Product managers, designers, and engineers
During a team brainstorming session to generate creative solutions for a product challenge.
Use cases
About
The Six Thinking Hats mind map template, created by Edward de Bono, provides a structured framework for parallel thinking with 48 nodes across six distinct thinking modes: Objective, Creative, Positive, Negative, Intuitive, and Process. This template helps teams and individuals explore problems from multiple perspectives by systematically switching between hats, each representing a different thinking style. For example, the 'Objective' hat focuses on 'Information That We Have' and 'Information That We Need', while the 'Creative' hat encourages 'Expecting Creative Effort' and 'Adopting a Creative Attitude'. The 'Positive' hat examines 'Values and Benefits' and 'Feasibility', and the 'Negative' hat scans for 'Potential Problems'. The 'Intuitive' hat recognizes 'a Range of Feelings', and the 'Process' hat defines the focus and sets the agenda. This Six Thinking Hats cheat sheet is ideal for meetings, problem-solving sessions, and decision-making processes.
Terms and ConditionsWhen to use this template
Executives, business analysts, and strategy teams
When evaluating a strategic business decision that requires balanced consideration of pros and cons.
HR professionals, team leads, and mediators
In a conflict resolution meeting where participants have opposing viewpoints and need structured dialogue.
How to use this template
Step 1
Launch and Review the Framework
Open the template in Xmind to explore the six distinct thinking modes including Objective, Creative, and Positive branches.
Step 2
Input Content and Brainstorm Ideas
Replace the placeholder text with your specific data and use floating topics to capture any additional thoughts during your session.
Step 3
Finalize and Share Your Analysis
Review your multi-perspective findings and export the completed map as a PDF or image to collaborate with your team.
Frequently asked questions
The template includes six main branches: Objective, Creative, Positive, Negative, Intuitive, and Process, each with detailed sub-nodes. It also contains floating topics for additional notes. The structure helps guide parallel thinking in group discussions.
Start by defining the focus under the 'Process' hat. Then sequentially explore each hat: collect facts (Objective), generate ideas (Creative), evaluate positives (Positive), identify risks (Negative), express feelings (Intuitive), and manage the process (Process). Customize the nodes in Xmind to fit your specific decision.
Yes, the template is fully editable in Xmind. You can add, remove, or modify nodes, change colors, and attach notes or images. It works on desktop and mobile versions.
Project the mind map and assign each hat to a participant or time slot. Use the 'Process' hat to keep the agenda on track. Encourage everyone to adopt the same hat at once to ensure parallel thinking and avoid conflict.
Absolutely. Work through each hat sequentially, filling in the nodes with your own thoughts. The 'Intuitive' hat helps you check your gut feelings, while the 'Negative' hat ensures you consider potential pitfalls.
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