What is a graphic organizer and how to create one?

Organizing your thoughts and ideas isn't always easy – especially when working with complex topics, piles of information, or collaborative projects.

Use a graphic organizer tool is one of the easiest and most effective ways to organize ideas, list information, and identify trends visually. Using diagrams and visual aids has helped marketers, IT professionals, teachers, and just about anyone to convey complex ideas simply.

In this article, we'll cover the basics of graphic organizers, their types, use cases, and how to make one of your own. Read on to get started.

What is a graphic organizer?

Do you remember the last time you felt inspired and full of ideas? It's an exhilarating feeling, but it can also be overwhelming when trying to organize all the thoughts running wild through your mind.

That's where graphic organizers come in.

These visual tools help harness those complex concepts into a simple visual representation, such as a diagram or graph, that’s easy to understand.

Think of it like a map that connects and organizes your thoughts and ideas in a clear and structured path so that you can see how all the pieces fit together. These tools make it easier to see the big picture and identify connections between concepts that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

In a collaborative environment, using graphic organizers can greatly enhance communication and teamwork. It's easier for team members to align on project goals and contribute their own insights when there's a visual representation of the ideas and information discussed. As a result, teams have constructive discussions that lead to more brilliant ideas.

Also, with digital collaborative workspaces like Miro, you can even use graphic organizers to collaborate remotely. Team members can brainstorm, organize, and work together from anywhere around the world in one shared space.

You can also treat a graphic organizer like a compass that helps you navigate a sea of information. It guides you towards a clearer path using visual aids so that you or your team can make informed decisions and ride a wave of productivity. But with all that said, how exactly can you put one to use?

Suppose a company that produces and sells handmade soap hasn't been doing well in sales in the last quarter. The marketing team needs help to identify the root cause. The project analyst on the team decides to use a graphic organizer to help analyze the problem and creates a diagram with potential causes, such as pricing, quality, and marketing strategy. Each category is then broken down into subcategories with specific details like customer reviews and competitors’ pricing.

Through this process, the analyst noticed key areas that needed improvement. For example, they noticed that the company’s pricing is significantly higher than competitors, and customer reviews mention that the new packaging makes it hard to understand product benefits.

With this information organized and visually presented, the analyst can present clear, data-driven information to the marketing team to improve sales. The team can then address these issues and track the changes made using the same graphic organizer.

Now that you’ve seen a practical example of applying one, we’ll explore ten types of graphic organizers used in various personal and professional situations.

10 types of graphic organizers

Take a look at how these graphic organizers can help you organize information, analyze problems, and spark new ideas.

1. Venn diagram

A Venn diagram is a popular graphic organizer that compares and contrasts different topics or datasets using interlocking circles. It shows the similarities and differences between these topics so you can better understand their relationships and connections. The overlapping area in the middle of the circles indicates the similarities, while the separate circles highlight the differences between each.

Use a triple Venn diagram template to compare three different subjects.

2. Tree chart

Like its name, a tree chart is a graphic organizer that shows information in the structure of a tree, with the main topic at the top of the chart and subtopics branching off it. These charts are especially useful for organizing information in a hierarchical structure. For example, when breaking down a group project into smaller manageable items to delegate to the team.

Use a tree chart maker to track objectives and results with a hierarchical structure.

3. Cause and effect chart

You can easily see the connections between actions and results with a cause and effect chart. It’s a powerful tool for analyzing complex issues and identifying possible solutions. Breaking down complicated cause-and-effect relationships into bite-sized chunks helps you better understand how different factors interact and how to achieve your goals more accurately and precisely.

Pinpoint areas of improvement with a cause and effect chart.

4. Compare and contrast graph

Like a Venn diagram, a compare and contrast graph compares two or more things but in a more detailed and structured way. Instead of overlapping circles, you'll see tables or lists placed side by side to highlight the differences and similarities between the topics. This structure helps you quickly see how the topics relate to each other and identify key attributes from each topic.

Analyze prospective jobs with a compare and contrast graph.

5. Story map

A story map, also known as a plot diagram, is a convenient tool for analyzing and understanding the elements of a story, including the plot, setting, characters, and themes. It includes a visual representation of a story’s arc, such as the introduction, climax, and resolution. This graphic organizer is a favorite of educators to help students unravel complex stories. Marketers also use this to craft compelling presentations or proposals that tell a story to engage their audience.

Stay focused on a writing project by story mapping it effortless.

7. Sequence of events chart

If you need to get a clear sense of the chronological order of an event or process, a sequence of events chart is your best bet. By dividing an event into key moments that follow a sequential order, this graphic organizer makes it easy to understand what happened and when. Though often used in educational settings, project managers or event planners rely on it to determine the sequence of activities for their projects or events.

Clarify event logistics using a sequence chart.

8. Star diagram

A star diagram highlights key concepts by organizing related information around a central topic. It’s perfect for scenarios where you need to define a specific topic with detailed descriptions. For example, marketing teams can use this graphic organizer to define key selling features of a new product so they know what to promote. It’s also good for goal setting, with a goal in the center and actionable items in the arms of the star.

Define your problem in detail with a star diagram.

9. Circle map

A circle map is an effective visual tool for brainstorming and organizing ideas. A small circle inside a larger one allows for free-flowing thoughts to be connected to the central idea. Another variation is a concept map, with a main idea in the center and related information or subtopics surrounding it. This graphic organizer is your go-to for generating ideas, solving problems, and making connections between different concepts.

Boost creativity and generate ideas using a concept map maker.

10. Problem-solving chart

You can tackle complex and multi-layered issues with a problem-solving chart. A 5 Whys framework is a popular type of problem-solving chart. It's popular in business settings because it encourages critical and logical thinking and helps evaluate different options to choose the best solution. By dissecting a problem into smaller facets, it becomes easier to identify the root cause and possible solutions.

Get to the bottom of your problem with a 5 Whys problem solving chart.

Use cases for a graphic organizer

Look no further if you're wondering how these graphic organizers can be applied to your life or work. This section will explore how different people and professions can use graphic organizers to achieve their goals.

Marketing and Sales

The world of marketing and sales can be chaotic and overwhelming, but graphic organizers are a valuable tool for keeping things organized and on track. They also promote collaboration by letting teams share visuals and content in one place, making it convenient to view the big picture and expand on new ideas. A story map can help tell a compelling narrative about a product, while a star diagram can help identify and target specific audiences. Marketing and sales teams can stay creative, coordinated, and focused on achieving their goals.

IT and Technology

IT and Technology professionals have a lot of brainpower to share, and that's where graphic organizers shine. In an industry where data is everything, graphic organizers allow experts to visualize network topologies and other architecture quickly, saving time and improving communication with colleagues. They also make sharing concepts a breeze by finding the links between seemingly unrelated objects and ideas. Cause-and-effect charts and entity relationship diagrams are commonly used in the industry to identify the relationships between different events or actions that affect the performance of systems and networks.

Troubleshoot systems and databases using an ER diagram tool.

Business Administration

For a business administrator, the daunting task of managing the departmental structure and changes can be simplified with graphic organizers. Organizational charts, flowcharts, and other visual aids help communicate complex information to staff members. These tools optimize business operations, create more efficient teams, and foster collaboration between management and teams. By streamlining work processes with graphic organizers, departments can save time and resources so the company can run like a well-oiled machine.

Art and Design

As a creator, designer, or artist, it can be challenging to stay inspired, especially during a creative rut. A graphic organizer can break through creative barriers by quickly mapping out ideas, giving creative individuals more space to explore and refine them. Adding a graphic organizer to the creative process leads to more productive, fulfilling, and even out-of-the-box work as the artistic vision takes shape.

Teachers

When it comes to teaching, graphic organizers are a game-changer. Not only do they help educators and students visually break down complex subjects, but they also promote engagement and collaboration in the classroom. By learning to organize their thoughts visually, students can more intuitively connect ideas, identify relationships, and give their own insights. This creates a more interactive learning environment that builds better comprehension, retention, and critical thinking skills. Whether it's a Venn diagram to compare and contrast, a timeline to sequence events, or a circle map to generate ideas, the possibilities for using graphic organizers in the classroom are endless.

How to make a graphic organizer

Now the question is, how to make a graphic organizer that works for you? Don’t worry - it's simpler than you think. You can create an effective tool for everything you need in just a few steps.

1. Decide what you want to organize

The first step in creating a graphic organizer is simple – decide what you want to organize. This could be anything from project tasks to brainstorming ideas. Before you begin, take a moment to identify the main ideas or concepts you want to capture and categorize. Clarify your goals and objectives to ensure your graphic organizer will be tailored to your needs.

2. Choose a type of graphic organizer

Once you have a clear idea of what you want to organize, it’s time to choose a graphic organizer. Everyone has a unique way of processing information, so a good tip is to find one that aligns with your thoughts. For example, if you prefer to approach tasks step-by-step, a sequence of events graphic organizer is a good fit. If you enjoy seeing the big picture, a circle map will work wonders. The ultimate goal is to find an organizer that complements your thinking process to achieve your purpose.

3. Set up a collaborative workspace

Set up a collaborative workspace to take your productivity to the next level. A collaborative workspace is a shared virtual or physical space where people can work together on a task or project. Online visual collaboration spaces, including popular options like Miro, let you use graphic organizers and other tools to share ideas, organize information, and work more efficiently with others wherever you are.

4. Brainstorm and collaborate

With a collaborative workspace, you can start brainstorming and working with others. A great way to add more depth to your graphic organizer is to generate a range of ideas related to your topic, so you can understand different perspectives or identify blindspots. Collaborating with others and pooling your ideas together further helps you create a detailed graphic organizer that reflects all the key ideas related to your topic.

5. Regularly review and revise

Review and revise your graphic organizer regularly to ensure it's still working for you. Stumbling upon new ideas and information while working on your project is natural, so update them as needed. Set aside time each week to go through your organizer to make any necessary changes so you stay on track and meet your goals. Plus, it's a great way to see your progress and feel motivated to keep going.

Build graphic organizers collaboratively with Miro

In this article, we explored how using graphic organizers helps you visually convey complex ideas, present information, dissect problems, and find solutions. With Miro, our collaborative online workspace, you can collaborate and create graphic organizers with others using tools like digital whiteboards and template libraries. We’re designed for professionals, educators, students, and anyone looking to spice up their workflow. Try Miro today to see how we transform the way you work.