25 Mind map ideas and examples for easy visualization

Summary/Overview

Levels

What is mind mapping?

A mind map is essentially a diagram used to gather information into a hierarchy, wherein the relationships between individual items are clearly visible as pieces of a greater whole. Mind mapping is used as a tool to brainstorm, especially to pull out more detailed ideas that are within a larger concept and is best for visual thinkers.

Mind maps have a very simple structure that can easily be added to or built upon based on how many ideas are in development. The three elements of a mind map are:

Topics, which are represented by the central concept that anchors all subtopics
Subtopics, which can be drawn back to the main topic either directly or by connections to other subtopics
Connecting lines, or associations between subtopics

What are mind maps used for?

Due to their simplicity, mind mapping is a useful tool for almost anything, but especially:

Brainstorming
Planning
Organizing
Structuring documents
Presenting
Studying
Taking notes
Summarizing
Reporting

How to create a mind map:

Begin with the central topic at hand. What would you like to better understand or organize for yourself or your team? Make that concept the central topic around which the mind map will be built.
From that central topic, draw out subtopics that belong under the umbrella of the main topic but have a specialized or focused element to them.
Connect subtopics as they relate to one another and continue to build upon your map until you feel like you’ve gained additional understanding for your original topic quandary.
Share with your friends, family, or co-workers for feedback or to create more mind maps together!

What is the best type of mind map?

Mind maps are a useful tool for pulling apart ideas for more inspiration, and the visual learning at hand can help improve your memory. Adobe Express has a diverse array of free customizable mind map templates for you to use, whatever your needs. The templates provided in this post are pre-filled, so feel free to try a few out and see what design works best for your purposes.