mindmap
Branching idea chart
A mindmap is a diagram that organizes information visually around a central concept, with related ideas branching outward like limbs from a trunk.
The format encourages free association and nonlinear thinking, making it popular for brainstorming, note-taking, and planning: I drew a mindmap to sort out my ideas for the project.
Also written as two words: mind map.
Diagram showing workflow steps
- diagramSimplified explanatory sketch
- chartData shown visually
- graphVisual data display
- outlineSummary of key elements
layout · schema · structure · framework · tree · nodes · branches · connections
Forming mental concepts
- brainstormingGenerating many ideas freely
- freeformUnconstrained by structure
- divergentDeviating from the norm
- spontaneityActing without forethought
exploration · brainwave · generative · clustering · nonlinear · expansive · associative · open-ended
Assign to distinct groups
- classifyArrange by shared traits
- organizePut into systematic order
- structureArrangement of interconnected parts
- prioritizeRank by importance
group · sort · cluster · arrange · hierarchy · themes · topics · subtopics
Hasty informal drawing
- illustrateExplain through depiction
- depictRepresent through art
- representStand in for
- envisionPicture in thought
conceptualize · picture · overview · big-picture · bird's-eye · snapshot · clarity · simplify
flowchart
Diagram showing workflow steps
outline · layout · schema · structure · framework · tree · nodes · branches · connections · links
ideation
Forming mental concepts
- brainstormingGenerating many ideas freely
- freeformUnconstrained by structure
- divergentDeviating from the norm
spontaneity · exploration · brainwave · generative · clustering · nonlinear · expansive · associative · open-ended · unstructured
categorize
Assign to distinct groups
- classifyArrange by shared traits
- organizePut into systematic order
- structureArrangement of interconnected parts
prioritize · group · sort · cluster · arrange · hierarchy · themes · topics · subtopics · breakdown
sketch
Hasty informal drawing
- illustrateExplain through depiction
- depictRepresent through art
- representStand in for
envision · conceptualize · picture · overview · big-picture · bird's-eye · snapshot · clarity · simplify · summarize
notes
Brief written records
recall · memory · learning · keywords · summary · review · comprehension · retention · Cornell · annotation
project
Planned, effortful task
roadmap · strategy · workflow · process · milestones · steps · phases · timeline · delegation · resources
- Prewritingbrainstorming, outlining, freewriting, clustering, drafting
mindmapoutline
Summary of key elements
bullet points · numbered list · prose · timeline · spreadsheet