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Jang Sung-hwan, a pioneer in Korean infographics, integrates mind maps into design to transform knowledge into wisdom. With global recognition and multiple awards, he uses Xmind to enhance structured thinking and visual storytelling. His approach elevates infographics beyond aesthetics, making them powerful tools for education and communication. This article explores his journey and vision.

Jang Sung-hwan’s Vision: Transforming Knowledge into Visual Wisdom

Jang Sung-hwan is a pioneer of Korean infographics, CEO of 203 Infographic Research Institute, and co-publisher of the neighborhood magazine Street H in Hongdae.

"Let's start with 'the world is small.'"

This was the first line Jang said in the workshop with Xmind. Having used Xmind for about 10 years and integrated it into his infographic workflow at 203, he happened to converse with Xmind while visiting Shenzhen, China.

Jang Sung-hwan, a "pillar-like presence" in Korean infographics for 22 years, has won the U.S. Graphis Poster Award for three consecutive years, the Malofiej Infographic Awards in Spain for three years, the Singapore Asian Media Awards for six years, and the Korean iT Awards for five years.

Infographics are powerful tools for conveying complex information visually and concisely. However, the infographics created by Jang Sung-hwan's 203 Infographic Research Institute go beyond traditional data structuring, offering clear knowledge representation while integrating a creative illustration style.

Jang challenged the conventional belief that designers do not need mind maps because they focus solely on aesthetics. Instead, he pioneered a new approach to design by leveraging mind maps as a tool.

Drawn to Xmind’s clean interface, he introduced an innovative approach that pushes the boundaries of traditional design, grounded in his unique design philosophy.

He encapsulated his vision of visual wisdom encompassing all knowledge into an infographic business - a rarity in the global market.

"Forgetting knowledge doesn’t hinder life much, but wisdom is essential."

Jang Sung-hwan, who made transforming knowledge into wisdom his lifelong goal, recognized Xmind’s role in this journey.

"Xmind makes what’s essential truly stand out."

The Secret to Compelling Infographics: Original Design with Xmind

Jang Sung-hwan’s approach to design is not abstract or ambiguous but highly practical. He uses infographics to impart wisdom through real-world application, not just theoretical concepts.

For example, since June 2015, he has been publishing an infographic poster every month in Street H, a magazine preserving the culture and history of Hongik University’s surroundings. Designers, not clients, select the themes themselves.

While most designers rely on intuition, he emphasizes that for a design to appear intuitive to the audience, its underlying information structure must be meticulously planned first.

A logical and systematic approach is required - from topic selection to data research, structuring information, and deriving insights. Mind maps help review information objectively and efficiently without emotional bias.

"We assess potential topics, including input from interns and junior staff. We prioritize scoring high on factors such as relevance, timeliness, popularity, appeal, and informativeness. We also revisit previously published posters to evaluate popular themes."

Jang developed his own structuring method: narrative diagrams. A narrative diagram visualizes a mind map by arranging geometric shapes and text based on the subject.

The narrative diagram follows three key steps:

• Information Quantity and Density
• Structural Organization
• Layout Design

For this reason, he sees Xmind not just as a tool but as a powerful instrument for structuring thoughts and sparking inspiration.

*"A mind map that structures thinking is like a guiding torch at the heart of human thought."

The final stage is designing concepts and visual forms, expressing compelling illustrations in a visual style tailored to the target audience identified in the mind map. Style is not just about aesthetics but is determined by various factors, including age, gender, and expertise.

Message Delivery in the Age of Information Overload – Xmind and Infographic Synergy

Modern society is overwhelmed by an excess of information, making people increasingly dependent on short, fast media and less inclined to read long texts. In an era where digital media evolves daily, accessing information is easier than ever, but processing it has become more time-consuming.

Infographics address this challenge by enabling quick comprehension through visuals, transcending the limitations of text.

Jang chooses Xmind for his infographic work because other mind mapping tools are overly decorative and use excessive colors. Xmind, by contrast, focuses on essentials rather than superficial design. This shared emphasis on clarity and efficiency aligns perfectly with the goals of infographics.

Through his work, Jang has provided solutions to contemporary challenges, elevating infographics beyond mere visual appeal to serve as powerful tools for conveying critical messages.

His infographics effectively visualize knowledge, sparking curiosity and encouraging people to take action. Topics include significant social and cultural issues such as classical literature from both Eastern and Western traditions, the spread of COVID-19, wildlife conservation, and even tree preservation.

As a result, CEO Jang Sung-hwan has expanded the concept of infographics, introducing a new mode of visual communication that maximizes information efficiency.

The Future of Education – Imparting Wisdom with Xmind and Infographics

Jang has deep faith in the importance of education and the potential of Xmind. He believes that design should come with a sense of social responsibility beyond aesthetics.

He envisions tools like Xmind not just as educational aids but as fundamental components of future learning. He illustrates this point with an analogy:

"I teach you how to use chopsticks, but I don’t put food in your mouth. Likewise, it’s crucial to teach students how to organize information—how to map their minds."

He emphasizes that education should not be about rote memorization but about fostering the ability to think, structure information, and solve problems independently.

For example, Xmind can play a crucial role in helping third-grade students in Korea understand The Three Kingdoms. By visually mapping historical events and character relationships, students can gain wisdom rather than just knowledge.

Jang’s approach has also been proven effective internationally. He conducted a workshop with students at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany, where they installed Xmind, created mind maps, and designed infographics.

Students from various European countries quickly adapted to Xmind, even as first-time users. This tool enabled them to structure their thoughts and ideas efficiently.

As a result, within just four days, students successfully selected themes, structured content, and completed graphics.

Jang’s work extends beyond education to broader social change. He aims to make global knowledge more accessible and understandable through Xmind.

Xmind has the power to shape thoughts, deepen understanding, convey wisdom, and serve as a valuable partner in building a better future. Jang’s vision is not just a personal aspiration - it marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward greater wisdom worldwide.

🚀 The journey to visualize all the world’s knowledge has only just begun. With infographics and Xmind, that vision is becoming reality.