Visualize the connections between concepts within a given topic area
Use this framework to untangle the pieces and parts of a complex topic. Map a concept of an upcoming project, an unfamiliar industry or domain, or just visualize a concept on your mind. This LUMA System™ template allows you to deepen your understanding of a topic by gathering and organizing all of the associated concepts in a shared digital space.
In a concept mapping session, it’s important to involve stakeholders with different backgrounds, so that you can gain insights from various perspectives, including subject matter experts. Through visualizing the connections between concepts, you can foster better cross-functional collaboration while gaining a fuller understanding of a topic.
Here’s how to get the most out of the Mural concept mapping template:
The first step is to clearly define the subject that you’re looking to analyze with your concept map. This subject will sit at the center of the map, with related concepts radiating outward.
To ensure that you have all the perspectives and connections covered, it’s important to get all the relevant stakeholders involved from the outset. This will save time and avoid wasted effort in the long run, as problems will be identified early in the process, allowing you to make better decisions from the beginning.
Brainstorm and list all the related concepts tied to your subject area with your team. This requires engagement and feedback from all team members to ensure that no potentially relevant concepts are missed.
Map your concepts in relation to the central subject area. Which concepts are the most closely related to the subject? How do concepts interrelate to one another? What patterns or themes emerge across concepts that may help in crafting solutions? Are there more ideas related to the initial concepts that could play a role?
Use lines to connect related ideas and concepts to see how they fit together or affect one another, and use color coding or grouping to show themes or patterns across your ideas. This will help with creating actionable next steps.
Mural’s concept mapping template works best when you:
Concept maps are visual tools used to organize and connect ideas and concepts related to a central topic or subject. They are often used collaboratively in group settings to brainstorm ideas and facilitate discussion.
By mapping out the relationships between different concepts, users gain a deeper understanding of the subject area and can easily see how different ideas and concepts are related. This can help with problem solving and decision making, as well as fostering better cross-functional collaboration.
To create a concept map, you should first define the subject or topic that you want to explore. Then, brainstorm and list all the related concepts that are tied to your subject area with your team.
Next, map your concepts in relation to the central subject area and use lines to connect related ideas and concepts to see how they fit together or affect one another. You can also use color coding or grouping to show themes or patterns across your ideas.
By visualizing the connections between concepts, you can foster better cross-functional collaboration while gaining a fuller understanding of a topic.
Mural offers a free plan, which allows you to invite unlimited visitors (included with every membership). It’s easy to get started with Mural — create your account and use this free and editable template to kickstart your best concept mapping exercise yet.
Mural is the only platform that offers both a shared workspace and training on the LUMA System™, a practical way to collaborate that anyone can learn and apply.