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Concept Mapping

Problem solvingCreative: visual and prototyping

Reference model

Concept Mapping OverviewA canvas of 6 boxes laid out on a grid of 4 columns and 4 rows: Main Concept, Related Concept A, Related Concept B, Related Concept C, Relationships, Insights.Main ConceptThe central idea or question being explored.Related Concept AA concept that connectsdirectly to the mainidea.Related Concept BAnother concept thatconnects to the mainidea.Related Concept CA further concept thatconnects to the mainidea or to the others.RelationshipsLabelled links that say how the concepts affect ordepend on each other.InsightsKey takeaways, gaps andideas that emerge fromthe map.

Concepts are represented as nodes, connected by lines that indicate relationships.

About this model

A diagram that represents concepts and their relationships, often used in education and brainstorming.

Originator not stated.

How to read it

  • Identify the main concept at the center and branch out to related ideas.
  • Look for clusters of related concepts to find patterns and themes.

What this does

Visualizes relationships between concepts to clarify thinking and generate new ideas, helping teams understand complex problems and identify solutions.

When to use it

Use it when a team needs to explore and organize ideas visually, especially in brainstorming sessions or when tackling complex issues.

Not when: Do not use it when the problem is straightforward and does not require exploration of multiple interconnected ideas.

What happens next

Develop a prioritized action plan based on the insights gained from the concept map.

Golden thread

Builds on ←

  • Brainstorming
  • Problem statement
  • Stakeholder input

Feeds into →

  • Prioritization matrix
  • Action planning

Use this tool, free

Sign in to open the worksheet. Your work saves as you type, the AI can draft the parts you have not filled in, and you finish with an analysis and a 30/60/90-day action plan.

Drafted with AI and reviewed by Eccellere on 04/11/2026. Guidance, not advice: apply your own judgement.