Master Mind Mapping with ChatGPT: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Chris in Prompts

In today’s fast-paced and information-driven world, organizing thoughts and ideas effectively is essential for success. From brainstorming sessions to project planning, mind mapping has long been a valuable tool. However, the traditional approach of pen and paper has limitations when it comes to capturing the vastness of our ever-expanding knowledge. So what can ChatGPT Do to help?

ChatGPT’s natural language processing capabilities empower users to create mind maps by engaging in dynamic conversations. It enables the collaborative construction of visually organized and comprehensive mind maps, capturing ideas and connections efficiently.

In this article, we are going to explore how ChatGPT can create mindmaps with a little help from https://markmap.js.org/repl to create the graphics. Mindmaps are a fantastic tool for brainstorming and learning faster. So Let’s Dive in.

Table of Contents

Introduction to ChatGPT and Mind Mapping

ChatGPT is a powerful language model developed by the San Francisco-based company OpenAI. It’s been trained on an extensive corpus of text spanning various domains (areas of knowledge).

That being said there are a lot of areas where ChatGPT has little or no knowledge. It also has a second issue its’ current knowledge cutoff is September of 2021.

That being said, we will consider a couple of different cases while creating mind maps.

Case #1 – ChatGPT has extensive knowledge about a subject 

Case #2 – ChatGPT needs more information to create a high-quality mind map.

Now, let’s talk about mind mapping. Mind mapping is a powerful tool for visualizing ideas and concepts. It’s a way to organize thoughts, brainstorm new ideas, and make connections between different pieces of information.

When you combine the power of ChatGPT with the visual organization of mind mapping, you get a tool that can help you understand complex concepts, brainstorm new ideas, and organize your thoughts in a visually engaging way.

Mindmap Of Using ChatGPT For Work

While ChatGPT is powerful in text generation, it faces limitations when dealing with complex main concepts and producing graphics or images. (It is possible to create images with ChatGPT directly see this article on how to do it.)

Information could be more easily digested and understood if ChatGPT could directly provide structured mind maps instead of lengthy texts. This approach would significantly enhance efficiency, visualization, and save time spent creating mind maps, allowing us to focus more on thinking and creating.

In the upcoming sections, we’ll delve deeper into how you can use ChatGPT to create mind maps, the techniques you can use, and the benefits you can reap from this process. So, stay tuned!

How to Use ChatGPT for Mind Mapping Case #1

Creating a mind map with ChatGPT is an innovative approach that combines the power of AI with the creativity of mind mapping. By leveraging ChatGPT’s language understanding capabilities, you can generate ideas, identify connections, and streamline the mind-mapping process.

Case #1 – ChatGPT has extensive knowledge about the subject domain.

Here are the steps to create a mind map with ChatGPT:

Step 1: Choose a Central Topic To begin creating a mind map, choose a central topic that you want to explore. This will be the core theme around which all other ideas will revolve. 

Step 2: Use the Prompt Below to Generate Your “Starter” Mind Map

Prompt: To Create a ChatGPT Mindmap Around a Topic

Please create a detailed outline about [SUBJECT] as a textual representation of a mindmap.

Use markmap.js for formatting, and send the output to the code box.

Do not include an introduction or a conclusion we are creating a textual representation of a mindmap not creating an article.

[SUBJECT] = Using Chatgpt for work

Include emojis to help make things clearer, make them easier to remember, or lend emphasis.

This line is optional: Include factoids to support each subpoint

Including factoids is useful (see below) in step 4, but it usually improves retention if the mapmaker creates them for themselves.

(If ChatGPT does not send you your result in a code box like this send this prompt)

please send me that again in markmap.js formatting inside the code box

Step 3: Copy The Markup.js Code – Simply click on “Copy Code” and paste it into  https://markmap.js.org/repl

Step 4: Generate Supporting Ideas For each subtopic, ask ChatGPT to provide you with supporting ideas or concepts. This can include facts, examples, solutions, or potential action steps. Add these supporting ideas as sub-branches under their respective subtopics.

You can do this either by editing on the markmap.js site or you can add a line to the prompt.

Include factoids to support each subpoint

Step 5: Refine and Expand Your Mind Map Review your mind map and identify any areas where more information, clarity, or connections may be needed. Ask ChatGPT for additional input or ideas to fill these gaps. 

Step 6: Visualize Your Mind Map Now that your mind map has taken shape, use a mind mapping tool or software to visualize it. I have included https://markmap.js.org/repl as a free example.

There are several other free and paid options available, such as XMind, MindMeister, and Coggle.

Import the text from your ChatGPT conversation into the tool, and arrange the branches and sub-branches accordingly. 

Just try it out! You’ll find that using ChatGPT to create mind maps can be a game-changer for your brainstorming sessions, note-taking, project planning, and more.

How to Use ChatGPT for Mind Mapping Case #2

There are many times that for various reasons ChatGPT will not have enough detailed information for help you to create your mindmap. To get around this limit we will feed research into ChatGPT to teach it what it needs to know. 

Lets start with a YouTube video about using ChatGPT for MidJourney. This information was simply not available in September of 2021 so it makes for a nice example.

Turn ChatGPT into a Powerful Midjourney Prompt Machine

 Feel free to watch the video if you like. I am going to be pulling the transcript, and using it to prime ChatGPT with the information that I want to give it.

If you are on Youtube you and you want to get the transcript it is pretty simple.

Click on the three dots below the video.

Click on show transcript

Highlight the transcript and hit CTRL-C

Paste the results into wordcounter.com

For our case the transcript is less than 2,500 words, If the length had been greater than 2,500 words we would have to had to use two prompts to store more data, you can learn to do that in this article. 

Ok, let’s set up our mind map prompt again slightly differently.

Prompt: Create a ChatGPT Mindmap From External Information

Transcript Remember This Data {

0:00
in this super quick video I’m going to
0:01
show you a tip to combine chat GPT with
0:04
mid-journey and get really cool results
0:06
check it out so in the past when I’ve
0:07
used mid-journey to write prompts for me

….

it a thumbs up we’ll ensure that you see
6:15
more like it inside of your YouTube feed
6:17
alright thanks again really appreciate
6:19
you guys see you in the next one bye
6:21
[Music]
6:39
thank you}

Please create a detailed outline about [SUBJECT] as a textual representation of a mindmap.

Use markmap.js for formatting, use the data above as well as your own corpus, and send the output to the code box.

Do not include an introduction or a conclusion we are creating a textual representation of a mindmap not creating an article.

Include emojis to help make things clearer, make them easier to remember, or lend emphasis.

Include factoids to support each subpoint

[SUBJECT] = Using ChatGPT to Create Mid-journey Prompts

If ChatGPT does not send you your result in a code box like this send this prompt)

please send me that again in markmap.js formatting inside the code box

Copy The Markup.js Code – Simply click on “Copy Code” and paste it into  https://markmap.js.org/repl

And finally, we get out new mindmap based on the YouTube transcript!

Visualizing Ideas with ChatGPT Mind Maps

As we dive deeper into the world of mind mapping with ChatGPT, let’s focus on a key aspect that sets mind maps apart: visualization. Mind maps are an excellent tool for visualizing ideas and concepts. They allow us to see the big picture, the connections between different ideas, and the hierarchy of information.

When we create a mind map with ChatGPT, we’re not just jotting down ideas in a linear fashion. Instead, we’re creating a visual representation of our thoughts. This visual aspect is crucial because our brains are incredibly good at processing and remembering images. In fact, a study published in Scientific American showed that individuals have a recognition accuracy of images between 85 and 95 percent.

So, how does this apply to mind mapping with ChatGPT? Well, when we use ChatGPT to create a mind map, we can incorporate images and symbols to represent different ideas. This not only makes the mind map more engaging and easier to understand, but it also enhances our ability to remember the information.

That is why the mind map prompt includes emojis in the descriptions. They are there as a visual clue that will help you remember the material better. If you are able to include your own emojis it will help you even more.

So, let’s continue to explore how we can use ChatGPT to create mind maps and visualize our ideas in new and exciting ways.

The Benefits of Using ChatGPT for Mind Mapping

As we look closer into the world of mind mapping with ChatGPT, it’s important to understand the benefits and downsides this powerful tool brings.

Firstly, ChatGPT allows us to create mind maps quickly and efficiently. With its advanced language processing capabilities, it can help us brainstorm and visualize concepts in a way that’s both intuitive and engaging.

  • Although this is a positive there is a downside
  • When learning new material the more active the learner is the better
  • That is why I suggested creating your own factoids
  • This does not apply though to all of our use cases as we’ll see

Picture this: You’re working on a complex project with multiple components. Instead of jotting down ideas in a linear fashion, you use ChatGPT to create a mind map. This visual representation allows you to see the connections between different aspects of the project, helping you to organize your thoughts and plan your next steps effectively.

I personally am using this to write a blog article on “How to use ChatGPT to work”. Although there are a lot of searches the topic is BROAD. So I had ChatGPT help me make a mind map.

Seeing it laid out like this helped me to see that although it is a long article I should be able to do it in a reasonable number of words.

Secondly, ChatGPT is a great tool for presenting and communicating ideas. Whether you’re in a business meeting or a classroom, a mind map created with ChatGPT can help you convey your ideas in a clear and understandable way.

Imagine showing a mind map in a presentation. The visual format can help your audience grasp the main points quickly, and the branches of the map can guide them through the details in a logical manner.

Lastly, ChatGPT can be a powerful tool for learning. Whether you’re studying for an exam or trying to understand a complex topic, creating a mind map with ChatGPT can help you break down the information into manageable chunks.

Think about how you usually take notes. With a mind map, instead of writing down information in a linear fashion, you can organize it in a way that mirrors how your brain works. This can help you understand the material better and recall the information more easily.

In conclusion, using ChatGPT for mind mapping can bring numerous benefits, from enhancing your brainstorming sessions to improving your learning process. So why not give it a try?

ChatGPT for Brainstorming: Mind Mapping for Idea Generation

As a creative professional, I’ve found that brainstorming is an essential part of the ideation process. And when it comes to brainstorming, mind mapping with ChatGPT has been a game-changer for me.

Mind mapping is a powerful tool that allows us to visualize our thoughts in a non-linear manner. It’s like creating a city map of our ideas, where the city center is our main idea, and the roads leading from it are our key thoughts. The secondary roads, or branches, represent our secondary thoughts, and so on.

With ChatGPT, this process becomes even more dynamic. The AI helps generate new branches and ideas, making the brainstorming process more efficient and comprehensive.

Here’s how I use ChatGPT for brainstorming with mind maps:

  1. Define the Central Idea: I start by defining the central idea or problem I want to brainstorm. This becomes the center of my mind map.
  2. Generate Key Thoughts: I then ask ChatGPT to generate key thoughts or ideas related to the central idea. These become the main roads leading from my city center.
  3. Expand on Key Thoughts: For each key thought, I ask ChatGPT to generate related ideas or sub-thoughts. These become the secondary roads or branches of my mind map.
  4. Visualize and Analyze: Finally, I visualize the mind map and analyze the ideas. The visual nature of the mind map helps me see connections and patterns that I might have missed otherwise.

So let’s take a look at how this plays out in real life.

You might remember that I was planning on writing an article, “How to use ChatGPT to work”. 

Here’s what one branch of my mind map looks like.

I know a lot about content generation using ChatGPT but project management, training, and onboarding are not in my experience set yet. So how can I pull out some ideas? For this first article, I am only going to be doing a summary, but long-term project management and training and onboarding might be another great set of articles.

Let’s have ChatGPT draw me a mindmap about “Using ChatGPT for Project Management”

Please create a detailed outline about [SUBJECT] as a textual representation of a mindmap.

Use markmap.js for formatting, and send the output to the code box.

Do not include an introduction or a conclusion we are creating a textual representation of a mindmap not creating an article.

[SUBJECT] = Using Chatgpt for Project Management

Include emojis to help make things clearer, make them easier to remember, or lend emphasis.

Include factoids to support each subpoint

If ChatGPT does not send you your result in a code box like this send this prompt)

please send me that again in markmap.js formatting inside the code box

When I put it into, https://markmap.js.org/repl gives me. (Among other things).

That’s great! Both of those subjects have at least 6-8 new articles in them. If I were to write them I would need to validate search volume and keyword difficulty, you can read an article about that here.

Remember, the goal of brainstorming is not to come up with perfect ideas, but to generate as many ideas as possible. With mind mapping and ChatGPT, I’ve found that I can generate more diverse and creative ideas than ever before.

Remember, the key to effective brainstorming is to keep an open mind and let your ideas flow. Happy brainstorming!

ChatGPT in Education: Mind Mapping for Learning

As a professor and tutor I’ve found that using ChatGPT for mind mapping in education can be a game-changer. It’s not just about creating a visual representation of information; it’s about fostering a deeper understanding and retention of the material.

One of the ways I’ve used ChatGPT for mind mapping in the classroom is for revision. A few weeks or months after introducing a new topic, students should create a revision mind map. This helps them break down the information into more manageable chunks and visualize connections between individual arguments and facts. It’s a great way to deepen their understanding of the material and help them memorize it long-term.

How to Revise Using Mind Maps

Students often have problems getting started building their mind maps by hand. (Athough this is a very effective tool). They can use chatgpt to get them started and then take it away on their own.

Another technique I’ve found effective is using mind maps for group assignments. Tools like ChatGPT enable multiple students to all work on a mind map at the same time. This encourages collaboration and ensures everyone contributes to the project. Plus, it’s a great way to keep track of who contributed what and when.

Consider this mind map about transformer architectures for deep learning.

Figure 1 (Without the factoids) 

A student or group of students might be given this mindmap and asked to fill out the factoids. As a group project it is great for getting them to talk to one another.

Figure 2 (With the factoids)

After they have finished their mindmap they can compare it to ChatGPTs version. This helps to point out areas quickly where their understanding is lacking. 

Mind maps can also be used for reading comprehension exercises. When students are reading a complicated text, taking notes in a mind map can help them break down the information and capture thoughts and questions that arise while they’re reading. It’s a great way to ensure they capture the key points of the text.

In my experience, these techniques have not only made learning more engaging for my students, but they’ve also improved their understanding and retention of the material. So, if you’re an educator looking to incorporate mind mapping into your teaching, I highly recommend giving ChatGPT a try.

ChatGPT for Project Planning: Mind Mapping for Organization

I just started using ChatGPT for project planning and I can tell you that it’s a game-changer. Mind mapping with ChatGPT allows you to visualize your project’s scope, organize tasks, and even brainstorm solutions to potential challenges.

The first step is to define your project’s goal. With ChatGPT, you can create a central node that clearly states this goal. From there, you can start branching out into smaller, manageable tasks.

Prompt: Create a Mind Map for Project Management

Please create a detailed outline about [SUBJECT] as a textual representation of a mindmap.

Use markmap.js for formatting, and send the output to the code box.

Do not include an introduction or a conclusion we are creating a textual representation of a mindmap not creating an article.

[SUBJECT] = goal create a website about key fobs

Include emojis to help make things clearer, make them easier to remember, or lend emphasis.

Include factoids to support each subpoint

This is a project-oriented mind map to create a process to achieve the goal

If ChatGPT does not send you your result in a code box like this send this prompt)

please send me that again in markmap.js formatting inside the code box

Which we then paste into, https://markmap.js.org/repl to get

Key Fob Website

ChatGPT’s ability to generate ideas and responses based on prompts can be incredibly helpful here. For instance, if you’re unsure what tasks need to be completed to reach your goal, you can ask ChatGPT for suggestions.

In the case of the “Key Fob Website” (an actual project I am working on). I have some of the suggested items done already, some are not applicable and some are missing. So I can go back and chat with ChatGPT to change the mindmap.

I would like to change my outline a little

My website is going to have 2 objectives phase one is a content website, and phase 2 will be an e-commerce site. Phase 2 will begin approximately 18 months after phase 1.

I need to add keyword discovery as well to be able to determine website structure (categories) and an initial hit list of articles. (50 to start with)

I am using WordPress and have already incorporated security measures

I already have a hosting provider, and domain, have loaded up WordPress, and tested it.

Be more explicit on the routine maintenance tasks for a WordPress eCommerce site.

I will not need wireframes for the moment.

After the revisions I Get

 There are several things that ChatGPT added that I had not thought of yet, like defining website objectives. I still need to go through that a bit more.  

Another great feature of using ChatGPT for mind mapping in project planning is its ability to help with risk assessment. By asking ChatGPT to generate potential challenges or risks associated with each task, you can proactively prepare for these issues.

What are some risks with using keyword discovery to determine a website’s category structure?

While keyword discovery can be a valuable tool for determining a website’s category structure, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and challenges associated with this approach. Some of the risks with using keyword discovery to determine a website’s category structure include:

  1. Keyword Inaccuracy: Keyword research may not always accurately reflect user intent or the relevance of certain keywords. It’s possible to misunderstand the true meaning behind certain keywords or misinterpret their popularity.
  2. Keyword Volatility: Search trends and user behavior can change over time. Keywords that are popular today may lose their significance in the future, requiring constant monitoring and adjustment of the category structure.
  3. Limited Scope: Relying solely on keywords might lead to a narrow perspective when organizing website categories. It’s essential to consider other factors such as user experience, industry standards, and the overall logical flow of content.
  4. Overemphasis on SEO: While SEO is important for driving organic traffic, prioritizing keywords too heavily may result in sacrificing user experience. It’s crucial to find a balance between SEO optimization and providing a user-friendly browsing experience.
  5. Missing Long-Tail Keywords: Keyword research tends to focus on broad keywords, potentially neglecting long-tail keywords that can be highly relevant and valuable for niche audiences. Overlooking these long-tail keywords may result in an incomplete or inaccurate category structure.
  6. Lack of Flexibility: Rigidly adhering to keyword-driven category structures may restrict the website’s ability to adapt to evolving user needs and content expansion. It’s important to allow for flexibility and adaptability within the category structure.

To mitigate these risks, it’s advisable to combine keyword research with other user-centered approaches, such as conducting user surveys, analyzing competitor websites, and seeking feedback from target audiences. This holistic approach ensures that the category structure is not solely reliant on keywords but also considers user preferences and the overall user experience. Regular monitoring and analysis of website analytics can also help identify any necessary adjustments to the category structure based on actual user behavior.

Interesting looks like I need to spend more time studying competitor websites. 

ChatGPT for Creative Thinking: Mind Mapping for Innovation

Mind maps are not just about organizing information; they’re also about sparking innovation. And with ChatGPT, the possibilities are endless.

Simple Brainstorming

One of the techniques I often use is to start with a central concept and let ChatGPT generate related ideas. It’s like brainstorming with a partner who never runs out of suggestions. The visual nature of the mind map helps me see connections that I might have missed otherwise.

This is a mind map for a site about ChatGPT.  I have already written a lot about content creation but there are obviously a lot of areas that I have not even thought about. ChatGPT is a powerful tool…

Iterative Brainstorming

Let’s apply another technique I call “iterative brainstorming”. I start with a basic mind map, then I ask ChatGPT to expand on each node, creating a new mind map for each one. This allows me to delve deeper into each idea and discover new insights.

Let’s apply “iterative brainstorming” to something I had not even heard of from the mindmap above., music composition assistance. I am going to use our standard mind map prompt to create a mind map around, “Using ChatGPT for music composition assistance”.

Wow! There is a lot there. I’ll have to play around a bit and see what I can come up with.

Another technique is to use ChatGPT to explore different perspectives. For example, if I’m working on a product design, I might create a mind map from the viewpoint of the user, the manufacturer, and the marketer. This helps me think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.

So let’s invent a new “Electric Kettle”

Marketer’s Perspective

Manufacturers Perspective

Customers Perspective

So let’s say I am an inventor and marketer I know my area of competence, but… I need to understand what a manufacturer wants: What kind of market research is going to appeal to them? What do I need to communicate to their engineers? What competitor’s product can I show them that is already successful? Using the mind map helps me to know how to craft my message to them at each step in the process.

In terms of the customer, I can see some possible pain points to hit, ease of cleaning, slow boiling time, short cord length, and durability. I also am reminded how important those initial online reviews are even for in-store purchases. I start to build up a “customer avatar” in my mind.

I can also use ChatGPT to help me build an even better avatar using the customer or manufacturer information from the mindmap using the prompt from this article.

You can of course use the same idea to understand students better and even your wife! The sky’s the limit. 

Remember, the goal of creative thinking is not to come up with the ‘right’ answer, but to generate a wide range of ideas. And that’s where ChatGPT really shines. It’s not constrained by the same biases and assumptions that we humans are, so it can come up with truly original ideas.

Remember, creativity is not a linear process. It’s about exploring, experimenting, and sometimes, taking the scenic route. So don’t be afraid to let your mind maps get a little messy. That’s where the magic happens.

And that’s how you can use ChatGPT for creative thinking with mind maps. Give it a try and see where your imagination takes you!

Prompts Used In The Article

Prompt: If ChatGPT Does Not Send You the Right Format

If ChatGPT does not send you your result in a code box send this prompt)

please send me that again in markmap.js formatting inside the code box

Prompt: To Create a ChatGPT Mindmap Around a Topic

Please create a detailed outline about [SUBJECT] as a textual representation of a mindmap.

Use markmap.js for formatting, and send the output to the code box.

Do not include an introduction or a conclusion we are creating a textual representation of a mindmap not creating an article.

[SUBJECT] = Using Chatgpt for work

Include emojis to help make things clearer, make them easier to remember, or lend emphasis.

This line is optional: Include factoids to support each subpoint

Prompt: Create a ChatGPT Mindmap From External Information

Transcript Remember This Data {

0:00
in this super quick video I’m going to
0:01
show you a tip to combine chat GPT with
0:04
mid-journey and get really cool results
0:06
check it out so in the past when I’ve
0:07
used mid-journey to write prompts for me

….

it a thumbs up we’ll ensure that you see
6:15
more like it inside of your YouTube feed
6:17
alright thanks again really appreciate
6:19
you guys see you in the next one bye
6:21
[Music]
6:39
thank you}

Please create a detailed outline about [SUBJECT] as a textual representation of a mindmap.

Use markmap.js for formatting, use the data above as well as your own corpus, and send the output to the code box.

Do not include an introduction or a conclusion we are creating a textual representation of a mindmap not creating an article.

[SUBJECT] = Using Chatgpt for work

Include emojis to help make things clearer, make them easier to remember, or lend emphasis.

Include factoids to support each subpoint

[SUBJECT] = Using ChatGPT to Create Mid-journey Prompts

Prompt: Create a Mind Map for Project Management

Please create a detailed outline about [SUBJECT] as a textual representation of a mindmap.

Use markmap.js for formatting, and send the output to the code box.

Do not include an introduction or a conclusion we are creating a textual representation of a mindmap not creating an article.

[SUBJECT] = goal create a website about key fobs

Include emojis to help make things clearer, make them easier to remember, or lend emphasis.

Include factoids to support each subpoint

This is a project-oriented mind map to create a process to achieve the goal

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Chris

Chris Chenault trained as a physicist at NMSU and did his doctoral work in biophysics at Emory. After studying medicine but deciding not to pursue an MD at Emory medical school Chris started a successful online business. In the past 10 years Chris's interests and studies have been focused on AI as applied to search engines, and LLM models. He has spent more than a thousand hours studying ChatGPT, GPT 3.5, and GPT4. He is currently working on a research paper on AI hallucinations and reducing their effects in large language models.

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