HKSM

A visual method that merges ideas gathered separately by individuals into one diagram, making shared themes and differing viewpoints clear and sparking additional concepts.

Key Points

• Creates a central topic with branching nodes to show relationships among ideas.
• Used after individual brainstorming to synthesize inputs into a single view.
• Helps reveal patterns, overlaps, gaps, and prompts new connections.
• Common in scope, requirements, risk identification, and lessons learned sessions.

Example

On a website redesign project, each team member brainstorms features alone. The project manager then builds a mind map with categories like UX, content, performance, and compliance. Overlapping suggestions are clustered, conflicting ideas are noted, and the visual layout inspires the team to propose additional improvements such as accessibility enhancements and page speed KPIs.

PMP Example Question

After collecting idea lists from team members who brainstormed individually, the project manager wants a single visual that shows shared themes and differences while encouraging more ideas. Which technique should be used?

1. Nominal Group Technique
2. Mind Mapping
3. Affinity Diagram
4. Cause-and-Effect Diagram

Correct Answer: B — Mind mapping

Explanation: Mind mapping consolidates individual ideas into one diagram to highlight commonality and differences and stimulate new ideas; the others focus on prioritization, grouping, or root-cause analysis.