Concept Mapping

The use of a concept map is an important tool for any designer in the beginning of their design process. A concept map, or diagram, is essentially the brain storming process for a designer. By visually connecting related concepts to each other on a map, a designer can start to get a better sense of direction for their design. Whether it be for a company proposal or a website interface layout, using concept mapping allows the designer to more easily see the visual connections and possible problems or flaws in their design. Concept mapping can essentially be thought of the skeleton of a design; as the ideas grow and connect, the map allows the ideas to group together in an organized way in which the designer can continue to build upon.

 

"A concept map is a way of representing relationships between ideas, images, or words in the same way that a sentence diagram represents the grammar of a sentence, a road map represents the locations of highways and towns, and a circuit diagram represents the workings of an electrical appliance. In a concept map, each word or phrase is connected to another and linked back to the original idea, word or phrase. Concept maps are a way to develop logical thinking and study skills by revealing connections and helping students see how individual ideas form a larger whole."

"Concept maps were developed to enhance meaningful learning in the sciences. A well-made concept map grows within a context frame defined by an explicit "focus question", while a mind map often has only branches radiating out from a central picture. There is research evidence that knowledge is stored in the brain in the form of productions (situation-response conditionals) that act on declarative memory content which is also referred to as chunks or propositions.^[3][4] Because concept maps are constructed to reflect organization of the declarative memory system, they facilitate sense-making and meaningful learning on the part of individuals who make concept maps and those who use them. Concept maps are used to stimulate the generation of ideas, and are believed to aid creativity. For example, concept mapping is sometimes used for brain-storming. Although they are often personalized and idiosyncratic, concept maps can be used to communicate complex ideas."