A method of rendering the design of a course visible for the purpose of discussion amongst the members of course development teams is described. The paper begins by examining the way in which design is manifested in the area of course materials development and the approaches that have been used in attempting to document designs. The strengths and limitations of the conceptual mapping method are examined and the way in which the method has been used to facilitate the work of course development teams is described. Additional uses of the method and possibilities for future enhancements of the method are discussed. (Contains 1 table and 4 figures.)