Concept mapping is an essential tool for designers, strategists, and problem-solvers to make sense of complex systems. It sacrifices strict accuracy for comprehensibility, helping users visualize, organize, and prioritize information effectively. Whether you’re tackling a “wicked problem” or designing an innovative product, concept mapping offers a structured way to translate ideas into actionable insights.
What Is a Concept Map?
A concept map is a visual representation of a system. It:
- Visualizes both the forest and the trees – showing details while keeping the big picture in focus.
- Lacks a clear beginning or end, enabling flexible navigation.
- Provides direction and instruction, guiding users to explore connections.
- Forces abstraction and prioritization, promoting clarity.
- Combines visual (perception) and semantic (cognition) tools, offering a comprehensive understanding of systems.
- Represents mental and manifest models, showing how a user perceives a system or how a designer intends it to work.
How to Create a Concept Map
- Start with a Collection of Terms or Themes
Gather data from interviews, user research, or brainstorming sessions. Write down terms that reflect key elements of the system. - Create a Matrix
Plot terms against each other in a matrix. Look for relationships between them, interpreting how they connect or interact. - Identify Main Branches
Find the most frequent and meaningful connections. Use these as the backbone of your map. - Build the Structure
Turn your matrix into a visual representation. Use bubbles (nodes) for terms and connect them with lines, using verbs or prepositions to describe relationships. - Enhance with Visual Design
Add clarity and accessibility by organizing and styling the map to highlight important details.
Why Use Concept Mapping?
Concept mapping is particularly helpful for:
- Understanding complex systems and their boundaries.
- Translating written requirements into design schemas.
- Creating a visual/verbal narrative structure to share ideas.
- Supporting collaboration by aligning team members around shared mental models.
Resources for Getting Started
To dive into concept mapping, we’ve provided two resources to guide you:
