How to make a concept map [guide + template]

Are you trying to organize ideas for a new feature or product? A concept map helps lay out everything clearly—showing how big-picture concepts connect with smaller ideas. It’s a simple but powerful way to support clearer thinking, faster problem-solving, and better design decisions. Here’s what this guide covers

• What a concept map is (and why it’s useful)
• How to create a concept map, step by step
• Examples of concept maps in real design workflows
• Tips for building better concept maps

What is a concept map?

A concept map is a visual way to show how ideas connect and relate or relate to each other. It usually starts with the big idea at the top, then branches down into more specific ideas, kind of like a tree. Circles or rectangles represent each idea (cold nodes), while lines or arrows show how they are connected. Descriptive words define the relationship between ideas.

Concept maps make it easier to see connections, find what’s missing, and bring clarity to complex topics—so teams can stay aligned and move faster.

Key elements of a concept map

Most concept maps follow a top-down structure, but they don’t have to. The main goal is simple: make the relationship between ideas easy to follow. Here’s what all concept maps should include:

• Focus question. Start with a question that frames the topic or problem you’re trying to solve. This keeps the map centered and purposeful.
• Nodes. Each concept or idea lives inside a circle or rectangle. Bigger ideas often sit higher up or in the middle, depending on layout.
• Cross-links and link words. Use arrows or lines to connect related ideas. Short link words—like “includes,” “requires,” or “leads to”— show how they’re connected.
• Propositions. These are meaningful statements that combine two or more concepts with their link word or words. For example, “Concept maps help teams organize information.”

How to make a concept map

Concept maps are easy to make. Start with FigJam’s concept map template, a clear problem or topic, then start to map out related ideas as you go, by yourself or with a team. Here’s a simple way to get started:

Step 1: Identify your focus question

What’s the problem or topic you want to address? Start with a question that defines it. It could be something fixed, like “What are the keys for this quarter’s release?” Or you can start with something more open-ended, such as “How do users interact with our product?” You keep the map's focus clear and purposeful by asking specific questions.H3: Step 2: Brainstorm ideas

Once the focus is clear, jot down ideas related to it. Start with the main concept, then branch out to connected themes, subtopics, or features. Keep labels short—just a word or two—so the map stays clear and scannable.

Step 3: Lay out your structure

Position your focus question at the top of your workspace, followed by your central concept directly beneath it. Arrange related concepts based on their logical connections.

As concepts branch farther out, they should get more specific, creating a hierarchy that shows how everything fits together.

Step 4: Connect related ideas

Draw lines and arrows to cross-link related ideas. Add link words such as “includes,” “consists of,” or “leads to,” to clarify the relationships between ideas. These link words help turn the map into something teammates can understand at a glance.

Step 5: Review and refine your concept map

Look at your map as a whole. Is it well-organized? Do your link words make sense? Make sure all key concepts are included, and adjust the layout, link words, or connections as needed. The more precise your map becomes, the more useful it is as a reference or conversation tool.

Examples of concept maps

Designers, product teams, and project leads use concept maps to untangle complexity, find gaps, and organize ideas visually. Here are a few ways they can show up in real workflows.

Project workflow: Flowchart

If you are planning a project, a simple flowchart can help clarify the key phases from start to finish. Begin with a box called “Kickoff,” then draw arrows to boxes for “User Research,” “Design Iterations,” “Developer Handoff,” and “Quality Assurance.” Add decision diamonds to show potential branching paths. This gives everyone a shared view of what’s happening—and what’s next.

User journey: Flow diagram

As a UX designer, you can map out how a user interacts with a Web page or app. A user flow diagram shows the user’s path. Start with a circle for “Landing Page,” then draw arrows to boxes for “Sign up,” “Product Exploration," and “Checkout.” Include decision diamonds for actions like “Forgot Password?” This map helps you identify usability issues and improve the user experience.

Design system components

Graphic designers and product managers can use concept maps to organize a design system. Start with a box for “Design System,” then branch out to core areas. Use boxes for “Typography,” "Color Palette,” “Iconography,” and “Components.” Under "Components,” break it down into more specific elements: “Buttons,” "Forms,” "Cards.” This structure gives it a clear hierarchy and helps teams stay consistent as the design system evolves.

Feature prioritization: Mind map

Product managers can use a mind map to prioritize features. Start with a central node for “Product Roadmap.” Branch out to categories like “User Impact,” “Technical Feasibility,” and “Business Value.” Under each category, list specific features and assign priority levels. This helps your team make informed decisions about which features to develop first.

Why would you use a concept map?

Concept maps started as a learning tool at Cornell University, where researchers asked students to sketch out their understanding of complex topics on a single page. Since then, they’ve become a go-to tool for designers, product teams, and educators who need a fast, visual way to make sense of information. Here’s why:

• They support better learning. Concept maps help visual learners (65% of the population) understand complex concepts more quickly and easily. They also make ideas more accessible to people with different learning styles, abilities, and expertise.
• They keep key details top of mind. A concept map puts the most important information front and center, making it easier to reference and remember.
• They sharpen design thinking. Mapping out dependencies, edge cases, or gaps helps teams move from loose ideas to more structured, actionable thinking.

How to improve concept maps

A rough first version is fine—but with a few small tweaks, your concept map can go from helpful to genuinely clear and impactful. Here are some ways to get more out of it:

• Stay focused. Stick to the focus question you came up with to make sure your concept map stays on point, solving the problem you set out to address.
• Use concise, clear labels. Stick to one to three words per concept. Long sentences can make the map harder to scan and use.
• Group related ideas with color coding. Use colors to differentiate ideas and group related concepts or processes together. This will help teams scan and remember key information.
• Establish clear visual hierarchies. Organize from broad to specific, with the main idea at the top and related details branching out, providing a clear visual flow.
• Choose link words carefully. Be sure to accurately reflect how ideas connect. “Leads to” says something different than “includes.”
• Talk it through. Walk others through key concepts and connections. Pressure test your choices, explain your reasoning behind them, and address any questions that arise.
• Keep it updated. Based on any feedback or new thinking, and as your understanding evolves, revisit and refine your maps, making sure they remain accurate and relevant.

Build better concept maps with FigJam

Learning how to make a concept map effectively allows your team to visually organize complex information, enhance collaboration, and make informed decisions. By using the features within FigJam, you can streamline the concept mapping process and create impactful visual representations of your ideas. Here’s how:

• Use FigJam’s online whiteboard to brainstorm and refine concept maps with your team in real time.
• Find inspiration by exploring concept map templates and customize them to fit your specific needs.
• Utilize the Figma Community to draw even more inspiration and better understand the relationships between concepts.