The 8 thinking maps
Thinking maps are eight diagram shapes, each tied to one kind of thinking: define, describe, compare, classify, break into parts, sequence, find causes, see analogies. Pick the map by the question you’re answering.
| Map | Thinking process | Question it answers |
|---|---|---|
| Circle map | Defining in context | What do I know about this? |
| Bubble map | Describing qualities | What is it like? |
| Double bubble map | Comparing and contrasting | How are these alike and different? |
| Tree map | Classifying | What kinds are there? |
| Brace map | Whole to parts | What are its parts? |
| Flow map | Sequencing | What happens next? |
| Multi-flow map | Cause and effect | What caused it, and what did it cause? |
| Bridge map | Seeing analogies | What is the relating factor? |
Circle map
Defining in context. Topic in the centre; everything you associate with it around it. A frame around the outside records where the knowledge came from.
Bubble map
Describing qualities. The topic in the centre and adjectives in the bubbles around it.
Double bubble map
Comparing and contrasting. Two topics. Shared qualities go between them and unique qualities go on the outside.
Tree map
Classifying. A category at the top with groups underneath and examples below each group.
Brace map
Whole to parts. The whole object on the left, then braces opening to its parts and sub-parts.
Flow map
Sequencing. Boxes in order with arrows between them. Sub-stages sit under each box.
Multi-flow map
Cause and effect. The event in the centre, causes on the left and effects on the right.
Bridge map
Seeing analogies. Pairs of things that share the same relationship, joined by a stated “relating factor” such as “is the capital of”.
Our editor draws flow maps and bridge maps with ordinary branches, as an approximation. Thinking Maps® is a trademark of Thinking Maps, Inc.
Questions people ask
What are the 8 thinking maps?
Circle map, bubble map, double bubble map, tree map, brace map, flow map, multi-flow map and bridge map. Each one matches a basic thinking process: defining, describing, comparing, classifying, part–whole, sequencing, cause and effect, and analogy.
Who created Thinking Maps?
Educator Dr David Hyerle developed Thinking Maps in 1988. “Thinking Maps” is a registered trademark of Thinking Maps, Inc., which runs the official training programme. This page is an independent explainer, not affiliated with them.
Are thinking maps the same as mind maps?
No. A mind map is a free-form diagram that branches from one centre. Each thinking map has a fixed shape tied to one thinking process, so students and teachers share a common visual language.
Can I make thinking maps online for free?
Yes. Each map on this page links to a template or maker in MindMapFlow. No signup is needed, and you can export to PDF or PNG.