What is Mind Mapping and why should I use Mind Maps?
I am hoping to address three main questions in this post: What is a Mind Map? Why should I use Mind Maps? And why are Mind Maps so effective?
In the next post, I will then cover how to create a Mind Map and look at some of the best software options for Mind Mapping.
What is a Mind Map?
Mind Maps are a form of visual, non-linear notes developed by Tony Buzan. The term ‘Mind Map’ is actually a trademark of his company. While conducting research, Buzan realised that whether it was a genius like Leonardo de Vinci or a high-achieving college student, many successful people did not take linear notes.
Instead, they had free-flowing notes full of illustrations, keywords and connections. Combining this discovery with his knowledge of psychology and memory systems, Buzan was able to develop a system of non-linear note-taking. He developed a system that anyone could learn: the Mind Map.
What are the 7 basic principles of Mind Maps and Mind Mapping?
There are seven basic principles that lie behind Tony Buzan’s method of Mind Mapping. These are:
One page: A Mind Map is created on a single page, usually in landscape format, so the whole subject can be seen at one time.
Start with the central idea: The main idea or topic goes in the middle of the page.
Organic branches: The key related ideas radiate out from the central idea as curved branches so it is free-flowing and organic looking.
One word per branch (equal to the branch length): A single keyword or image goes on each branch and the branch length is equal to that word or picture.
Thicker to thinner branches: The inner branches are thicker than the outer branches (like a tree).
Colour and images: Adding colour and images aids creativity, recall and engagement with the Mind Map.
Connect ideas. Connect ideas and group themes to create new insights.
What’s another name for a Mind Map?
Although not strictly the same thing, some people refer to Mind Maps as Concept Maps, Spray Diagrams or Spider Diagrams.
Why should I use Mind Maps?
I first came across Mind Maps when I was training to be a Bomb Disposal Officer. It was an intensive course where I knew I would have to learn a lot of information very quickly. A friend recommended Tony Buzan’s book, Use Your Head to me, as it includes various very useful learning techniques. It was here that I came across the chapter on Mind Maps, and this intrigued me enough to get another of his books, specifically on Mind Mapping.
Having devoured the book, I took to the system very quickly. At school, I was an avid doodler (often to the annoyance of my teachers), and now I had found a system that embraced and encouraged it; I was a convert! Mind Mapping was engaging and fun, and I was so enthusiastic that I immediately taught one of my friends how to create Mind Maps, too. We both put our new Mind Mapping skills into practice on the course and promptly came first and second in the class for the theory exam. I was doubly sold on the system and have used it ever since.
Since adopting their use I have used Mind Maps for many things including:
Planning essays
Taking notes (for example in talks and lectures)
Making notes for presenting and prompts for public-speaking
Memorising facts
Brainstorming and problem solving (Mind Maps really help to see new connections between ideas)
Visual facilitation in workshops
Creating learning materials, presentations and videos
And there are many other uses too. By experimenting with Mind Maps you will find your own applications.
Why are Mind Maps so effective?
There are some basic principles behind Map Maps that make them such powerful tools. Using images as well as words is seen as engaging both your creative and logical attributes. This is seen as engaging both left and right brain activity and pictures are particularly good at representing whole concepts. As the famous phrase goes: a picture paints a thousand words. Pictures are also better for recall and memory. The use of colour, codes, symbols, highlighting – and anything else you need to bring your notes to life – is encouraged. Arrows and lines are also used to show relationships. In this way, you can create connections between various concepts. You can also group related ideas together.
The discipline of keeping the notes to one page means that the finished product is an efficient summary of a subject. Equally, having to summarise each section of a Mind Map in a single word or picture forces you to actively engage your mind. This is in contrast to just scribbling things down by rote. This avoids the problem highlighted in this quote:
“Lecture: a process where the notes of the professor become the notes of the student, without passing through the minds of either.” (Anon)
Who should use Mind Maps and Mind Mapping?
Mind Maps can be easily made and utilised by anyone. The principles behind Mind Mapping means they can be an aid to everyone to improve their creative and critical thinking, as well as their recall. Mind Maps are popular with:
Students
Creatives
Presenters and speakers
Teachers and trainers
Leaders and managers (especially for brainstorming and problem-solving)
If you want the right answers you have to start with the right questions
About The Right Questions
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Wherever you are on your journey, I hope that you find information on this site to help you on the next leg of your quest. Even if that is just the inspiration to take one small step in the right direction, then that is a success. If you can take pleasure in learning and travelling as you go, then so much the better.
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