Brace Map Template

Creatively turn vast concepts using a straightforward thinking map.
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Brace Map Template

What is a brace map?

The brace map is commonly used to break down parts to show and explain how every component works to form the central concept. Suppose you want to break down the elements or features of television; you can use the brace map by starting from the main topic. The succeeding parts of the map will be elements identifying all aspects to create television.

When to use a brace map template?

If you analyze physical objects, you can turn to brace maps to help you structure your diagram. Besides using this framework in physical objects, you can also dissect and analyze fictional characters with a brace map.
It promotes a better and clear understanding of whole to parts relationships. A brace map is a medium used by most people to explain how physical objects and other concepts work. When you look at a brace map, it is generally structured horizontally with the central idea starting from your left going to the right. As you move through making this map, the elements of the central concept go smaller and more specific.
Brace maps can be done through mind mapping software online. The good thing about mind maps is that it provides a clear illustration of your diagram. You can also choose a pre-made brace map template or start from scratch. Here are a few steps in making the framework.
  • Allocate space on the left side of your diagram where the name of the main idea will be placed. The pattern must be in a horizontal direction.
  • Draw a bracket after the main idea's name. Ensure that the bracket should be big enough to organize and encompass all the major elements of the main concept.
  • Add smaller brackets as you classify each major element and group them into subparts until you reach the most specific aspects.

Brace Map Templates

If you still find it challenging how to construct your framework, here are some examples you can refer to:
As previously discussed, a brace map does not only concern physical objects, as they could be used to classify broad topics. The example below talks about the various forms of energy. Using a mind mapping tool, the central concept is on the left side of the diagram, and as it proceeds to the right, sub-concepts are specified. The creator used a simplified illustration using colors to emphasize categories. Remember that you can add more branches if you feel like specifying more on the elements.

Example 1: Different Forms of Energy

As previously discussed, a brace map does not only concern physical objects, as they could be used to classify broad topics. The example below talks about the various forms of energy. Using a mind mapping tool, the central concept is on the left side of the diagram, and as it proceeds to the right, sub-concepts are specified. The creator used a simplified illustration using colors to emphasize categories. Remember that you can add more branches if you feel like specifying more on the elements.

Example 2: Parts of a Lily Brace Map

The second example is quite charming to look at as it uses colors to fill each node in the diagram. This time, it illustrates the parts of a lily. Besides using squares as symbols for every subcategory, you can use various shapes or stickers. This is one of the benefits of using mind mapping tools - you can experiment and assign themes for your diagrams by incorporating shapes, colors, and stickers.

Example 3: Clouds Brace Map

This diagram below shows the versatility of brace maps using mind maps. Besides objects, you can categorize the different clouds you chance upon as you look at the sky every day. There are ten kinds of clouds and are divided into three categories. Since mind maps allow you to expand your illustration until the most specific element, you can still add more specific details on every type of cloud on the right. The creator also uses shapes and shades of blue to provide a more precise theme of the diagram. If you wish to insert images, you can also do so.

Tips about constructing a brace map

There is no secret to effectively making a brace map, as the framework is easy to use and straightforward. Regardless, these simple tips below might come in handy as you structure your diagram:
  • Be as specific as you can be. Since the purpose of using a brace map is to have a deeper understanding of an idea or a concept, you need to provide specific categories that will support the central concept. It might help to take notes before structuring your framework.
  • As much as possible, use phrases and shorter sentences. There will be instances when you need to explain things in sentences. Just ensure that they aren't long enough to tire your viewers' eyes.
  • A brace map must be clean and straightforward. As has been mentioned previously, you can always customize your structure with bolder arrowheads, images, stickers, shapes, and colors, but do not overdo it. Ensure you are still able to relay the concept in a simplified and creative way. Do not get overwhelmed with all the customization options, as it will possibly confuse your structure.
  • It will not hurt as well to seek feedback from other people. You can ask your colleague or teammates to check your brace map and things that need to be revised. Today's online diagramming tools have collaboration features where people can give comments and suggestions about your work straight to the project itself.

Why EdrawMind?

EdrawMind is a full-featured collaborative mind mapping and brainstorming tool. It is convenient and helpful for you to use EdrawMind to sort out your thoughts, visualize ideas, take notes, plan projects and more importantly, find solutions to problems.
Users are allowed to insert different kinds of objects into topics and mind maps in EdrawMind, including relationship line, boundary, callout, summary, mark, clip art, picture, hyperlink, attachment, note, comment, and tag. EdrawMind offers you a simple way to create mind maps on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Download the desktop version and try the free online version now!
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