Participatory DesignParticipatory EvaluationParticipatory LearningParticipatory Planning
Collaborative mind map
- Duration
- From 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the depth of analysis and the size of the group.
- Participants
- From 6 to 20 people, to facilitate meaningful and manageable interaction.
- Areas of application
- Educación y formaciónDesarrollo comunitarioGestión organizacional y empresarialPlanificación urbana y ruralSalud y bienestar socialArte, cultura y creatividadSostenibilidad y medio ambientePolíticas públicas y gobernanzaInnovación y diseñoInvestigación y evaluaciónResolución de conflictosTecnología y entornos digitalesParticipación ciudadana y social
- Participation level
- ColaboraciónEvaluación participativaIntercambio de perspectivas
- Target audience
- EducadoresFacilitadoresEstudiantesLíderes comunitariosONGs y colectivos socialesEquipos empresarialesFuncionarios públicosDiseñadores creativosInvestigadores
The Collaborative mind map is a visual and participatory activity where participants collectively create a mind map to explore, organize, and connect ideas related to a topic. This tool fosters creativity, collective knowledge-building, and the analysis of relationships between concepts.
Preparation
- Define the central topic: Identify the main topic of the mind map (e.g., “Sustainability,” “Conflict Resolution,” “Strategic Planning”).
- Gather materials:
- Large paper or a whiteboard.
- Colored markers.
- Optional: digital tools like Miro, MURAL, or MindMeister for online mind mapping.
- Design an initial framework (optional): If needed, draw a central node to guide the process but leave space for participants to expand it.
Step-by-step instructions
- Introduce the purpose
- Explain what a mind map is and how it can be used to explore and organize ideas.
- Describe the central topic and the activity’s objective, such as:
- Generating new ideas.
- Exploring a problem.
- Planning a project.
- Present the central node
- Write the central topic in the middle of the designated space (paper, whiteboard, or digital tool).
- Draw lines radiating from the center to connect subtopics.
- Initial brainstorming
- Invite participants to propose concepts, keywords, or subtopics related to the central theme.
- Note each idea on a line or node connected to the main topic.
- Use different colors or symbols to classify ideas into categories.
- Expand the map
- Ask participants to expand on subtopics by connecting new ideas with secondary or tertiary lines.
- Encourage exploration with questions such as:
- How are these ideas related?
- What concrete examples can be added?
- Which areas need more detail or research?
- Collective analysis
- Review the complete map with the group and analyze the identified connections:
- What patterns emerge?
- Which areas seem most important or relevant?
- What gaps or missing knowledge are evident?
- Review the complete map with the group and analyze the identified connections:
- Closing and documentation
- Summarize the key ideas and conclusions drawn from the mind map.
- If possible, digitize the map to share with participants or use it as a future reference.
Purpose
The purpose of the Collaborative mind map is to collectively build and organize knowledge on a topic, fostering creativity, critical analysis, and teamwork. This activity helps identify patterns, connections, and focus areas to deepen learning or plan actions.Required materials
- Large paper, whiteboard, or poster board for the physical version.
- Markers in different colors.
- Sticky notes.
- To make it more playful, you can include various types of paper, stickers, magazines, etc.
Platforms
Practical recommendations
- Clarity in the central theme: Ensure participants understand the focus of the mind map.
- Encourage creativity: Motivate participants to use colors, symbols, or images to enhance the map.
- Documentation: Take a photo of the physical map or save a digital copy for future reference.
- Flexibility: Allow ideas to evolve and connect in unexpected ways.