generate-mindmap

name

generate-mindmap

description

"Brainstorm and generate a Buzan-style structured mindmap JSON outline from any content. Use this skill whenever the user asks to create a mind map, mappa mentale, concept map, or visual summary. The skill prioritizes COGNITIVE EFFECTIVENESS over structural efficiency: it uses single keywords, strong visual associations (emojis), organic radiant thinking, and cross-linking to maximize memory retention and idea generation.". TRIGGER WHEN: the user asks to create a mind map, mappa mentale, concept map, or visual summary - typically to learn, brainstorm, or structure knowledge around a topic. DO NOT TRIGGER WHEN: the user wants a traditional outline, flowchart, or diagram (use Mermaid directly) rather than a radiant Buzan-style mind map.

Generate Mindmap (Buzan Method)

Analyze content and produce a structured mindmap JSON outline. This skill focuses on the intellectual work: extracting core themes, building organic hierarchy, assigning visual attributes, and finding non-linear associations. The output is a renderer-agnostic JSON structure.

Philosophy: Effectiveness > Efficiency

Do not force symmetrical or perfectly balanced branches. Human thought is organic. Prioritize cognitive impact: use highly evocative single words, vivid emojis, and let branches grow naturally based on the richness of the associations.

Parameters

The user can specify these parameters. If not specified, use normal complexity.

Complexity

Level	L2 branches	Max depth	Description
essential	3-5	2	Core concepts only, high-impact synthesis.
normal	5-7	4	Balanced organic exploration (default).
detailed	7-9	6	Deep, comprehensive associative dive.

Note: Node counts per branch are NOT fixed. Let them flow organically. Some L2 branches may have 10 children, others only 1.

Workflow

Step 1: Analyze content

Identify the core subject, main radiating themes, and hidden connections between different concepts.

Step 2: Build outline (Radiant Thinking)

1. Identify the Central Nucleus: 1-2 words maximum. Create a vivid central_image_prompt describing a visual representation of this core.
2. Extract Main Branches (L2): The primary categories radiating from the center.
3. Extract Sub-branches (L3+): Apply the Rule of One: use a SINGLE powerful keyword per node (absolute max 2 words if strictly necessary). Strip all articles, prepositions, and filler words.
4. Assign Emoji: Every single node (L2, L3+) MUST have an emoji placed before the keyword to act as a visual anchor.
5. Assign Colors: Assign a unique hex color to each L2 branch. All children of that branch conceptually inherit this color.
6. Identify Cross-Links: Find 1 to 4 non-linear connections between different branches (e.g., a node in Branch 1 that heavily relates to a node in Branch 3).

Step 3: Output

Write the mindmap in the requested format. Default is JSON. Save to a file (e.g., /tmp/mindmap-outline.json).

JSON format (default)

{
  "root": "🎯 Brainstorming",
  "central_image_prompt": "A glowing human brain with colorful lightning bolts radiating outward",
  "branches":[
    {
      "id": "b1",
      "text": "🎨 Creativity",
      "color": "#ff6b6b",
      "children":[
        { "id": "b1_1", "text": "💡 Ideas" },
        { "id": "b1_2", "text": "🔗 Connections" }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "b2",
      "text": "⚙️ Process",
      "color": "#4ecdc4",
      "children":[
        { "id": "b2_1", "text": "⏳ Time" }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "cross_links":[
    { "from": "b1_2", "to": "b2_1", "label": "accelerates" }
  ]
}

Markdown format

If markdown is requested, produce a nested list. Omit colors and cross-links, but strictly maintain the single-keyword rule and emojis.

Content Principles (Buzan Rules)

• The Rule of One: One node = ONE keyword. Never a phrase, never a sentence. Nouns and strong action verbs only.
• Visual Memory: Emojis are not decorative; they are cognitive anchors. Match the emoji to the meaning, not just the word.
• Organic Growth: Allow asymmetry. If a concept triggers a deep chain of associations, let it go deep (up to max depth).
• Opposites/Tensions: Use contrasting symbols (e.g., ☀️/🌧️, ✅/❌).

Semantic Emoji Code (Fallback)

Use specific emojis when applicable, otherwise use domain-specific ones:

Function	Emoji	Function	Emoji
Central Concept	🎯	Concrete Example	💡
Definition/Core	📌	Metric/Data	📊
Process/Action	⚙️	Person/Role	👤
Advantage/Pro	✅	Time/Phase	⏳
Limit/Con	❌	Warning/Risk	⚠️

Color Palette (L2 branches)

Use these high-contrast, brain-friendly colors for L2 branches:

#	Color	Hex
1	Coral	#ff6b6b
2	Teal	#4ecdc4
3	Lime	#95e77e
4	Mint	#a8e6cf
5	Peach	#ffd3b6
6	Lavender	#d4a5f5
7	Yellow	#f7dc6f
8	Sky	#85c1e9

JSON Schema Requirements

• root (string): Central theme (1-2 words + emoji).
• central_image_prompt (string): A short prompt describing a visual illustration of the root.
• branches (array): List of branch objects.
• Branch object: Must include id (unique string, e.g., "node_1"), text (emoji + single keyword), and color (L2 only).
• cross_links (array): Objects containing from (id), to (id), and optional label (1 word).