How do I use icons and images without cluttering?

Balancing visuals and clarity

Use icons and images sparingly to emphasize meaning without overwhelming the layout. Reserve images for central ideas or high-level themes and icons for quick status or category cues. Small, consistent icons work best for scanning.

Guidelines:

• Use icons for status (done, in progress), type (idea, question), or priority.
• Add images only when they add context (e.g., diagrams, photos).
• Keep icon sizes uniform and avoid excessive decoration.
• Use a legend for non-obvious symbols.

This approach keeps the map visually engaging while preserving readability. If a branch needs many images, consider a linked gallery or sub-map to keep the main canvas clean.