Turn your design notes into a clear, unique concept map
Upload a PDF, DOCX, slide deck, or photo of your notes and get an editable mind map you can rearrange, expand, and explore branch by branch.
Why a custom concept map beats a generic template
A design course often comes down to seeing how ideas connect, and a unique design concept map built from your own readings shows those links at a glance. Ready-made diagrams rarely match your syllabus, so the terms and layout feel foreign.
- Start from your own lecture slides or readings instead of a blank page.
- Rearrange branches to group related principles together.
- Collapse sections to test yourself on one branch at a time.
- Turn key nodes into flashcards when you need repetition.
Editable branches
Rename, move, or add nodes so the map matches how your course organizes design ideas.
Explorable layout
Collapse and expand branches to move from broad design themes down to specific terms.
Built from your material
Every branch comes from the lecture notes or readings you upload, not a generic template.
How it works
Upload your material
Add a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain text, or a photo of your notes.
Generate the map
DeckOwl pulls out the main concepts and arranges them into a mind map.
Edit and explore
Reshape the layout, then study branch by branch or turn nodes into flashcards.
DeckOwl reads your notes and proposes a central topic with main branches and sub-points. You can then restructure the map so it reflects your instructor's framework, whether that is Gestalt principles, design thinking stages, or typography rules.
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Frequently asked questions
What should a design concept map usually include?
Start with the central principle, such as visual hierarchy, then add branches for the tools that support it, like size, contrast, spacing, and position. Keep sub-points short so each one is easy to recall.
How do I study Gestalt principles of perception?
Learn each principle with a simple example, such as grouping dots by proximity or seeing a complete circle with a gap in it through closure. Then explain in your own words why a layout works or fails.
Is there a free plan?
Yes. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser, and you do not need a credit card to start.
Which export options are included?
Exports are part of the paid Plus plan, which includes PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV export. The free plan is for studying in the browser only.
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