Mind Map

Written By Sebastián Prida

Understand

Unlock ideas by freely connecting thoughts.

At a community health center, a team set out to make mental health support more approachable for teens. They wrote the question “How might we make teens feel safe asking for help?” at the center of a whiteboard and brainstormed ideas. A clear cluster formed around “sports coaches” and “school counselors.” That was the spark—they realized they could train school staff to spot early warning signs and refer students discreetly.

Steps

  1. Write your topic in the center of a blank page.

  2. For 10 minutes, write down anything that comes to mind, branching off from the center. Don’t filter—just capture thoughts.

  3. Draw lines between related thoughts to visualize patterns and associations.

  4. Let your mind wander. This is not about solving—it’s about generating material.

Based on the ideas of Tony Buzan (1974).

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Sebastián Prida
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