Creating a Concept Map: A 2025 Guide in Simplified Terms
Concept mapping, a powerful diagramming technique, is gaining popularity as an effective way to organise information, visualise relationships between ideas, and actively construct new knowledge. This tool is not only beneficial for learners but also for businesses seeking to simplify complex processes and strategies.
Getting Started with Concept Mapping
The first step in creating a concept map is to decide on a topic or subject and turn it into a focus question. Once you have your focus question, create a 'parking lot' with all the key concepts you can think of, organising them by importance.
The Benefits of Concept Maps
Concept maps are versatile tools, useful for acquiring new knowledge, organising information, generating related ideas, problem-solving, strategising, and more. They are excellent brainstorming tools that can kick-start discussions and inspire fresh perspectives.
Using a Concept Mapping Platform
A popular platform for creating concept maps offers a user-friendly, drag-and-drop visual editor. With this platform, you can choose from various templates and customise them to your needs. Free account users can share a public link, but won't be able to export their maps. Premium and Business account holders, however, can download and save their maps as PNG, PNG HD, PDF, Interactive PDFs, PowerPoints, or in HTML format.
Building a Concept Map
A concept map is a diagram that depicts the relationships between ideas using nodes, links, and linking words. A node is a circle or square that contains a concept, while a link is a line or arrow that connects said nodes. Linking words add context by describing the relationship between nodes.
Tips for Creating Effective Concept Maps
Some tips for creating concept maps include starting with a focus question, creating a parking lot for ideas, making use of linking words, staying focused, getting descriptive, asking for feedback, and revisiting and revising the map.
The History of Concept Mapping
Unfortunately, information about who developed the idea of creating a platform for concept maps is not readily available. However, the concept of concept mapping itself has been around for many years, first introduced by psychologist and educational theorist, Dr. Joseph D. Novak, in the 1970s.
Alternatives to the Platform
If you prefer to use traditional software, you can create a concept map in Microsoft Word or PowerPoint using built-in shapes, text boxes, or the SmartArt feature. However, building a concept map on the platform's drag-and-drop visual editor is a much more streamlined process.
The Advantages of Concept Mapping for Businesses
Businesses can benefit from concept maps in many ways, including visualising the different factors that go into the product development process and getting a holistic view of a company's operations and strategies. Concept maps are also excellent tools for business strategy sessions, helping teams to understand and learn new information, organise and recall facts, visualise strategies, simplify complex thoughts, and generate brand new ideas.
In conclusion, concept mapping is a valuable tool for both learners and businesses alike. Whether you're studying for an exam, brainstorming new ideas, or strategising for your business, a concept map can help you organise your thoughts, visualise relationships, and create a clear path to success. To get started, simply register for a free account on the concept mapping platform and begin your journey towards effective learning and strategic planning.
