Papers

In-depth studies working through the philosophical foundations and practical methods behind Rhizomatic Mapping. Turn here for rigorous, thorough engagement with the method and its theory.

Rhizomatic Mind Maps as a Form of Design Thinking

This paper explores rhizomatic maps as a visual schema representing a simultaneous web of interconnections produced by an individual, creative thought process. It discusses how, in design, the map enables the designer to synchronize visual information, material and formal characteristics, measurements, concepts, ideas, associations, and more – to formulate an innovative question in design research. It also explains why rhizomatic mapping, and not mind mapping, constitutes a form of design thinking.

Rovner, R. 2019. “Rhizomatic Mind Maps as a Form of Design Thinking.” In State of Extremes. Design Museum Holon, pp. 112–120.

Collaborative Rhizomatic Mapping as a Method for Navigating Distributed Authorship in Design

This paper explores a pedagogical shift toward relational competence in design education through Collaborative Rhizomatic Mapping (CRM). It positions CRM against the limitations of traditional Design Thinking (DT) frameworks. The paper presents a proof-of-concept case study involving ten graduate industrial design students. The case study demonstrates the methodology’s turn-based “mapping game,” where participants synchronize situated field experiences with AI-retrieved facts into a rhizomatic map. Building on this collaborative map, students bridged knowledge to create new design concepts.

Rovner, R. 2026. “Collaborative Rhizomatic Mapping as a Method for Navigating Distributed Authorship in Design Education.” In: Design [Re]Thinking, Design Thinking Research Symposium 15, 17-19 June 2026, University of Lisbon, pp. 379–385.

Rhizomatic Mapping in Design Research: A Creative Methodology for Visual Inquiry and Pedagogical Practice

This paper explores rhizomatic mapping as both a research methodology and a pedagogical practice well suited to the complexities of contemporary design inquiry. By adopting a nonhierarchical, dynamic approach to organizing knowledge, it addresses the limitations of both traditional visual frameworks and AI-driven tools for mapping semantic relationships. While conventional methods often impose rigid categories, and AI analyses remain confined to textual patterns, rhizomatic mapping embraces the fluid, associative logic of human creativity. It enables researchers to navigate complexity, uncover unexpected connections, and open new directions for design, reflecting the interpretive and generative nature of the designer’s mind.

Rovner, R. 2025. “Rhizomatic Mapping in Design Research: A Creative Methodology for Visual Inquiry and Pedagogical Practice.” In: Cirklová, J. (ed.) Education Research & Teaching Conference: Exploring Academia – From Practice to Publishing. AMPS Proceedings Series 43, 10-12 June 2025, Czech Technical University, Prague, pp. 214–221.

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