Concept Map
A concept map is a diagram that shows how the concepts in a subject relate to one another: each concept sits in a node, and every connecting line carries a linking phrase so that two nodes and their link read as a statement. Joseph D. Novak developed the technique at Cornell University in 1972, building on David Ausubel's learning psychology. A map is drawn in answer to a focus question and arranged from general concepts at the top to specific ones below, which makes a group's shared understanding, and its gaps, visible.
Facilitation script
- 1
Agree the focus question and write it above the board. Rework it until everyone can say what a good answer would cover.
10 min - 2
Individually, then together, list the key concepts on sticky notes and remove duplicates. Aim for 15 to 25.
10 min - 3
Order the notes from general to specific and place the most general ones at the top of the board.
10 min - 4
Connect the concepts step by step. For every line, agree a linking phrase and read the resulting statement aloud.
20 min - 5
Look for cross-links between distant parts of the map, label them, and rearrange the layout where it has become crowded.
15 min - 6
Review against the focus question. Mark gaps and disputed links, and agree who will clarify each.
10 min
Tips
Insist on a label for every line.
An unlabelled line only says two things are somehow related, and writing the phrase is where differences in understanding come to light.
Expect to rearrange the map two or three times, so work with sticky notes or a digital board.
When two people propose different linking phrases for the same line, stop and explore it, because that disagreement is usually the finding.
Common pitfalls
Drawing lines without linking phrases. The result is a mind map with extra lines, and the differences in understanding stay hidden
Skipping the focus question. The map grows in every direction and nobody can say when it is complete
Starting with too many concepts. With 40 notes the group spends the session on layout and never gets to the cross-links
Writing whole sentences in the nodes. Statements belong on the links between two short concept labels, otherwise the structure cannot be read
Treating the first layout as final. Maps improve through revision, and a group that will not move notes ends up with forced connections
Variations
For knowledge transfer, have an expert build the map while a newcomer asks for the linking phrases, then let the newcomer redraw it from memory a week later. Larger groups can build maps in subgroups on the same focus question and compare them; the differences show where mental models diverge. Online, any whiteboard tool with connectors and line labels works. A lighter version starts from a prepared list of concepts so the session time goes into the links.
Where it fits
When to use it
People from different functions use the same terms and you suspect they mean different things
A new team member or a new team needs to understand a domain quickly
An expert is leaving and their understanding of how things relate needs to be captured
Before solution design, to check whether the group agrees on how the problem area is structured
A subject has many interrelated parts and a list or outline hides the relationships
When not to use it
You want to generate and branch out ideas quickly. A Mind Map is faster because its branches need no labels
The question is about cause and effect over time and feedback. Use a Causal Loop Diagram, or Connection Circles as a simpler start
You need to sort a large pile of raw notes into themes. An Affinity Map does that bottom-up
The situation is messy and political, with feelings and conflicts that matter. Rich Pictures capture those better than labelled boxes
There are more than about eight people at one board. Split into subgroups or most participants will only watch
Related methods
Frequently asked questions
What is Concept Map?▾
A concept map is a diagram of concepts connected by labelled lines, so that each connection can be read as a statement such as 'pricing influences churn'. Joseph D. Novak developed it at Cornell University in 1972. It is drawn to answer a focus question and is used to show, check and share how people understand a subject.
What is the difference between a concept map and a mind map?▾
A mind map radiates from a single central topic and its branches are usually unlabelled, which makes it quick for collecting and expanding ideas. A concept map has no single centre, runs from general to specific, and requires a linking phrase on every line plus cross-links between areas. It takes longer and shows much more precisely how things relate.
How many concepts should a concept map have?▾
Novak and Cañas suggest that 15 to 25 concepts are usually sufficient for a first map. Fewer than ten rarely shows interesting structure, and far more than 25 becomes hard to arrange in one session. Keep extra concepts in a parking lot and add them only if the focus question needs them.
What is a focus question?▾
It is the question the map is meant to answer, such as how the onboarding process creates value for a new customer. It sets the boundary of the map and tells the group which concepts belong. A sharper focus question generally produces a richer map.
Can a group build a concept map together?▾
Yes, with up to about eight people at one board. Agree the focus question first, gather concepts individually, then build the links together and read each one aloud. With more people, let subgroups draw separate maps and compare them afterwards.
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from Joseph D. Novak.