How to create effective concept maps: a guide for teams

What is a concept map?

A concept map is a visual representation that illustrates the relationships between different concepts, ideas, or information. Concept maps typically portray ideas as boxes or circles, known as nodes, and organize them hierarchically with interconnected lines or arrows, known as arcs. 

These lines have annotated words and phrases that describe the relationships to help understand how concepts connect. To create concept maps, start by identifying the main idea, then add related subtopics around it, connecting them with lines and descriptive labels to structure and organize information visually.

Concept map key features

While concept maps share similarities with other visual tools, they possess distinct features that set them apart. These characteristics contribute to their effectiveness in organizing information and visually representing relationships between ideas. Below are the essential components of a concept map and how they work together. Using a concept map template can simplify creating concept maps by providing ready-made designs and customization options. 

Concepts

Concepts are the fundamental thoughts, ideas, or topics within the map. They serve as the building blocks for organizing information. For example, if a concept map represents a business plan, it could include concepts like marketing strategies, financial planning, supply chain management, and other critical components of the business strategy.

Linking words or phrases

Linking words or phrases describe the relationship between connected concepts. They allow the viewer to understand the flow of information and how the nodes interconnect. Examples of linking words or phrases include “is a part of,” “leads to,” “requires,” and “is dependent on.”

Propositional structure

Propositions are statements that combine two or more concepts using linking words. Also known as semantic units or units of meaning, they form the basis for generating new knowledge within a specific domain. 

Visually depicting interconnected propositions contributes to a greater understanding of the subject matter. For example, in a business plan, a propositional structure connecting two concepts could look like “marketing strategies increase brand awareness.” This propositional structure facilitates new knowledge creation by visually depicting interconnected propositions.

Hierarchical structure

The hierarchical structure positions the most general and inclusive concepts at the top and arranges more specific concepts underneath. Reading the concept map from top to bottom provides an understanding of concepts from broader categories to more detailed and specific ones. In a business plan example, the overall business strategy would be at the top level, followed by sub-levels such as marketing strategy, finance, and human resources.

Parking lot

The parking lot is an area for unrelated ideas. It's a ranked list, starting with the most general concepts and moving to the most specific. It serves as a holding space for ideas until you can determine their appropriate places in the concept map.

Cross-links

Cross-links represent connections between concepts in distinct areas of the map. They enable the visualization of relationships between ideas from diverse domains. For example, in a concept map for a business plan, you may cross-link market research and financial forecasting (under financial planning), as insights gained from market research can inform your forecasting and budgeting decisions. Cross-links enable creative thinking by allowing individuals to see connections between diverse ideas and engage in creative processes.

Benefits of using concept maps

Concept maps offer various benefits for teams of every size. Teams can use concept maps to enhance their understanding of complex ideas and the relationships between multiple concepts. Creating visual representations allows for a deeper comprehension of the subject matter, making it easier to grasp finite details and overarching themes.

Concept maps also improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills by helping teams identify relationships and patterns within the information. This structure aids in retaining and recalling information as it is stored meaningfully. Additionally, concept maps facilitate collaboration and communication among team members by providing a shared visual representation of knowledge, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Types of concept maps

The implementation and arrangement of concept maps can vary. Here are four primary types of concept maps:

• Spider maps: Also known as spider diagrams, these concept maps resemble a spider web. The central concept is in the center, and the related topics branch out. This type is most effective when delving into different aspects of a central idea.
• Flowcharts: A flowchart is a visual depiction of a process or workflow. Its linear structure guides readers through the information step-by-step.
• System maps: Rather than connecting all ideas to a central concept, a system map concentrates on the relationships between ideas without a clearly defined hierarchical structure.
• Hierarchy maps: Hierarchy maps illustrate rank or position. The primary idea or the concept with the highest rank sits at the top while lower-ranking ideas flow underneath in a structured manner.

How to make a concept map

Creating a concept map is a straightforward process that allows teams to visualize and organize complex information. Following these steps, you can develop a clear and cohesive map that effectively represents relationships between key ideas.

• Identify the focus question: Define a specific, straightforward focus question or central topic. This will guide the entire concept map and ensure relevance.
• Identify critical concepts: List the essential concepts related to your focus question. You can gather these through research, brainstorming, or prior knowledge. Arrange them in a temporary “parking lot” to prioritize later.
• Structure the map: Begin organizing the concepts into a hierarchical format, placing the broadest, most general ideas at the top. Use linking words to describe relationships between concepts, ensuring clarity and cohesion.
• Refine and connect: Review the map to ensure accuracy. Cross-check for clear relationships between concepts, and use cross-links to connect related concepts across different areas of the map.
• Revise and expand: As new ideas emerge, adjust and expand the map to ensure it stays relevant and comprehensive.

This systematic approach ensures that your concept map remains focused, well-organized, and adaptable. It will help your team make better decisions, identify patterns, and refine their understanding as new insights arise.

How to use a concept map

Concept maps are highly versatile tools for problem-solving, planning, and communication. Here's how to use them effectively:

• Brainstorming and idea generation: Use a concept map to capture all ideas around a central question or problem visually. This allows your team to explore different angles and connections between ideas, encouraging creative thinking.
• Organizing information: Once the brainstorming session is complete, use the concept map to structure the ideas logically. Arrange the key concepts hierarchically and show their relationships using linking words. This helps to clarify how different ideas or tasks relate to one another.
• Decision-making: When faced with a complex decision, a concept map can visually outline the factors, options, and possible outcomes. By mapping out these relationships, you can assess the consequences and make more informed decisions.
• Problem-solving: Concept maps help teams break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts. Visualizing these parts and their relationships makes identifying root causes and potential solutions easier.
• Collaboration and communication: Use the concept map as a shared visual reference during team discussions. This ensures everyone is on the same page and helps align team members toward common goals. The map can evolve as more ideas are generated, enabling continuous collaboration.
• Learning and knowledge sharing: Concept maps are excellent for training and onboarding new team members. You can help others understand and retain information more effectively by visually representing key ideas and their relationships.

Whether brainstorming, organizing tasks, or solving problems, concept maps are flexible tools that improve individual and team performance. By applying them in these practical ways, you can streamline communication, enhance understanding, and foster collaboration across your company.

Concept map applications

Concept mapping has applications across various fields, making it a versatile tool for knowledge creation and organization. Here are some ways businesses can apply concept maps:

• Product development: Teams can use concept maps to organize and visualize ideas, features, and requirements in a brainstorming session.
• Project management: By organizing tasks, mapping dependencies, and displaying the project timeline, teams can better visualize the project life cycle.
• Sales funnel: Sales teams can use a concept map to visualize and optimize the sales funnel, mapping the customer journey from lead generation to conversion.

Concept maps are invaluable tools for teams of every size. They help individuals and businesses better understand complex ideas, enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and facilitate collaboration and communication.

Use Confluence whiteboards for concept mapping

Use Confluence whiteboards for collaborative concept mapping. Confluence whiteboards are essential for any collaborative culture, enabling teams to create and work together freely on an infinite canvas. They bring flexibility to projects, supporting teams as they move from idea to execution. When the concept map is finalized, teams can quickly ship it to all relevant stakeholders.

Confluence whiteboards bridge the gap between where teams think and where teams do. Brainstorming with Confluence whiteboards helps teams organize their work visually and turn ideas into reality, all within a single source of truth.

Use free concept map template in Confluence

What is the difference between mind mapping and concept mapping?

While mind mapping and concept mapping are visual techniques for organizing and representing information, they have fundamental differences. Mind maps organize thoughts for brainstorming and problem-solving, while concept maps organize thoughts to emphasize the connections between ideas.

A mind map tends to be more free-flowing and lacks a hierarchy, while a concept map has a structured layout representing relationships and hierarchy. Prior knowledge is crucial for effectively using mind maps and concept maps to organize and connect ideas.

What is the best tool for concept mapping?

The best concept mapping tool depends on your collaboration requirements and ease of use. To bring your work together in a single source of truth, quickly provide access to all contributors, and turn your ideas into reality, try the concept map maker in Confluence whiteboards.

Can I collaborate on a concept map?

Yes, collaboration is possible on a concept map. A concept map is a productive tool for gathering insights from multiple contributors, especially when using a dedicated platform that supports collaborative editing, such as Confluence whiteboards.