Using Mind Maps

What is a Mind Map

A Mind Map is an extremely useful tool and an equally forgotten tool when it comes to planning- and planning anything. Taking a course in User Experience design, I was reintroduced to Mind Mapping and I must say it is pretty amazing how good use of this tool can add positively to the planning of your project or your task.

I have spent hundreds of hours planning different aspects of my life, including pet projects, relationship management and career development objectives and I see the use of Mind Maps invaluable.

According to Wikipedia, “Mind maps are, by definition, a graphical method of taking notes. Their visual basis helps one to distinguish words or ideas, often with colors and symbols. They generally take a hierarchical or tree branch format, with ideas branching into their subsections. Mind maps allow for greater creativity when recording ideas and information, as well as allowing the note-taker to associate words with visual representations.[citation needed] 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.

A key distinction between mind maps and modelling graphs is that there is no rigorous right or wrong with mind maps, relying on the arbitrariness of mnemonic systems. 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 Mind Map Used For?

Mind Maps can be used for

problem solving
outline/framework design
structure/relationship representations
anonymous collaboration
marriage of words and visuals
individual expression of creativity
condensing material into a concise and memorable format
team building or synergy creating activity
enhancing work morale

There are different types of Mind Map applications with different prices ranging from free to $400. You can even get a Google Chrome extension for Mind Mapping called Mindmeister. I use a free Mind Map tool on my computer called FreeMind and can be downloaded from SourceForge from this address: http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Download

I use Mindnode on my iPad and it’s the best Mapping tool I have been able to explore. It costs about $8. Mindmeister is free though.

How to use Mind Maps

1. Take a blank piece of paper, A4 or larger.

Blank paper allows 360º of freedom to express the full range of your cortical skills, whereas pre-drawn lines restrict the natural flow of your thoughts.

2. Use the paper in landscape orientation.

Words and images have more space in the direction we write, so they don’t bump into margins as quickly.

3. Start in the centre.

Thoughts start in the centre of our mental world. The Mind Map page reflects this!

4. Make a central image that represents the topic about which you are writing/thinking:

Use at least three colours.
Keep the height and width of the central image to approx. 2’’ or 5 cm (proportionately larger for bigger paper).
Allow the image to create its own shape (do not use a frame).

A picture is worth a thousand words. It opens up associations, focuses the thoughts, is
fun and results in better recall:

Colours stimulate the right cortical activity of imagination as well as capturing and holding attention.
This size gives plenty of space for the rest of your Mind Map, while making it large enough to be the clear focus of the topic.
The unique shape makes it more memorable and enjoyable. A frame makes the centre a monotony of shape and disconnects the branches.

5. The main themes around the central image are like the chapter headings of a book:

Print this word in CAPITALS or draw an image.
Place on a line of the same length
The central lines are thick, curved and organic i.e. like your arm joining your body, or the branch of a tree to the trunk.

The branch of a Mind Map

Connect directly to the central image.

The main themes, connected to the central image on the main branches, allow their relative importance to be seen. These are the Basic Ordering Ideas (BOIs) and aggregate and focus the rest of the Mind Map:

Printing (versus cursive) allows the brain to photograph the image thus giving easier reading and more immediate recall.
Word length equals line length. An extra line disconnects thoughts, length accentuates the connection.
Curved lines give visual rhythm and variety and so are easier to remember, more pleasant to draw and less boring to look at. Thicker central lines show relative importance.
Connected to the image because the brain works by association not separated, disconnected lines.

6. Start to add a second level of thought. These words or images are linked to the main branch that triggered them. Remember:

Connecting lines are thinner.
Words are still printed but may be lower case.

Your initial words and images stimulate associations. Attach whatever word or image is triggered. Allow the random movement of your thought; you do not have to ‘finish’ one branch before moving on:

Connected lines create relationships and a structure. They also demonstrate the level of importance, as from a branch to a twig.
The size and style of the letters provide additional data about the importance and meaning of the word/image.

7. Add a third or fourth level of data as thoughts come to you:

Use images as much as you can, instead of, or in addition to the words.
Allow your thoughts to come freely, meaning you ‘jump about’ the Mind Map as the links and associations occur to you.

Your brain is like a multi-handed thought-ball catcher. The Mind Mapallows you to catch and keep whatever ‘thought ball’ is thrown by your brain.

8. Add a new dimension to your Mind Map. Boxes add depth around the word or image.

To make some important points stand out.

9. Sometimes enclose branches of a Mind Map with outlines in colour:

Enclose the shape of the branch and hug the shape tightly.
Use different colours and styles.

The outlines will create unique shapes as you find in clouds and will aid your memory:

These provide immediate visual linking. They can also encourage follow-up and remind you of action you need to take.
They can also show connection between branches by using the same colour outline.

10. Make each Mind Map a little more:

BEAUTIFUL
ARTISTIC
COLOURFUL
IMAGINATIVE
and
DIMENSIONAL

Your eyes and brain will be attracted to your Mind Map:

It will be easier to remember.
It will be more attractive to you
(and to others as well).

11. Have fun!

Add a little humour, exaggeration or absurdity wherever you can.

Your brain will delight in getting the maximum use and enjoyment from this process and will therefore learn faster, recall more effectively and think more clearly.

What is a Mind Map

What is a Mind Map Used For?

How to use Mind Maps

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