'%3e%3cpath%20d='M4.8%2011.2001C4.8%2010.3201%205.52%209.6001%206.4%209.6001H25.6C26.48%209.6001%2027.2%2010.3201%2027.2%2011.2001L27.1998%2025C27.1998%2025.88%2026.4798%2026.6%2025.5998%2026.6H6.3998C5.5198%2026.6%204.7998%2025.88%204.7998%2025L4.8%2011.2001Z'%20stroke='%2352AA6F'%20stroke-width='1.92'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M12.7998%209.5999V7.1999C12.7998%206.7519%2013.1518%206.3999%2013.5998%206.3999H18.3998C18.8478%206.3999%2019.1998%206.7519%2019.1998%207.1999V9.5999'%20stroke='%2352AA6F'%20stroke-width='1.92'%20stroke-linecap='round'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M4.7998%2017.6001H27.1998'%20stroke='%2352AA6F'%20stroke-width='1.92'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M13%2016H19V19H13V16Z'%20stroke='%2352AA6F'%20stroke-width='1.92'%20stroke-linejoin='round'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_11502_53685'%3e%3crect%20width='32'%20height='32'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
Designers, project managers, and system thinkers
Starting a new design project and needing a structured overview of design models and leverage points.
Use cases
About
The Designs mind map template is a 60-node framework for aspiring and practicing designers who want to understand project fundamentals, develop a designer's mindset, and navigate the design process. It covers three core branches: 'What is a project?', 'Becoming a designer', and 'Design Process', along with additional concepts like 'Log-frames', 'ADDIE', and 'SAM'. The template explores the '12 leverage points in the system' for long- and short-term change, introduces the 'Ethical framework' of 'Care of the Earth, Care of People, Limits to consumption and population', and contrasts 'Intuition' with 'Analysis' in design thinking. It also includes a personal reflection section ('Where am I?') and practical questions such as 'What is the "right" design process for me?'. This Designs template serves as both a cheat sheet and a reflective tool for designers seeking to improve their practice.
Terms and ConditionsWhen to use this template
Individual designers, design students, and coaches
Reflecting on personal design thinking style and identifying areas for improvement.
Educators, facilitators, and team leads
Teaching or facilitating a workshop on design process and ethical frameworks.
How to use this template
Step 1
Access and Explore Core Concepts
Open the file in Xmind to explore the main branches covering project fundamentals, the designer's mindset, and the design process.
Step 2
Reflect and Personalize Your Content
Use the personal reflection section to add your own insights and customize existing nodes to fit your specific design context.
Step 3
Finalize and Share Your Map
Complete your framework by adding new branches and export the final map as an image or PDF for team collaboration.
Frequently asked questions
The template includes 60 nodes across branches like 'What is a project?', 'Becoming a designer', and 'Design Process'. It covers design models (ADDIE, SAM, Log-frames), leverage points, ethical frameworks, and personal reflection prompts.
Start by exploring the 'Design Process' branch to understand intuition vs. analysis. Then reflect on your own thinking style using 'System thinker' and 'Absolutist thinker' nodes. Use the personal questions like 'Where am I?' to identify areas for growth.
Yes, it introduces fundamental concepts like 'What is a project?' and 'Becoming a designer', making it accessible for beginners. It also includes advanced topics like '12 leverage points' for experienced designers.
Absolutely. You can add your own notes, expand branches, or modify the personal reflection sections. The template is fully editable in Xmind desktop or web.
It refers to projects that seem too challenging. The template encourages seeking work from others' 'too difficult box' and overcoming the tendency to avoid hard problems.
Got an inspiring template?
Share your mind map templates with creators around the world and start earning from your work.
Free template