• Lucid Chart

Video by McLaughlin Library, University of Guelph, 2017 .

Concept Map Example

Map by Penn State University , Concept Maps iStudy Tutorial

• << Previous: Annotate
• Next: Research >>
• Last Updated: Aug 21, 2023 12:23 PM
• URL: https://libguides.lbc.edu/Introtoacademicreadingandwriting

ThinkWritten

How to Mind Map a Novel Plot

If the idea of a traditional outline seems intimidating, a mind map might just be the right solution for you. Mind Maps are great for brainstorming ideas, keeping organized, and can help you make progress in writing your book.

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If the idea of a traditional outline seems intimidating, creating a mind map for writing your novel might just be the right solution for you. In this post we’ll share the basic process of how to mind map a novel plot, as well as some tips to make it an effective plotting strategy that works for you.

What is a Mind Map and Why Should I Use One to Plot My Novel?

A mind map is a visual representation of ideas and how they all relate to one another. Mind maps are great for brainstorming ideas, keeping organized, and can help you make progress in writing your book.

While there are no set rules for what your mind map should look like, they generally do follow some basic similarities. Typically, a mind map is created on either a blank sheet of paper or on a blank screen if you are using a mind map software tool such as Scapple.

The mind map begins with a central topic in the middle, and then new ideas can be added, moved and connected to different ideas as you begin to brainstorm and think of different story lines.

Novel Plotting Mind Map Examples

One of the easiest ways to understand how to mind map your novel is to look at a few examples. With just a few different examples, you can easily see the many different ways a mind map can help you in brainstorming for ideas and organizing the flow of ideas!

Note: If you like these mind maps shown below, each of these mind map examples we use below were used with the software program Scapple from Literature & Latte – the same company which gives us every writer’s favorite software Scrivener. It’s one of my favorite writing tools!

Mind Map Novel Example #1: Little Red Riding Hood

In this example mindmap, we are looking at the familiar tale of Little Red Riding Hood. While the original story of course is not a novel with chapters, the storyline and plot is familiar enough that it will help you identify some of the different aspects of how we went about organizing the ideas in a mind map.

This first example of Little Red Riding Hood is a very structured method of mind mapping your novel. It lists the characters, the setting, the point of view, and a rough outline of the 6 main scenes/chapters I would include if I were writing this story as a book.

Using a mind map in this way is a great method to use when you already have a good understanding of your plot, characters, and the different scenes that will happen in your novel. Being able to move your different notes and connect them as needed gives you a lot of flexibility!

Mind Map Example #2: Half Baked Book: When You’re Not Sure What Your Book is About Yet

With our first example, we know the story of Little Red Riding Hood well and have a very good idea of how the story would unfold.  We knew the characters well enough in advance that I did not write out a lot of the details.

However, when you are starting with your very own novel and characters you created out of your imagination, it is helpful to just brainstorm every possible idea you have first – especially in the case of a “Half Baked Book” – when you have a seed of an idea, but don’t actually have a fully developed plot yet.

Using a mind map is a great way to get some ideas for who your main characters will be and what events will unfold. Once you get all of your ideas down, you can go back to clean up and organize the sequence of events and decide which ideas are worth keeping – and then of course move onto actually writing!

Here’s my initial brainstorm for a “half baked” book idea:

I started this mind map above by simply trying to figure out who my characters would be and what the setting would be. Then I thought of what was happening in this story – why is this story happening in the woods, and why are the characters there in the first place?

Before long, within about 10 minutes I had a whole idea for a novel!

While it’s not exactly a novel I think I am going to write anytime soon, it certainly was a fun creative exercise to challenge myself to come up with a novel plot like that on the fly using a mind map!

How to Mind Map Your Novel

Now that I’ve given you a couple of examples, learning how to mind map your novel is pretty simple. There are no straightforward “rules” about the wrong or right way to do this – and since it is entirely a fun creative writing exercise, you should absolutely have fun with it and go with whatever flows and works for you!

Here are the main steps to create your mind map:

Step 1: Choose Paper or Digital:

The two most common and easy ways to create a mind map is to either create it on actual physical paper, or to use mind mapping software like Scapple, which is what I use in the mindmap diagrams above.

There are benefits of choosing paper – you can draw, doodle, highlight, add color, add illustrations, etc. You are not limited to using just words and lines!

However, there are also benefits to using a mind mapping software such as Scapple. My favorite part about Scapple is that you can export your mind map data into an outline of all of your notes. This makes it super easy to move onto the outline process if you enjoy writing from a basic novel outline.

Once you have your format chosen, you are ready to get started!

Step #2: Start with a central topic in the middle of the page.

It helps to begin with creating a central topic in the center. This would generally be the working title of your story, or a summary of what the book would be about. For example, “Little Red Riding Hood” would work as a title for that if you were to mind map the entire story of Little Red Riding Hood.

Step #3: Create Sub-Topics:

The next step is to start creating sub-topics. You can organize sub-topics any way that works best for you.

For example, you may have a sub-topic for characters, and then a sub-topic for each character, and go even further with sub-topics for describing your character’s personality and traits.

In my half-baked novel mind map example above, you can see I even left notes that I wasn’t sure what to name my main character!

You can then do the same thing for plot, setting, themes, and any miscellaneous ideas you might have during the process.

There are no rules, so just keep going. One of the advantages to using a digital software program for mind mapping? You won’t run out of paper or space to keep those ideas flowing! You can also very easily move and re-arrange items, giving you a lot of flexibility during your creative writing brainstorm process.

6 Tips for Working With Mind Maps for Writing a Novel

Tip #1.  use colors.

Making your mind map colorful will keep it more exciting and interesting. You can use any color scheme you’d like. Most mind map software programs will allow you to customize the colors of lines and borders.

Using different colors can be helpful for organizing different thoughts and sections of the mind map – for example, you could use the color red to link together common themes or ideas, or the color blue to signify a specific character.

If working on paper, pull out those colored pencils and pens! Not only does this make it more exciting, but it helps exercise the creative side of your brain to get the ideas flowing freely.

Tip #2: Add Images if Desired

While Scapple does not have a way to insert images that I am aware of, there are many other online mind mapping software programs that will allow you to insert images. You can also always doodle some of your own pictures if working on paper.

Tip # 3. You Get to  Determine How Detailed it Needs to Be :

Some people suggest only writing a few words per line, while others may write full blown characterization summaries. It’s entirely up to you how much information your mind map contains!

If it seems overwhelming at first, short sentences and phrases are really all you need to get started. Don’t worry if you don’t have a whole lot of details just yet, especially if you are working with the “half baked novel” seed of an idea and don’t have a fully developed plot or list of characters yet.

If you’re not sure of all the details yet about who your main characters will be, using character development questions can be a helpful starting place. You will also probably feel A LOT better about the process if you read our other article on novel planning: How to Avoid Over Planning Your Novel .

Tip # 4. Remember Practice Makes Perfect :

Just like any new skill, practice will help you become better at making mind maps. Try to make it a regular practice for anytime you get an idea for a story idea.

Making a mind map is a great creative writing exercise to help your mind flow and relax to open up to new ideas and thoughts.

Up for a creative challenge to make more mind maps and incorporate them into your writing practice? Try creating a mind map from one of our creative writing prompts we feature on our website!

Tip #5. Try Both Digital and Paper Types of Mind Maps :

Some people prefer making them on the computer, while others enjoy drawing and coloring them out. Try them both to see what you like best.

Sometimes, I might even start one on the computer and then create another version of the same mind map on paper, because it really does seem to make a difference when your brain is stimulated while you are holding an actual pen or pencil in your hand!

If making on paper, using colored pencils or pens can really help stimulate the creative side of your brain.

You can also always possibly create a digital version of your mind map using a program like Scapple which will make for a very quick easy export to outline format when you go to actually sit down and start outlining and writing that novel!

Tip #6. Think of it as a Free Write:

Mind mapping needs no planning or special skills. Don’t dismiss any ideas you think of while creating your mind map and make a place for it on the map. Try to work quickly, as this will help with making associations.

Sometimes it can be helpful to set a timer, as this will ensure you don’t spend too much time thinking about it. The less thought you put into it and the more you treat it as a method of quickly capturing flowing ideas however the associations may come out of your brain – the more creative and beneficial your results can be!

Learning to mind map for novel planning, plotting, and character development can be a LOT of fun as a writer – and it can be a useful skill for many other types of writing as well. You can use this same process for memoirs, non-fiction books, and more!

Have any other tips for how to mind map a novel? Have you used the mind mapping process to brainstorm your book ideas or to plot a novel? We’d love to hear your experiences: Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.

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17 comments.

Excellent article! I recently bought a book on plotting called “Pen the Sword: the universal plot skeleton of every story ever told” by Adron J. Smitley. It’s improved my writing dramatically. Walks you through the entire process of plotting your novel from beginning to end through such easy steps anyone can use it to write a novel. I highly recommend Pen the Sword to any writer!

Thanks Marsha, we’ll have to check that one out!

Good read! I will definitely try mind mapping, it seems to be a great way to expand on half baked ideas. Just one thing about the images in Scapple: I had a look at it and found that inserting an image is as easy as dragging it from the explorer to the Scapple canvas. So don’t discard Scapple for that reason! 🙂

Good to know! Mind mapping definitely helps organize those ideas that are all over the place!

This was so helpful! I have been struggling to find a way to orient myself and my main character to my story. This helped so much. Thank you!

Glad it was helpful for you Amethyst! I love mind maps, it really helps to visualize where the story might go!

I really hope you add language Arabic

Hi Jafar, I am not fluent in Arabic, but if you have any suggestions on translating I’m happy to hear them!

These are truly great! It reminds me of the first mind mapping tool I used, GitMind.

All of your articles are amazing. Those are really helpful. Thank you so much for writing them. I started writing recently. I will follow your instructions as I found they are a really good way to write a novel.

Thank you, i think this is so important. I will make the mind map now, bcz now im inspire to make this mind map ^^ thx!!

Hi thank this is a great idea everyone in my family is doing it thank u again.

Thank you so much ma’am… amazing article…

Excellent piece! With short stories, I’ve always started (after having the germ of an idea) with handwritten notes, then written by the seat of my pants. Works fine, and I’ve sold a couple dozen stories.

But now I’m attempting longer, more complex pieces, and need a way to keep track of all the elements. Read a book about outlining, but most of it was the author lecturing me on what makes up a story and how to create an antagonist, etc. That, I don’t need instruction in. Just needed a little organization for when my mental whiteboard gets to complicated. What you’ve shown here looks what I need.

I’m glad you found it helpful! 🙂

I really love this Idea. I am going to try this.

Glad it inspired you Lisa!

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