A mind map is a diagram used to visually organise information. A
mind map is often created around a single concept, drawn as an image in the
center of a blank landscape page, to which associated representations of ideas
such as images, words and parts of words are added. Major ideas are connected
directly to the central concept, and other ideas branch out from those.
Mind maps can be drawn by hand
(using felt pens on blank paper), either as "rough
notes" during a lecture, meeting or planning, for example, or as higher
quality pictures when more time is available.
Mind maps are considered to be
a type of spider diagram.[1] A similar concept in the 1970s was
"idea sun bursting".[2]
Buzan suggests the following guidelines for creating mind maps:
1.
Start in the center
with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colors.
2.
Use images, symbols,
codes, and dimensions throughout your mind map.
3.
Select key words and
print using upper or lower case letters.
4.
Each word/image is
best alone and sitting on its own line.
5.
The lines should be
connected, starting from the central image. The lines become thinner as they
radiate out from the center.
6.
Make the lines the
same length as the word/image they support.
7.
Use multiple colors
throughout the mind map, for visual stimulation and also for encoding or
grouping.
8.
Develop your own
personal style of mind mapping.
9.
Use emphasis and show
associations in your mind map.
10.
Keep the mind map
clear by using radial hierarchy or outlines to embrace your branches.
·
Concept
maps - Mind maps differ
from concept maps in that mind maps focus on only one word or idea,
whereas concept maps connect multiple words or ideas. Also, concept maps
typically have text labels on their connecting lines/arms. Mind maps are based
on radial hierarchies and tree structures denoting relationships with a central governing concept, whereas
concept maps are based on connections between concepts in more diverse
patterns. However, either can be part of a larger personal knowledge base system.
·
Modelling
graphs - There is no rigorous
right or wrong with mind maps, relying on the arbitrariness of mnemonicsystems. A UML diagram or a semantic network has structured elements modelling relationships, with lines
connecting objects to indicate relationship. This is generally done in black
and white with a clear and agreed iconography. Mind maps serve a different
purpose: they help with memory and organization. Mind maps are collections of
words structured by the mental context of the author with visual mnemonics,
and, through the use of colour, icons and visual links, are informal and
necessary to the proper functioning of the mind map.
What is a MindMap?
A Mind Map is a powerful
graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlock the potential of the
brain. It harnesses the full range of cortical skills – word, image, number,
logic, rhythm, colour and spatial awareness – in a single, uniquely powerful
manner. In so doing, it gives you the freedom to roam the infinite expanses of
your brain. The Mind Map can be applied to every aspect of life where improved
learning and clearer thinking will enhance human performance.
WhatdoyouneedtomakeaMindMap?
Because Mind Maps are so easy
to do and so natural, the ingredients for your “Mind Map Recipe” are very few:
·
Blank unlined paper
·
Coloured pens and pencils
·
Your Brain
·
Your imagination!
When you use Mind Maps on a
daily basis, you will find that your life becomes more productive, fulfilled,
and successful on every level. There are no limits to the number of thoughts,
ideas and connections that your brain can make, which means that there are no
limits to the different ways you can use Mind Maps to help you.
7StepstoMakingaMindMap
1.
Start in the CENTRE of a blank page turned sideways. Why? Because starting in the centre
gives your Brain freedom to spread out in all directions and to express itself
more freely and naturally.
2.
Use an IMAGE or PICTURE for your central idea. Why? Because an image is worth a thousand words and
helps you use your Imagination. A central image is more interesting, keeps you
focussed, helps you concentrate, and gives your Brain more of a buzz!
3.
Use COLOURS throughout. Why? Because colours are as exciting
to your Brain as are images. Colour adds extra vibrancy and life to your Mind
Map, adds tremendous energy to your Creative Thinking, and is fun!
4.
CONNECT your MAIN BRANCHES to the central image and connect your
second- and third-level branches to the first and second levels, etc.
Why? Because your Brain works
by association. It likes to link two (or three,
or four) things together. If you connect the branches, you will understand and
remember a lot more easily.
5.
Make your branches CURVED rather than straight-lined. Why? Because having nothing but
straight lines is boring to your Brain.
6.
Use ONE KEY WORD PER LINE. Why Because single key words give
your Mind Map more power and flexibility.
7.
Use IMAGES throughout. Why Because each image, like the central image, is also worth a
thousand words. So if you have only 10 images in your Mind
Map, it’s already the equal
8.
in the late 1960s by Tony Buzan Mind Maps are now used by
millions of people around the of 10,000 words of notes!
Amind
map is a graphical way to represent ideas and concepts. It is a visual thinking
tool that helps structuring information, helping you to better analyze,
comprehend, synthesize, recall and generate new ideas.
Just as in every great idea, its power lies in its simplicity.
In a mind map, as opposed to traditional note taking or a linear
text, information is structured in a way that resembles much more closely how
your brain actually works. Since it is an activity that is both analytical and
artistic, it engages your brain in a much, much richer way, helping in all its
cognitive functions. And, best of all, it is fun!
So, how
does a mind map look like? Better than explaining is showing you an example.
This is a mind map about – conveniently enough – mind mapping itself. It presents, in a visual way, the core elements and techniques
on how to draw mind maps. Yes, I know this may look a little too messy
initially, but bear with me: once you break the ingrained habit of linear note
taking, you won’t look back.
Benefits and Uses
I think
I already gave away the benefits of mind mapping and why mind maps work.
Basically, mind mapping avoids dull, linear thinking, jogging your creativity
and making note taking fun again.
But
what can we use mind maps for?
·
Note taking
·
Brainstorming (individually or in groups)
·
Problem solving
·
Studying and memorization
·
Planning
·
Researching and consolidating information from multiple sources
·
Presenting information
·
Gaining insight on complex subjects
·
Jogging your creativity
It is
hard to make justice to the number of uses mind maps can have – the truth is
that they can help clarify your thinking in pretty much anything, in many
different contexts: personal, family, educational or business. Planning you day
or planning your life, summarizing a book, launching a project, planning and
creating presentations, writing blog posts -well, you get the idea – anything,
really.
How to Draw a Mind Map
Drawing
a mind map is as simple as 1-2-3:
·
Start in the middle of a blank page, writing or drawing the idea you
intend to develop. I would suggest that you use the page in landscape
orientation.
·
Develop the related subtopics around this central topic, connecting each
of them to the center with a line.
·
Repeat the same process for the subtopics, generating lower-level
subtopics as you see fit, connecting each of those to the corresponding
subtopic.
Some
more recommendations:
·
Use colors, drawings and
symbols copiously. Be as
visual as you can, and your brain will thank you. I’ve met many people who
don’t even try, with the excuse they’re "not artists". Don’t let that
keep you from trying it out!.
·
Keep the topics labels as
short as possible, keeping them to a single word – or, better yet, to only a
picture. Especially in your first mind maps, the temptation to write a complete
phrase is enormous, but always look for opportunities to shorten it to a single
word or figure – your mind map will be much more effective that way.
·
Vary text size, color and
alignment. Vary the thickness and length of the lines. Provide as many
visual cues as you can to emphasize important points. Every little bit helps
engaging your brain.
Final Thoughts
Mind mapping is an absolutely fascinating and rich topic – this
post only scratches the surface. If you want more reference material now, Wikipedia is always a good starting point.
Mind mapping is a passion for me, and it is one of the strongest
drivers behind this blog. I plan to explore it in much more depth – publishing
mind maps, providing tips, talking about computer mind mapping, and much more.
Just make sure to keep visiting (or better yet, subscribe).
In the
meantime, please give mind mapping a chance – try it out. Follow these handy
tips and see the results for yourself. Don’t worry too much about doing it the
"right" way – just make it fun.
