Mind Mapping Explained

Mind Mapping – What Is It?

A mind map is a diagram with a central or main idea or topic connected to sub-topics illustrated as branches of a tree-life structure. Mind mapping is a method used to outline and manage information visually to connect ideas and concepts.

Mind mapping displays information the way the brain naturally functions – by scanning the entire page instead of reading a list from left to right and from top to bottom. Many who have learned mind mapping techniques claim their mind maps help them formulate more creative ideas, and that the process is faster and more effective than note-taking or making lists.

As an organizational tool or method, mind mapping is known as a great way to outline a large volume of information or to represent complex information or concepts in a way to help individuals understand the relationship of the central topic and the sub-topics. Many people report better recall ability and more creativity while brainstorming when using mind mapping techniques.

Mind mapping can be performed by drawing the diagram manually or by using software programs. There are several very good programs available today. Using mind mapping software might make the process easier and quicker. It’s really a personal choice.

Draw or Design your Mind Map

Create your Mind Map using steps developed by Tony Buzan, the inventor of mind mapping.

• Start by drawing your central idea in the middle of a blank page. Landscape orientation is suggested for this reason…why would you want to limit your ideas? Use the entire page to let the ideas that flow.

• Develop and connect the related subtopics to the central idea via branch-like lines. These lines are thicker and grow thinner as they radiate from the central idea. The subtopic name should be listed by these branches.

• Repeat step 2, with the related subtopics connected to each of the smaller subtopics that radiate from the branched sub-topics. Are you seeing the tree take shape?

Buzan recommends using multiple colors, designs & symbols. Colors should visually stimulate or can be used for color coding sub-topics.

Simply stated, a mind map consists of:

1. The main idea/topic/subject/concept
2. Branches radiating from the central idea/topic
3. Branches have respective keywords
4. Subtopics of lesser importance are represented by twigs
5. All the branches form of a node structure.

Mind mapping is a powerful tool and can be a very effective way of mapping out ideas or making lists and outlines. It provides a logical way of explaining the relationships which exist in developing the main idea or topic.

Do you use mind mapping? Have you found it an effective tool? What specifically do you use it for?