{"id":51395,"date":"2021-03-31T19:41:23","date_gmt":"2021-03-31T19:41:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging-mondaycomblog.kinsta.cloud\/?post_type=pm&p=51395"},"modified":"2026-08-30T04:43:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T09:43:54","slug":"mind-map-app","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/project-management\/mind-map-app\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a mind map app and how do you use it?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You probably know what a mind map is, even if you don\u2019t think you do.<\/p>\n

Have you ever seen a movie where a detective is trying to investigate a massive conspiracy?<\/p>\n

The detective in that movie is trying to understand how several different ideas fit together. So, they tack a bunch of pictures to a bulletin board, then connect them with pieces of string.<\/p>\n

As they connect more concepts, new things occur to them. They make notes on the board so they won\u2019t forget.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s mind mapping: the art of visually representing the pieces of an overarching idea.<\/p>\nMuch like the conspiracy always leads to a big boss, a mind map has a hierarchy. It\u2019s a way to show how ideas break down and come back together.<\/span><\/a>\n

In 2021, we don\u2019t have to use pins and strings anymore. Whether taking down a crime ring or coming up with new SaaS features, we can use mind mapping software<\/a> tailor-made for brainstorming.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll show you what makes up the perfect mind map app.<\/p>\n

Get started with monday.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Why is mind mapping useful?<\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s start by examining the idea of mind maps in more detail.<\/p>\n

Every mind map starts with a central idea.<\/p>\n

The theme can be as short as one word, like \u201cGrowth,\u201d or as long as \u201cMarketing plan for version 3.0 launch.\u201d<\/p>\n

It can be as general as \u201cParty planning\u201d or as specific as \u201cDave\u2019s 35th birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n

The theme is the reason you made the mind map. What idea do you want to unpack, explore, develop? What question do you need answers to?<\/p>\n

Whatever you choose, make sure it\u2019s open-ended. This isn\u2019t a flowchart. Try to avoid yes\/no questions.<\/p>\n

In a minute, we\u2019ll go into more detail about how to choose the right starting topic. For now, all you need to know is that this concept sits at the top of your mind map\u2019s hierarchy.<\/p>\n

The next step is to expand that idea by adding ideas associated with it.<\/p>\n

Then you add new ideas that your mind connects to those ideas.<\/p>\n

As you create a visual display of all the information you\u2019re considering, take note of any unexpected possibilities that arise. We guarantee that the more you add to your mind map, the more ideas will flow \u2014 as if by magic.<\/p>\n

Well, it feels like magic. It\u2019s actually just psychology.<\/p>\n

When you write something down, your brain no longer has to expend energy to remember it. That makes you more comfortable thinking about that concept.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019re not so focused on remembering things, you\u2019ve got more energy to process them.<\/p>\n

In fact, the best way to encourage creativity is to cut down the number of things you have to think about as far as possible.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why you have your best ideas in the shower. Because what\u2019s going to distract you in there?<\/p>\n

Visually organizing your information frees you up to devote all your brainpower to processing it. The physical aspect of a mind map also encourages you to make connections that wouldn\u2019t otherwise have occurred to you.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In that way, using a mind mapping tool becomes a kind of brainstorming. You\u2019re seeking inspiration by removing your preconceived notions of what knowledge is valuable.<\/p>\n

\"monday.com<\/p>\n

The mind map format is designed to present keywords in ways that open up new possibilities.<\/p>\n

The use cases are practically endless. You can plan a party, outline an essay, come up with a new art project, or create a wildly original marketing plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How? By following the steps below.<\/p>\n

How do I make a mind map?<\/h2>\n

Regardless of which mind mapping software you select \u2014 or even if you choose to draw it out freehand \u2014 the basic steps remain the same:<\/p>\n

1. Start with a central theme<\/h3>\n

Here\u2019s how to isolate your central theme.<\/p>\n

Consider what problem you made the mind map to solve.<\/p>\n

Say you need a marketing plan that will bring your SaaS platform more users.<\/p>\n

You could center your mind map around \u201cmarketing plan.\u201d But that\u2019s not the root of the reason you\u2019re making a mind map.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re not coming up with a marketing plan because it sounded fun. You need something: user engagement.<\/p>\n

The farther you drill down, the more concepts \u2014 and potential ideas \u2014 you have access to.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve selected your concept, place it in the middle of a blank page. You\u2019re on your way!<\/p>\n

2. Add immediate associations<\/h3>\n

Now, do some freeform word association. A mini-brainstorming session, if you will. When you think about customer engagement<\/a>, what words come to mind?<\/p>\n

\u201cExcitement\u201d is a valid answer. So are \u201creviews,\u201d \u201cpassion,\u201d \u201cawesome,\u201d \u201clove,\u201d and \u201cprofit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whenever a word strikes you as worth exploring further, write it down in a space near the central concept. Then connect the 2 with a line.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t go deeper for now. Come up with immediate associations until you have 4\u20136 words you\u2019re happy with.<\/p>\n

At this stage, use short keywords. Small pictures also work. Avoid longer sentences \u2014 the idea is to maintain a high potential for new ideas, while holding as much information in one snapshot as possible.<\/p>\n

3. Add the next level of associations<\/h3>\n

Now it\u2019s time to repeat the process with every word you came up with in step 2.<\/p>\n

As before, focus on adding new keywords to one word at a time. Come up with several for one word before moving to another one.<\/p>\n

Take a step back and look at your whole mind map. It should look a bit like the crown of a tree, with \u201cbranches\u201d coming off a \u201ctrunk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"screenshot<\/p>\n

(Image Source<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Get started<\/a><\/p>\n

Each branch represents a complete concept. The farther you go along each branch, the more likely you are to encounter something unexpected.<\/p>\n

And the unexpected is exactly what you\u2019re looking for: that spark of inspiration that will set your mind ablaze.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re working with mind map software, try moving each concept around so that it\u2019s near several other keywords in turn (this is especially fun on an iPad).<\/p>\n

At this stage, feel free to use slightly longer words to get your point across. Make sure that if you leave the mind map then come back, you\u2019ll understand what you meant an hour ago.<\/p>\n

Although you can keep going indefinitely, we recommend staying within 4\u20135 layers for your first mind map. Once you drill that deep, step back and get the big picture.<\/p>\n

4. Color-code and add images<\/h3>\n

Color-coding helps make concept maps easier to comprehend as a whole.<\/p>\n

Use colors to distinguish parts of your mind map. You can have each branch be its own color, so it\u2019s easy to see which ideas originate from which primary associations.<\/p>\n

Or you can make each layer its own color, so you can tell at a glance what level of depth a certain idea comes from.<\/p>\n

Images can serve to jog your memory and help you digest information more quickly. However, we recommend using them in conjunction with text. You don\u2019t want to waste mental energy decoding a hieroglyph.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019re finished coloring, step back and let the ideas flow.<\/p>\n

What is the best mind mapping app?<\/h2>\n

The question \u201cWhat\u2019s the best mind mapping tool?\u201d has one clear answer: \u201cthe one that works for you.\u201d<\/p>\nWe realized that if people have the power to build their own tools, they\u2019ll always make the best one possible. Nobody knows what you need better than you do.<\/span><\/a>\n

So instead of our own mind mapping software, we created the monday.com app builder<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"monday.com<\/p>\n

With our low-code apps framework, you can build your own custom tools, including the perfect mapping app<\/a> for your team.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve built it, you can connect it to other aspects of your business.<\/p>\n

For example, you could have all the concepts in your mind map fed automatically into a collaborative text document, so you and your team can start turning your ideas into a plan.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s what we like to call the monday.com Work OS: not just personalized tools, but personalized workflows to connect them.<\/p>\n

You can also see any template in the form of a mind map with our new mindmap view<\/a> feature.<\/p>\n

monday.com puts control into your hands, so you can design the best mind mapping app for your team.<\/p>\n

Use mind maps to organize ideas and spark creativity<\/h2>\n

A mind map is a simple diagram of visual connections that helps you wring more use out of the information you\u2019ve got.<\/p>\n

In a way, every part of monday.com is built for that same purpose.<\/p>\n

We strongly believe that organizing information isn\u2019t just about storing it. It\u2019s about putting information to work.<\/p>\n

Check out monday.com today, and start building more creative<\/a> apps and workflows.<\/p>\n

Get started<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":"You probably know what a mind map is, even if you don\u2019t think you do.\r\n\r\nHave you ever seen a movie where a detective is trying to investigate a massive conspiracy?\r\n\r\nThe detective in that movie is trying to understand how several different ideas fit together. So, they tack a bunch of pictures to a bulletin board, then connect them with pieces of string.\r\n\r\nAs they connect more concepts, new things occur to them. They make notes on the board so they won\u2019t forget.\r\n\r\nThat\u2019s mind mapping: the art of visually representing the pieces of an overarching idea.\r\n\r\n[twitter]Much like the conspiracy always leads to a big boss, a mind map has a hierarchy. It\u2019s a way to show how ideas break down and come back together.[\/twitter]\r\n\r\nIn 2021, we don\u2019t have to use pins and strings anymore. Whether taking down a crime ring or coming up with new SaaS features, we can use mind mapping software<\/a> tailor-made for brainstorming.\r\n\r\nIn this article, we\u2019ll show you what makes up the perfect mind map app.\r\n

[cta-button url=\"https:\/\/auth.monday.com\/users\/sign_up_new\" target=\"_blank\"]Get started with monday.com[\/cta-button]<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Why is mind mapping useful?<\/h2>\r\nLet\u2019s start by examining the idea of mind maps in more detail.\r\n\r\nEvery mind map starts with a central idea.\r\n\r\nThe theme can be as short as one word, like \u201cGrowth,\u201d or as long as \u201cMarketing plan for version 3.0 launch.\u201d\r\n\r\nIt can be as general as \u201cParty planning\u201d or as specific as \u201cDave\u2019s 35th birthday.\u201d\r\n\r\nThe theme is the reason you made the mind map. What idea do you want to unpack, explore, develop? What question do you need answers to?\r\n\r\nWhatever you choose, make sure it\u2019s open-ended. This isn\u2019t a flowchart. Try to avoid yes\/no questions.\r\n\r\nIn a minute, we\u2019ll go into more detail about how to choose the right starting topic. For now, all you need to know is that this concept sits at the top of your mind map\u2019s hierarchy.\r\n\r\nThe next step is to expand that idea by adding ideas associated with it.\r\n\r\nThen you add new ideas that your mind connects to those ideas.\r\n\r\nAs you create a visual display of all the information you\u2019re considering, take note of any unexpected possibilities that arise. We guarantee that the more you add to your mind map, the more ideas will flow \u2014 as if by magic.\r\n\r\nWell, it feels like magic. It\u2019s actually just psychology.\r\n\r\nWhen you write something down, your brain no longer has to expend energy to remember it. That makes you more comfortable thinking about that concept.\r\n\r\nOnce you\u2019re not so focused on remembering things, you\u2019ve got more energy to process them.\r\n\r\nIn fact, the best way to encourage creativity is to cut down the number of things you have to think about as far as possible.\r\n\r\nThat\u2019s why you have your best ideas in the shower. Because what\u2019s going to distract you in there?\r\n
Visually organizing your information frees you up to devote all your brainpower to processing it. The physical aspect of a mind map also encourages you to make connections that wouldn\u2019t otherwise have occurred to you.<\/blockquote>\r\nIn that way, using a mind mapping tool becomes a kind of brainstorming. You\u2019re seeking inspiration by removing your preconceived notions of what knowledge is valuable.\r\n\r\n\"monday.com\r\n\r\nThe mind map format is designed to present keywords in ways that open up new possibilities.\r\n\r\nThe use cases are practically endless. You can plan a party, outline an essay, come up with a new art project, or create a wildly original marketing plan<\/a>.\r\n\r\nHow? By following the steps below.\r\n

How do I make a mind map?<\/h2>\r\nRegardless of which mind mapping software you select \u2014 or even if you choose to draw it out freehand \u2014 the basic steps remain the same:\r\n

1. Start with a central theme<\/h3>\r\nHere\u2019s how to isolate your central theme.\r\n\r\nConsider what problem you made the mind map to solve.\r\n\r\nSay you need a marketing plan that will bring your SaaS platform more users.\r\n\r\nYou could center your mind map around \u201cmarketing plan.\u201d But that\u2019s not the root of the reason you\u2019re making a mind map.\r\n\r\nYou\u2019re not coming up with a marketing plan because it sounded fun. You need something: user engagement.\r\n\r\nThe farther you drill down, the more concepts \u2014 and potential ideas \u2014 you have access to.\r\n\r\nOnce you\u2019ve selected your concept, place it in the middle of a blank page. You\u2019re on your way!\r\n

2. Add immediate associations<\/h3>\r\nNow, do some freeform word association. A mini-brainstorming session, if you will. When you think about customer engagement<\/a>, what words come to mind?\r\n\r\n\u201cExcitement\u201d is a valid answer. So are \u201creviews,\u201d \u201cpassion,\u201d \u201cawesome,\u201d \u201clove,\u201d and \u201cprofit.\u201d\r\n\r\nWhenever a word strikes you as worth exploring further, write it down in a space near the central concept. Then connect the 2 with a line.\r\n\r\nDon\u2019t go deeper for now. Come up with immediate associations until you have 4\u20136 words you\u2019re happy with.\r\n\r\nAt this stage, use short keywords. Small pictures also work. Avoid longer sentences \u2014 the idea is to maintain a high potential for new ideas, while holding as much information in one snapshot as possible.\r\n

3. Add the next level of associations<\/h3>\r\nNow it\u2019s time to repeat the process with every word you came up with in step 2.\r\n\r\nAs before, focus on adding new keywords to one word at a time. Come up with several for one word before moving to another one.\r\n\r\nTake a step back and look at your whole mind map. It should look a bit like the crown of a tree, with \u201cbranches\u201d coming off a \u201ctrunk.\u201d\r\n\r\n\"screenshot\r\n\r\n(Image Source<\/a>)\r\n

[cta-button url=\"https:\/\/auth.monday.com\/users\/sign_up_new\" target=\"_blank\"]Get started[\/cta-button]<\/p>\r\nEach branch represents a complete concept. The farther you go along each branch, the more likely you are to encounter something unexpected.\r\n\r\nAnd the unexpected is exactly what you\u2019re looking for: that spark of inspiration that will set your mind ablaze.\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re working with mind map software, try moving each concept around so that it\u2019s near several other keywords in turn (this is especially fun on an iPad).\r\n\r\nAt this stage, feel free to use slightly longer words to get your point across. Make sure that if you leave the mind map then come back, you\u2019ll understand what you meant an hour ago.\r\n\r\nAlthough you can keep going indefinitely, we recommend staying within 4\u20135 layers for your first mind map. Once you drill that deep, step back and get the big picture.\r\n

4. Color-code and add images<\/h3>\r\nColor-coding helps make concept maps easier to comprehend as a whole.\r\n\r\nUse colors to distinguish parts of your mind map. You can have each branch be its own color, so it\u2019s easy to see which ideas originate from which primary associations.\r\n\r\nOr you can make each layer its own color, so you can tell at a glance what level of depth a certain idea comes from.\r\n\r\nImages can serve to jog your memory and help you digest information more quickly. However, we recommend using them in conjunction with text. You don\u2019t want to waste mental energy decoding a hieroglyph.\r\n\r\nOnce you\u2019re finished coloring, step back and let the ideas flow.\r\n

What is the best mind mapping app?<\/h2>\r\nThe question \u201cWhat\u2019s the best mind mapping tool?\u201d has one clear answer: \u201cthe one that works for you.\u201d\r\n\r\n[twitter]We realized that if people have the power to build their own tools, they\u2019ll always make the best one possible. Nobody knows what you need better than you do.[\/twitter]\r\n\r\nSo instead of our own mind mapping software, we created the monday.com app builder<\/a>.\r\n\r\n\"monday.com\r\n\r\nWith our low-code apps framework, you can build your own custom tools, including the perfect mapping app<\/a> for your team.\r\n\r\nOnce you\u2019ve built it, you can connect it to other aspects of your business.\r\n\r\nFor example, you could have all the concepts in your mind map fed automatically into a collaborative text document, so you and your team can start turning your ideas into a plan.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s what we like to call the monday.com Work OS: not just personalized tools, but personalized workflows to connect them.\r\n\r\nYou can also see any template in the form of a mind map with our new mindmap view<\/a> feature.\r\n\r\nmonday.com puts control into your hands, so you can design the best mind mapping app for your team.\r\n

Use mind maps to organize ideas and spark creativity<\/h2>\r\nA mind map is a simple diagram of visual connections that helps you wring more use out of the information you\u2019ve got.\r\n\r\nIn a way, every part of monday.com is built for that same purpose.\r\n\r\nWe strongly believe that organizing information isn\u2019t just about storing it. It\u2019s about putting information to work.\r\n\r\nCheck out monday.com today, and start building more creative<\/a> apps and workflows.\r\n

[cta-button url=\"https:\/\/auth.monday.com\/users\/sign_up_new\" target=\"_blank\"]Get started[\/cta-button]<\/p>"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

You probably know what a mind map is, even if you don\u2019t think you do. Have you ever seen a movie where a detective is trying to investigate a massive conspiracy? The detective in that movie is trying to understand how several different ideas fit together. So, they tack a …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":55159,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"0","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":0,"_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":0,"monday_item_id":18042615319,"monday_board_id":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[13904],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-51395","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-project-management"],"acf":{"lobby_image":"","post_thumbnail_title":"","hide_post_info":"0","hide_bottom_cta":"0","hide_from_blog":"1","cluster":"","banner_url":"","main_text_banner":"","sub_title_banner":"","sub_title_banner_second":"","banner_button_text":"","below_banner_line":"","display_dates":"default","landing_page_layout":"0","hide_time_to_read":"0","sidebar_color_banner":"","custom_tags":false,"disclaimer":"","cornerstone_hero_cta_override":{"label":"","url":""},"show_contact_sales_button":"0","featured_image_link":"","faqs":false,"activate_cta_banner":"0","custom_header_banner":"0","use_customized_cta":"0","custom_schema_code":"