5 Chapter 4: Note Taking Using Mind Maps
After exploring AI-powered note-taking tools and meeting assistants in the previous chapters, it’s time to shift our attention to another powerful, and often underutilized, method of organizing information: mind mapping. If note-taking tools help you document ideas in a linear sequence, and meeting assistants capture real-time conversations as they unfold, mind maps offer something different altogether: a non-linear, visual structure that mirrors the way many of us naturally think. They’re especially valuable when you’re trying to zoom out and see the bigger picture without losing sight of key details.
By definition, a mind map is “a diagram used to represent concepts, ideas, or tasks linked to and arranged radially around a central keyword or idea” (Burgess-Allen & Owen-Smith, 2010, p. 407). At its core, a mind map starts with a central node, your main idea, and branches outward, expanding into sub-ideas, themes, or connections. While technical differences exist between mind maps, cognitive maps, and concept maps (see Burgess-Allen & Owen-Smith, 2010), we’ll be using the term mind map broadly throughout this chapter. What matters most isn’t the terminology, but what the method enables: a dynamic, visual form of note-taking that can complement, and even enhance, more linear approaches.
In recent years, mind mapping has taken on a new dimension with the integration of AI. These are smart, interactive platforms that help you organize, connect, and make sense of complex information with the help of machine intelligence. AI-powered mind mapping tools can automatically generate branches, suggest associations, summarize content, and even surface patterns you might have missed.
In the sections that follow, we introduce you to some of the most promising tools in this space; platforms that bring together the visual clarity of mind maps and the intelligent functionality of AI. But before we dive into those tools, we want to pause and reflect on the unique advantages of digital mind mapping and why this approach matters in the larger conversation around linear versus non-linear note-taking.
1. Benefits of Digital Mind Maps
Mind maps are an incredibly effective tool for note-taking, problem-solving, and brainstorming (Burgess-Allen & Owen-Smith, 2010). Traditionally, mind mapping has always been an intuitive and satisfying process using pen and paper. We still find ourselves reaching for a notebook every now and then because there’s something organic and engaging about physically sketching out ideas. However, we must admit that we do this far less frequently now. The advantages of online mind mapping tools are simply too significant to ignore.
First, there’s the sheer convenience. When you create mind maps online, they are stored in the cloud, meaning you can access them from anywhere and seamlessly integrate them into your writing projects. Unlike traditional mind maps that stay confined to a single page or notebook, digital versions are easily editable, exportable, and shareable. If you need to tweak an idea, add new branches, or rearrange connections, you can do so effortlessly. Plus, if you ever accidentally delete something, most platforms allow you to restore backups ensuring that no work is ever truly lost.
Second, the biggest limitation of pen and paper mind maps is space. Expanding a complex idea often means running out of room or making a chaotic mess of lines and annotations. With online mind mapping tools, you have an unlimited canvas to extend your thoughts infinitely. This not only helps with organization but also encourages a more natural flow of creativity allowing you to build and refine connections without physical constraints.
Finally, what truly sets digital mind maps apart is their ability to go beyond words. Many online tools let you enrich your maps by embedding images, videos, links, and web pages directly into your notes. This multimedia integration adds depth to your research and allows for a more dynamic way of engaging with ideas (Guinness, 2024).
2. Linear versus non-linear note taking
Let us now discuss the age-old difference between linear and non-linear ways of taking notes. As a researcher, you need to keep in mind that the structure of note-taking is just as important as the content itself. Traditional linear note-taking, where information is recorded sequentially in paragraphs or lists, remains the most common approach. However, while it allows for straightforward documentation, its cognitive benefits are limited. Boch and Paliot (2005) argue that non-linearity maximizes the cognitive advantages of note-taking as it encourages active engagement with information rather than passive transcription.
Makany et al. (2009) provide strong empirical evidence that non-linear note-taking leads to superior learning outcomes. Their research finds that non-linear note-takers outperform linear note-takers in comprehension and knowledge integration, suggesting that how information is structured fundamentally affects learning efficiency. Furthermore, non-linear note-taking promotes higher metacognitive awareness, meaning that researchers who adopt this approach are more conscious of their understanding and can adjust their strategies accordingly. Makany et al. also highlight that non-linear note-taking fosters more complex and interconnected knowledge representations which enhances long-term retention and facilitates deeper insights.
For us researchers and educators, the implications are clear: non-linear methods such as concept maps, matrices, and visual diagrams are not just stylistic choices, they are cognitive tools that can enhance the way information is processed, retained, and applied. However, while the benefits of non-linear note-taking are compelling, we’ve found that the most effective strategy isn’t choosing one method over the other, it’s combining both.
Some types of information naturally lend themselves to structured lists or sequential summaries. Think timelines, step-by-step procedures, or tightly organized arguments. In these cases, a linear format can provide the clarity and order needed to understand the flow of ideas. But when it comes to connecting concepts, mapping out theories, or brainstorming new directions in your research, non-linear formats like mind maps or diagrams offer unmatched cognitive benefits. So rather than viewing these methods as mutually exclusive, we suggest treating them as complementary tools that can help you capture information in a way that mirrors the complexity of your thinking.
3. AI-powered Mind Mapping Tools
There’s no shortage of ways to create mind maps. Platforms like PowerPoint, Google Drawings, and Canva can certainly get you started. But while these general-purpose tools offer flexibility, they’re not built with mind mapping in mind. What you really want are tools specifically designed for the task: dedicated mind-mapping platforms equipped with features that support the entire process, from rapid idea generation to structured visualization. Many of these tools now come with AI-powered capabilities that help you brainstorm faster, organize your thoughts more clearly, and refine your ideas with less effort. If you’re serious about taking your mind mapping to the next level, using the right tool makes all the difference.
3.1 MindMeister
MindMeister is a flexible and intuitive online mind mapping tool to help you with brainstorming, planning, and organizing your research. To create mind maps in MindMeister, begin with a central idea, then build outward by adding subtopics, just press “Tab” to branch out and “Enter” to add sibling topics. You can easily connect ideas with lines, and enrich each node by adding notes, images, links, and file attachments. MindMeister also offers features like Outline Mode for a linear view of your map and Brainstorm Mode to help you generate ideas quickly and creatively.
Beyond simple idea mapping, MindMeister also serves as a task management tool. You can turn mind map topics into actionable tasks, complete with due dates, priorities, and progress tracking. Customization is another strong point. Pre-designed themes, colors, icons, and fonts allow you to style your mind maps to make them more visually engaging and structured. If your notes involve multimedia elements, you can embed images, videos, GIFs, and hyperlinks directly within your notes making your mind maps even more interactive and information-rich.
MindMeister also supports real-time collaboration meaning you and your collaborators can work on the same mind map simultaneously. Comments and notes can be added to individual topics helping everyone stay aligned on discussions and revisions. And once your mind maps are ready, you can export them in different formats including as PDFs, Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, or images. This makes it easy to incorporate them into your research papers, presentations, or reports.
3.2. Obsidian
Although we already featured Obsidian in the chapter on AI-powered note-taking tools, it deserves a second spotlight here specifically for its remarkable Graph View feature. While Obsidian doesn’t brand itself as a traditional mind-mapping tool, the Graph View essentially performs that function by dynamically visualizing the relationships between your notes.
Graph View transforms your note vault into a web of interconnected nodes. Each note appears as a circle, and links between notes form the connective tissue of your thought process. The more links a note has, the more prominent it becomes in the graph allowing you to instantly identify central themes and key concepts in your research. For researchers working on complex projects, this kind of visual feedback is incredibly helpful. You can spot isolated ideas that need integration, track recurring topics across disciplines, and explore new connections you might not have noticed otherwise.
You can choose between a Local Graph, which focuses on the current note and its direct links, or a Global Graph, which shows your entire vault and how everything fits together. This distinction is powerful: the local view is great for deep dives, while the global view helps you step back and see your intellectual landscape as a whole.
Obsidian also lets you customize your Graph View extensively. You can filter by tags, keywords, and file types, assign colors to different groups of notes, and adjust how nodes and links are displayed. These options turn your note archive into a mind map that’s both functional and personal, tailored to how you think and work. The Graph View can serve as a visual navigation tool. Click on a node to jump into a note, hover to see its connections, or zoom and drag around to explore your thinking space.
3.3. LucidSpark
Lucidspark is another collaboration space that goes far beyond basic mind mapping, it’s a full-fledged digital whiteboard that gives you the freedom to explore and organize your thoughts dynamically. At the heart of Lucidspark is its intuitive canvas, where you can drop in sticky notes, draw freehand, and cluster related concepts as you go. This makes it a great environment for unstructured thinking, perfect for early-stage brainstorming or when you’re working through messy, complex questions that don’t fit neatly into bullet points. You can color-code ideas, connect them with arrows, or sort them into containers as your structure begins to take shape.
Lucidspark also brings AI into the mix. Its AI-powered features can help you expand on ideas, summarize clusters of sticky notes, generate content, and even auto-organize elements on your board. If you’re trying to make sense of raw brainstorming data or find themes in a flood of ideas, this intelligent assistance can help you uncover patterns and structure your thinking faster.
For collaborative projects, Lucidspark allows you to bring colleagues into the same board in real time where you can brainstorm together, vote on ideas, assign tasks, and even split into breakout boards for focused group work. A built-in timer keeps sessions on track, while color-coded cursors and user tags make it easy to follow who’s contributing what.
3.4. Mindomo
Mindomo is a feature-rich platform that bridges the gap between traditional note-taking and dynamic visual thinking. Mindomo offers a full suite of tools for capturing, refining, and presenting your notes in an engaging and interactive way.
You can use Mindomo to create mind maps, concept maps, outlines, and even Gantt charts all from the same interface. The platform’s real-time collaboration makes it especially valuable for team-based research. You and your collaborators can co-edit a mind map, annotate key points, and build out ideas together. Offline editing is also supported which is great for moments of deep focus without Wi-Fi. When you’re back online, everything syncs automatically, and the revision history helps you track changes or revisit earlier versions of your notes.
Mindomo also brings AI assistance into your note-taking flow. It can suggest related ideas, summarize key points, and help streamline the brainstorming process. You can also enrich your notes by embedding images, audio, video, links, and even documents directly into your mind map nodes.
3.5. MindMup
MindMup helps you turn a central idea into a living note map. You can build out subtopics, connect ideas, and use colors, icons, and attachments to make your notes both informative and easy to scan. For researchers who want to work collaboratively, MindMup’s integration with Google Drive allows for real-time co-authoring. This makes it especially useful when you’re working with others to brainstorm ideas, take notes during meetings, or plan a research project. Everyone on the team can contribute to the same mind map simultaneously with changes saved instantly to the cloud. When it’s time to share or archive your notes, you can export your mind maps to PDF, PowerPoint, or image files.
3.6. Miro
Miro is a digital whiteboard that offers a collaborative thinking space where visual note-taking, brainstorming, and research planning all come together. Miro helps you create mind maps, concept maps, timelines, and annotated visuals all on an endless canvas. Start by jotting down key research questions on sticky notes, then build out themes, connections, and references using arrows, color coding, and shapes.
Miro also includes built-in templates for mind maps, Kanban boards, and project planning that help structure your notes from the start. You can also sketch diagrams freehand, cluster notes by tags or categories, and use frames to organize related concepts, great for keeping your research thoughts grouped and searchable. And if you’re working through complex information, Miro’s AI assistant can help you summarize ideas, expand on themes, or suggest next steps based on your notes.
As is the case with previous tools, Miro supports collaborative note-taking. Multiple people can add, edit, and organize notes in real time. You can comment directly on sticky notes or map elements, conduct quick polls with the voting tool, and even hop into a video call all without leaving the board.
3.7. Coggle
Coggle is another visual note-taking tool that you can use to organize your ideas spatially. You start with a central node and branch out freely. Each branch can expand infinitely giving you the space to explore and connect ideas without limitations.
Coggle is particularly useful when synthesizing academic literature. You can map out sources, theories, arguments, and counterarguments as separate branches allowing you to visualize relationships across the research landscape. To enhance your maps, you can attach images, hyperlinks, and even text notes to any node.
You can also invite collaborators to contribute to the same mind map in real time. And with automatic version tracking, you can always go back and retrieve previous versions of your mind map if needed. Sharing and exporting are just as smooth. You can export your mind maps as PDFs, images, or text files.
3.8. FigJma
FigJam (Figma’s collaborative online whiteboard) is a powerful tool worth exploring. FigJam provides an infinite canvas that lets you visually organize complex topics, brainstorm ideas, and structure research frameworks in a non-linear format. With sticky notes, connectors, shapes, and templates at your disposal, it’s ideal for capturing your notes into beautiful visuals.
FigJam’s built-in AI features can summarize clusters of ideas, organize notes into themes, and generate action items, streamlining your thinking process when working with large volumes of information. You can annotate, customize with images and colors, and export your mind maps as PDFs or images for use in research papers or presentations.
That said, FigJam does come with a bit of a learning curve, especially if you’re new to design-based tools. We’d recommend it for researchers who are willing to invest a bit of time upfront, the payoff is a highly versatile platform that can transform the way you take notes, visualize ideas, and collaborate on academic work.
3.9. Traverse
Traverse.link helps you structure information visually using mind maps. The added feature in Traverse which is not provided by other tools is the integration of spaced repetition flashcards which help you both collect and remember information.
You can generate flashcards directly from your notes, use cloze deletions (fill-in-the-blank exercises), or create image occlusion cards to test yourself on diagrams, processes, and visual information. You can also embed text, images, videos, audio, and even code snippets into your notes. With the combination of visual mnemonics and active recall strategies, Traverse can help turn passive reading into an interactive, brain-friendly study experience.
3.10. Napkin AI
Napkin AI is a simple yet effective tool for generating beautiful mind maps and visual representations of ideas. While it’s not as feature-rich as previous mind mapping tools we covered here, it offers a quick and easy text-to-visual tool that turns your notes into structured visuals. The process is straightforward: just paste or type in your ideas and Napkin’s AI automatically generates various visualizations including mind maps and flowcharts.
You can then choose the one that best suits your needs and make minor adjustments, like changing text or modifying certain elements. However, customization is somewhat limited. You won’t have the freedom to manually connect nodes or rearrange structures as easily as with other tools. That said, Napkin is especially useful for quickly visualizing smaller notes or brainstorming sessions without the need for complex design work.
Conclusion
Mind maps are powerful cognitive tools that can transform how you take notes, process complex information, and engage with your research. Unlike traditional linear notes, which tend to follow a fixed sequence, mind maps invite flexibility and exploration. They allow you to see connections at a glance, trace relationships between ideas, and zoom in or out depending on the level of detail you need. And as the research by Makany et al. (2009) and others shows, this non-linear structure can lead to deeper understanding, improved retention, and more efficient knowledge integration.
What’s especially exciting today is how digital mind mapping tools have evolved with the help of AI. Platforms like MindMeister, Lucidspark, and Mindomo offer intelligent systems that help you generate ideas, summarize content, analyze patterns, and collaborate across time zones. Some tools, like Traverse even merge mind mapping with active recall while others like Obsidian’s Graph View allow you to visualize your entire knowledge system as a living network of ideas.
Throughout this chapter, we’ve also seen how mind mapping fits within a broader ecosystem of note-taking. It complements the AI note-taking tools and meeting assistants discussed in earlier chapters by offering a more visual and associative layer of engagement. Used alongside linear notes, transcripts, and AI-generated summaries, mind maps give you a different lens, one that fosters synthesis, creative insight, and conceptual clarity.
Ultimately, the most effective note-taking approach is to mix and match. Use linear formats when you need precision and order; turn to mind maps when you’re thinking big, connecting dots, or wrestling with complexity. And wherever possible, integrate the outputs of your mind maps into your larger knowledge system, be it a slip-box, second brain, or personal research archive.
