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)
• Planners and organisers

Mind Maps can also be specifically helpful for:

• Visual thinkers
• People with learning differences (such as ADHD)

Mindmapping Software

That’s it for now. I will cover how to create a Mind Map in the next post and also cover some of the best software options in How do I create a mind map and what is the best mind mapping software?

This includes a review of the Mindmapping and productivity software Ayoa (click on the picture below for a sneak peek!)

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How do you create a mind map? What is the best software or online tool to use?

In the last post, I wrote about what Mind Mapping is and why it is so effective. In this post, I will cover how to create a Mind Map and discuss some of the best Mind Mapping software that is available. This will help if you want to make Mind Maps on a computer or another device.

How do I create a Mind Map?

It is very simple to start Mind Mapping. Start with a blank piece of paper in landscape (rather than portrait) orientation. Draw an image in the centre that sums up the subject of the whole mind map. Alternatively, you can use a word or phrase at the centre. 

Now, create lines that branch out from the central image for your main subheadings. Use one word or image per branch and keep the length of the branch to the size of the word or picture. Use larger-sized letters, lines and images towards the centre of the Mind Map and let them become smaller as they fan out.

Mind Mapping in 5 Simple Steps

This method can be summarised in five simple steps:

1. Central Idea. Put the central word or image at the centre of the blank page (in landscape format).
2. Add main branches and keywords. The main related themes then branch out from the centre. One word or image goes on each branch. The branches should curve, look organic and be the same lengths as the keyword or key-image. Use no more than eight branches (this aids comprehension and recall).
3. Add sub-branches. Linked ideas and sub-categories to the main branches become smaller, thinner branches as they radiate out from the central theme and main branches. Once again, don’t add more than eight sub-branches to any larger branch.
4. Add colour and visual elements. Now add colour (for example, to the branches or for similar themes) and add visual elements or replace words with pictures to make the Mind Map as visual as possible.
5. Connect ideas. Now that you can see the whole picture, you can link ideas to spark new insights. Use arrows to link things and bubbles to group concepts.

Example of how to make a Mind Map using online software

I have created a Mind Map and turned it into a video presentation (on iMindMap) that sums up the basic principles and techniques of Mind Mapping. This will give you an idea of how a subject (such as the content of this post) can be summed up successfully with Mind Mapping.

You can access the video via The Right Questions YouTube channel or watch the embedded film below.

What is the best Mind Mapping Software?

I started off just drawing Mind Maps freehand, but I now also use software too. I love the absolute freedom of freehand Mind Mapping. But now – more often than not – I have my computer on me rather than a notepad.

Software options are also good for sharing Mind Maps. Hand-drawn Mind Maps can be harder for other people to read, and there is never a copier or scanner to hand when you need one. With software-based Mind Maps, it is very easy to save, reproduce and share Mind Maps that are legible and look professional.

iMindMap

Some Mind Mapping software, such as iMindMap (now replaced by Ayoa) also have cloud-based backup and collaboration tools available on their premier products. This is a very useful addition when using Mind Maps in a business context. I have found iMindMap very easy to use; within ten minutes of downloading it, I had produced my first Mind Map. There is an example below showing a Mind Map that I created about The Right Questions.

Ayoa

Ayoa is the replacement for iMindMap but includes other features, beyond just drawing mind maps. Ayoa is much more of a collaboration, productivity and creativity bundle so it is definitely worth checking out. Just click on the picture below for more information.

VideoScribe

I now make my videos using Videoscribe. As you can see from my YouTube channel (The Right Questions), I incorporate many of the principles of mind mapping in how I create these videos. The software is easy to use and I enjoy creating content with it. If you would like to try have a go yourself then you can have a free trial by just clicking here:

Try Videoscribe