Participatory Methods

Collaborative mind map

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

  1. Define the central topic: Identify the main topic of the mind map (e.g., “Sustainability,” “Conflict Resolution,” “Strategic Planning”).
  2. Gather materials:
    • Large paper or a whiteboard.
    • Colored markers.
    • Optional: digital tools like Miro, MURAL, or MindMeister for online mind mapping.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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?
  5. 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?
  6. 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.
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.
Inspiration
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.
Online platforms
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.
Type of activity
Participatory DesignParticipatory EvaluationParticipatory LearningParticipatory Planning
Level of participation
Collaboration, Collaborative assessment, Exchange of perspectives
Target audience
Educators, Facilitators, Students, Community leaders, NGOs and social collectives, Business teams, Government, Creative designers, Researchers
Fields of application
Education and training, Community development, Organizational and business management, Urban and rural planning, Health and social well-being, Art, culture, and creativity, Sustainability and environment, Public policies and governance, Innovation and design, Research and evaluation, Conflict resolution, Technology and digital environments, Citizen and social participation
Estimated duration
From 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the depth of analysis and the size of the group.
Ideal number of participants
From 6 to 20 people, to facilitate meaningful and manageable interaction.
Topics related to this activity
Active CollaborationCollaborative DiagnosisCollaborative Mind MapCollaborative ToolCollaborative VisualizationsCollective AnalysisCollective DiagnosisCollective LearningCreative Problem SolvingIdea GenerationKnowledge GenerationMicrolearningParticipatory AnalysisParticipatory DiagnosisProblem SolvingVisual CommunicationVisual CreationVisual DiagnosisVisual DocumentationVisual MethodologyVisual Tool
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