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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.
The concept mapping template helps you:
- Collaboratively brainstorm ideas and make connections between concepts
- Build a deeper understanding of your subject area across your whole team
- Organize your ideas into a structured diagram
- Create a shared resource that can be referenced and updated in the future
How to use the concept mapping template
Here’s how to get the most out of the Mural concept mapping template:
Step 1: Define your subject area
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.
Step 2: Gather all your stakeholders
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.
Step 3: Brainstorm initial concepts
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.
Step 4: Map your concepts and related ideas
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?
Step 5: Make connections and groups
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.
Tips for running a concept mapping exercise
Mural’s concept mapping template works best when you:
- Clearly define the main concept or subject area for all stakeholders at the outset
- Use features like private mode and timer to avoid groupthink and keep your session moving
- Analyze your feedback and create action items based on themes or groups
Mural makes it easy to collaborative brainstorm and map concepts with your team
Sticky notes & text
Add ideas, action items, and more as a sticky note or text box — then change the colors and cluster to identify patterns and new solutions.
Mapping and diagramming
Build quick and easy visualizations of flows, maps, processes, hierarchies, journeys, and more.
Commenting
Add comments and tag collaborators for smooth asynchronous communication.
Private mode
Avoid groupthink and get authentic feedback by allowing collaborators to add content privately.
Real-time collaboration
Add more productivity and engagement to meetings and calls with features to guide collaboration.
Timer
Keep collaboration moving forward with a timer to structure and time-box activities.
What are concept maps?
How do I create a concept map?
Where can I create a concept map for free?
LUMA offers acclaimed in-person training, custom innovation programs, and a unique digital platform (LUMA Workplace), used by innovators in over 70 countries. Leading organizations around the globe rely on the LUMA System of Innovation — a practical, flexible, and scalable approach to Human-Centered Design.
