Mind maps in design education: Enhancing cognitive and strategic thinking – A case study review from Al-Ahliyya Amman University

This article presents a case-study review examining the integration of mind mapping as a pedagogical approach within selected courses in the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Design at Al-Ahliyya Amman University. Using a mixed-method design, qualitative and quantitative data were collected over three academic semesters through classroom observations, focus groups, student reflections, and structured assessment instruments. Mind mapping activities were embedded into course tasks related to concept development, project planning, and reflective practice, enabling students to visually organize ideas and explore conceptual relationships within the design process. The findings indicate that the use of mind maps supported student engagement and facilitated clearer connections between theoretical concepts and practical design applications, with recurring patterns suggesting improvements in idea organization and analytical articulation. While the results are context-specific, the study suggests that mind mapping may function as a supportive instructional strategy in studio-based design education and highlights the need for further research across broader institutional and disciplinary contexts.