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Edward de Bono Mind Map Example

See how de Bono's mind mapping ideas, radiant thinking and core rules fit together, then create a map from your own notes or PDF.

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CogniGuide at a glance

What you get
Interactive mind maps of the main ideas and how they connect. Free: overview maps (detailed maps on your first 3 creations). Plus: detailed maps with supporting concepts.
Exports
Your first PDF or PNG export is free; Plus exports anytime.
Price
Free plan: 5 creations a week, up to 3 a day. Plus: $9.99/month or $99.90/year (USD; local prices at checkout).
Sign-up
A free account is required before you create anything (Google or email). No credit card.
What you can upload
PDF, Word (.docx), PowerPoint (.pptx), plain text or Markdown, and images (PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF), or type a topic. One file per creation on the free plan; several at once on Plus.

How it compares: vs Knowt · vs Quizlet · vs NotebookLM · vs Mapify

Build a de Bono Style Map From Your Notes

Start from a PDF, document, slides or a topic and get a branched map you can expand, edit and study.

Build from your own material

Upload a PDF, Word or PowerPoint file, or type a topic, and the AI turns it into a mind map.

Radiant structure

Branches grow outward from one central idea, the way de Bono described radiant thinking.

Study next steps

Turn the map into a quiz to test recall, or make flashcards from the same notes.

How to Make a Mind Map Like de Bono

Three steps take you from source material to a map you can study and expand.

  1. 1

    Add your material

    Upload notes, a PDF or slides on mind mapping, or simply type the topic.

  2. 2

    AI builds the map

    The central idea and main branches are arranged radially with sub-branches for detail.

  3. 3

    Study and expand

    Expand any node, edit text, then export, share or quiz yourself on it.

About Edward de Bono and His Mind Map Method

Edward de Bono, a Maltese-born physician and author, popularized the term lateral thinking and wrote widely on creative problem solving. A de Bono mind map starts from a central idea and grows outward through branches, so ideas can connect in many directions. He is often linked with mind mapping alongside Tony Buzan, though the two developed distinct approaches.

  • Radiant thinking: branches radiate from a central concept in all directions
  • Lateral thinking: exploring ideas from unexpected angles rather than in a straight line
  • Six Thinking Hats: a method for viewing a problem through different perspectives
  • Key words: short, memorable labels that keep each branch focused

Use a map like this to revise a framework, plan a project or prepare for an exam. Create your own personalized map with CogniGuide from your notes.

Edward de Bono Mind Map Questions

Answers about de Bono's method and making your own map.

Who was Edward de Bono?

Edward de Bono was a physician, psychologist and author known for coining lateral thinking. He wrote many books on thinking skills, including the Six Thinking Hats method.

What is radiant thinking?

Radiant thinking is the idea that thoughts spread outward from a central point in many directions, rather than moving in one fixed sequence. Mind maps are a visual way to show this.

Which files can I upload to build my own map?

You can upload a PDF, Word (DOCX) or PowerPoint (PPTX) file, a text or Markdown file, or an image. You can also type a topic instead.

Is CogniGuide free and can I quiz myself?

There is a free plan with 5 creations a week and no payment needed. You can turn any map into a quiz to test yourself.