Learn How to Use CognitoBuddy
Step-by-step tutorials for every feature. From creating your first knowledge map to mastering advanced learning techniques.
Getting Started
Creating Your First Knowledge Map
Open the Dashboard
After signing in, you land on the Dashboard. This is your home base showing all your knowledge maps, study streaks, and learning metrics.
Click "New Map"
Click the green "New Map" button in the top-right corner. Enter a topic name (e.g., "Machine Learning", "Biology", "JavaScript"). This becomes the root concept of your map.
Your Map Opens
CognitoBuddy creates a root node and opens the interactive canvas. You can now expand this concept into subconcepts by clicking "Expand" on the node.
Expand Concepts
Click "Expand" on any node to let AI generate 3-5 related subconcepts. Each subconcept appears as a connected node with its own description and difficulty level.
Explore the Sidebar
Click any node to open the Deep Dive sidebar on the right. This reveals 11 learning tabs for that concept: Explain, Principles, Intelligence, and more.
Navigating the Dashboard
Map Cards
Each knowledge map appears as a card showing the title, last edited date, and node count. Click a card to open the map canvas.
Folders
Use the left sidebar to organize maps into folders. Click "New Folder" to create one, then drag maps into folders for better organization.
View Modes
Toggle between Card view (grid) and List view (compact) using the view toggle buttons next to the "New Map" button.
Study Streak
Your current study streak and weekly activity heatmap are displayed in the top-right area. Study daily to maintain your streak.
Knowledge Pulse Widget
The "Knowledge Pulse" section shows concepts due for review today. Click to start a quick recall session.
Using the Mind Map Canvas
Pan & Zoom
Scroll to zoom in/out. Click and drag on empty canvas space to pan. Use the zoom controls in the top-right toolbar for precise zooming.
Select a Node
Click any concept node to select it. The Deep Dive sidebar opens on the right showing AI-generated explanations and learning tools.
Node Actions
Each node has three action buttons at the bottom: "Expand" (generate subconcepts), "Prerequisites" (find what you need to know first), and "Ask" (ask any question about the concept).
Layout Modes
Use the layout selector in the toolbar to switch between Horizontal, Vertical, and Radial tree layouts. Adjust spacing with Compact, Balanced, or Spacious options.
Right-Click Context Menu
Right-click any node for additional options: Edit label, Edit description, Link to another map, Collapse/Expand children, or Delete the node.
Fit View
Click the "Fit View" button (the four-corners icon) in the toolbar to automatically zoom and center all nodes in view.
Goal-Based Learning (CORTEX)
Click "Goal-Based Learning"
On the Dashboard, click the "Goal-Based Learning" button with the CORTEX badge. This launches the AI-powered learning goal wizard.
Describe Your Goal
Type what you want to learn in plain language. For example: "I want to understand how neural networks work" or "Prepare for AWS Solutions Architect exam".
AI Generates Your Map
CognitoBuddy's AI analyzes your goal, plans a learning structure, and generates a complete knowledge map with properly sequenced concepts, difficulty levels, and prerequisites.
Follow the Learning Path
The generated map comes with a pre-built learning path. Follow the numbered sequence from beginner concepts to advanced topics.
Study & Retention
Knowledge Pulse (Spaced Repetition)
Dashboard Widget
On the Dashboard, the Knowledge Pulse widget shows how many concepts are due for review today. Concepts are scheduled using spaced repetition algorithms.
Start a Session
Click "Start Focus" or the Knowledge Pulse widget to begin a recall session. Choose between Standard (all maps), Focus (one map), Quick (5 questions), or Interleaved (mixed topics) modes.
Answer Questions
AI-generated questions test your recall. Try to answer before revealing hints. Use progressive hints if you're stuck.
Rate Your Confidence
After each question, rate your confidence: "I knew this" or "I didn't know this". This feeds the spaced repetition algorithm to schedule future reviews.
Session Summary
After completing the session, see your accuracy, streak progress, and which concepts need more practice.
Recall Question Types
Recall Questions
Basic recall: "What is [concept]?" Tests your ability to explain the core idea from memory.
Relationship Questions
Connection-based: "How does [concept A] relate to [concept B]?" Tests your understanding of relationships.
Application Questions
Use-case based: "Give an example of [concept] in practice." Tests your ability to apply knowledge.
Compare & Contrast
Analytical: "What are the similarities and differences between [A] and [B]?" Tests deeper understanding.
Interleaved Practice
Questions from different maps are mixed together. Research shows interleaved practice improves long-term retention more than blocked practice.
Focus Sessions
Start Focus
Click "Start Focus" in the top-right of the canvas. Set your session duration (25 min default, Pomodoro-style).
Floating Timer
A draggable floating timer widget appears on screen. Snap it to any corner, minimize it, or keep it visible as you study.
Study Without Distractions
During a focus session, the timer tracks your concentrated study time. This time is logged to your analytics.
Break Timer
When the session ends, a break timer suggests a 5-minute rest. Take the break to maintain sustained focus.
Session Complete
A summary modal shows how long you studied, which concepts you visited, and your learning progress.
Study Plans (CORTEX)
Create a Study Plan
Navigate to Study Plans from the sidebar. Click "Create Study Plan" to launch the 4-step wizard.
Step 1 — Basic Info
Name your plan and set a goal (e.g., "Pass AWS exam by April"). Choose the study frequency and daily time commitment.
Step 2 — Select Maps
Pick which knowledge maps to include in the plan. The AI uses these to generate a structured study schedule.
Step 3 — Schedule
Set your preferred study days and times. The AI distributes concepts across your schedule based on difficulty and prerequisites.
Step 4 — Review & Create
Review the generated plan and confirm. Your daily tasks appear on the Dashboard under "Today's Study Items".
Google Calendar Sync
Optionally connect Google Calendar to sync study blocks as calendar events.
Certification Study Planner (CORTEX)
Search for your certification
Click "Cert Plan" on the Dashboard and search for any IT certification (CompTIA, AWS, Cisco, Microsoft, ITIL, and more).
Review the knowledge map
AI analyzes the official exam guide and builds a conceptual knowledge map. Review the domains, objectives, and sub-topics before generating.
Generate study maps
Click "Generate Maps" to create interconnected mind maps with up to 15 nodes each. AI generates deep-dive content for every concept.
Study with linked maps
Navigate through the map hierarchy: Overview → Domains → Objectives → Sub-topics. Each node has AI-generated explanations, manifests, and first-principles analysis.
Canvas Tools
Zoom, Layout & Navigation
Zoom Controls
Use the + and - buttons in the top-right toolbar, or scroll your mouse wheel. The current zoom percentage is displayed between the buttons.
Fit View
Click the four-corners icon to auto-zoom and center all nodes in the viewport.
Layout Modes
Click the dot-grid icon in the toolbar. Choose from 5 layouts: Horizontal Right, Horizontal Left, Vertical Down, Vertical Up, or Radial.
Layout Spacing
Within the layout selector, choose spacing: Compact (tight), Balanced (default), or Spacious (spread out).
MiniMap
A small minimap in the bottom-right corner shows the full map. Click and drag on the minimap to navigate quickly.
Search (Ctrl+K)
Press Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K on Mac) to open the semantic search palette. Type a concept name to instantly navigate to it.
Memory Decay Visualization
Toggle Memory Decay
Click the eye icon in the canvas toolbar. Nodes you haven't visited recently fade in opacity, simulating the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve.
Visual Feedback
Recently studied nodes appear vibrant and fully opaque. Older, unreviewed nodes gradually fade, showing you which concepts need refreshing.
Prioritize Review
Use the faded nodes as a visual guide for what to study next. Click a faded node to review it and restore its opacity.
Comprehension Badges & Gauges
Toggle Comprehension
Click the gauge icon in the canvas toolbar. Each node shows a colored badge indicating your comprehension level.
Comprehension Levels
Three levels: Learning (red), Familiar (amber), Mastered (green). The level is calculated from your visit count, time spent, quiz accuracy, and self-assessment.
Comprehension Panel
Click the gauge icon again to open the Comprehension Panel. This shows a radial gauge with your overall map comprehension percentage and per-node breakdown.
Focus Mode (Canvas)
Double-Click a Node
Double-click any concept node to enter Focus Mode. All unrelated nodes dim, and only the selected node and its direct connections remain highlighted.
Causal Chain
In Focus Mode, animated edges show the causal flow — which concepts lead to and follow from the focused concept.
Exit Focus Mode
Click anywhere on the empty canvas, or press Escape, to exit Focus Mode and restore all nodes to normal visibility.
Simple Language Mode
Toggle Simple Mode
Click the "Simple" toggle in the top-left corner of the canvas toolbar. All concept descriptions are rewritten in plain, jargon-free language using AI.
Simplified Descriptions
Technical terms are replaced with everyday language. Complex sentences are broken into shorter, clearer ones. Perfect for beginners or quick reviews.
Toggle Back
Click "Simple" again to restore the original technical descriptions.
Discovery Timeline
Toggle Timeline
Click the clock icon in the canvas toolbar. This activates the temporal discovery view, showing when concepts were historically discovered or invented.
Historical Context
Each node shows its discovery year, the discoverer/inventor, and the era (Ancient, Classical, Modern, Digital, etc.).
Narrative Thread
A narrative thread connects concepts chronologically, showing how ideas evolved over time.
Dashboard & Progress
Map Management
Create a Map
Click "New Map" on the Dashboard. Enter a topic name — this becomes the root concept. The map opens immediately for expansion.
Rename a Map
Right-click a map card (or click the three-dot menu) and select "Rename". Edit the title and press Enter.
Delete a Map
Right-click a map card and select "Delete". Confirm the deletion in the dialog. This action is permanent.
Organize with Folders
Create folders in the left sidebar. Drag map cards into folders. Use "All Maps" and "My Maps" filters to find maps quickly.
Bulk Operations
Check multiple map cards using the checkboxes, then use the bulk actions bar to delete or move multiple maps at once.
Learning Analytics
Open Analytics
Click "Analytics" in the left sidebar. This dashboard tracks your Knowledge Pulse recall performance.
Stat Cards
Four cards show: Total Sessions completed, Overall Accuracy percentage, Current Study Streak (days), and Total Questions Answered.
Weekly Charts
Two bar charts show your Sessions Per Week and Weekly Accuracy Trend over the last 8 weeks.
Strongest Topics
Maps where you consistently score highest on recall questions, sorted by accuracy.
Needs Work
Maps where your recall accuracy is lowest, highlighting areas that need more practice.
Export CSV
Click "Export CSV" to download your analytics data as a spreadsheet for offline analysis.
Study Streaks & Activity
Streak Counter
Your current study streak is displayed on the Dashboard. Study at least once per day to maintain your streak.
Activity Heatmap
A weekly calendar shows your study activity with colored cells — darker colors mean more activity that day.
Longest Streak
Your personal best streak is tracked in Analytics. Try to beat your record!
Learning Path
What is a Learning Path?
When you open a map, the Learning Path panel appears on the left. It shows an AI-recommended sequence for studying the concepts in your map.
Follow the Sequence
Concepts are numbered in recommended order, starting with prerequisites and building toward advanced topics. Current step is highlighted.
Mark as Learned
Click "Mark as Learned" to advance to the next step. Or click "Skip" to move past a concept you already know.
Auto-Skip
Concepts with 85%+ comprehension are automatically skipped, so you focus on what you actually need to learn.
Progress Bar
A segmented progress bar at the top shows how far through the learning path you are, with estimated time remaining.
Settings & Notifications
Open Settings
Click the gear icon in the top-right header. The settings panel opens with your profile and preferences.
Study Preferences
Configure your preferred study session length, daily goal, and whether to auto-generate content when expanding nodes.
Notifications
Click the bell icon to see recent notifications: changelog updates, feature announcements, and study reminders.
Advanced Features
Problem Decomposition
Open Decomposition
From the canvas, use the context menu or the Decomposition button. This breaks complex problems into smaller, manageable sub-problems.
Choose a Strategy
Pick from decomposition strategies: Top-Down, Bottom-Up, Means-End Analysis, or custom. Each approach breaks the problem differently.
Track Progress
Each sub-problem can be marked as Not Started, In Progress, or Solved. The progress dashboard shows overall completion.
Add Solutions
For each sub-problem, write your solution. The AI can validate your approach and suggest improvements.
Audio Explanations
Listen to Explanations
When viewing a concept's explanation, click the audio player controls to hear the explanation read aloud.
Playback Controls
Use play/pause, and playback speed controls. Audio is generated using text-to-speech AI.
Feature Roadmap & Voting
View the Roadmap
Click "Roadmap" in the sidebar. See planned features organized by status: Planned, In Progress, and Completed.
Vote on Features
Click the thumbs-up button to vote for features you want. Higher-voted features get prioritized.
Submit Ideas
Click "Submit Idea" to propose a new feature. The system checks for duplicate ideas before creating yours.
Comment & Discuss
Each roadmap item has a comment thread. Share your use case or feedback to help shape the feature.
Tips & Workflows
The CognitoBuddy Learning Loop
Morning: Knowledge Pulse
Start your day with a quick 5-question recall session. Review concepts that are due based on spaced repetition scheduling.
Study: Explore & Expand
Open a map and expand new concepts. Read the Deep Dive explanations, try the First Principles mode, and ask questions.
Practice: Teach It
Use the Feynman tab to explain concepts in your own words. The AI identifies gaps in your understanding.
Challenge: What If
Run a counterfactual analysis on an important concept. Understanding why something matters cements it in memory.
Evening: Review Progress
Check your Analytics dashboard. See which topics need work, celebrate your streaks, and plan tomorrow's study.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Ctrl/Cmd + K
Open the semantic search palette to quickly find and navigate to any concept across all your maps.
Ctrl/Cmd + Plus/Minus
Zoom in and out on the canvas. Hold Ctrl/Cmd and scroll for finer control.
Escape
Close the sidebar, exit Focus Mode, or dismiss modals.
Arrow Keys
In the Learning Path panel, use left/right arrows to navigate between sidebar tabs.
Delete/Backspace
Delete the currently selected node (with confirmation).
Pro Tips for Power Users
Use Interleaved Practice
Mix concepts from different maps in your recall sessions. Research shows this improves transfer learning and long-term retention by up to 43%.
Excavate Before Exams
Use Knowledge Archaeology to go all 6 layers deep on key concepts before an exam. The History and Frontier layers often contain exam-worthy details.
Bridge Your Maps
Create bridges between concepts in different maps. Cross-domain connections are the hallmark of deep expertise and creative problem-solving.
Teach Every Hard Concept
If you can't explain a concept simply using the Feynman tab, you don't truly understand it. Keep iterating until the AI gives you a high teaching score.
Track Your Memory Decay
Toggle Memory Decay visualization weekly. Faded nodes are concepts slipping from memory — review them before they're forgotten.
Ready to start learning?
Create your first knowledge map and explore all these features.
Go to Dashboard