Mind Mapping

Mind Mapping is a way of linking key concepts using images, lines and links. A central concept is linked via lines to other concepts which in turn are linked with other associated ideas. It is similar as a technique to concept mapping and spider diagrams, the difference being that true mind mapping involves constructing a hierarchy of ideas instead of pure random association. Mind mapping uses the concept of "radiant thinking" – that is, thoughts radiate out from a single idea, often expressed as an image. Branches flow backwards and forwards from and to the central idea.

source: Emerald Group

A Mind Map is a visual thinking tool, ideal for brainstorming, exploring ideas and presenting information in a uniquely visual way. Mind maps can be an invaluable tool in the creative thinking process. As a visual representation of our thoughts, it makes sense to use mind mapping within our everyday working life as a way of exploring our ideas and even managing our work and tasks. Mind Mapping is a concept that has been around for decades and is often associated with traditional methods of note-taking and idea generation. With the advancements in technology over the years, the possibilities to expand our thinking power and manage our work more effectively are growing continuously. Amongst all of this technological advancement, mind mapping has stood the test of time. mind mapping in the modern age is all about taking this traditional method of idea generation and integrating it with the tools we use every day to make generating creative and innovative ideas a seamless part of our everyday life.

Origins of Mind Mapping

Although the term "mind map" was first popularized by British popular psychology author and television personality Tony Buzan, the use of diagrams that visually "map" information using branching and radial maps traces back centuries. These pictorial methods record knowledge and model systems, and have a long history in learning, brainstorming, memory, visual thinking, and problem solving by educators, engineers, psychologists, and others. Some of the earliest examples of such graphical records were developed by Porphyry of Tyros, a noted thinker of the 3rd century, as he graphically visualized the concept categories of Aristotle. Philosopher Ramon Llull (1235–1315) also used such techniques.

The semantic network was developed in the late 1950s as a theory to understand human learning and developed further by Allan M. Collins and M. Ross Quillian during the early 1960s. Mind maps are similar in structure to concept maps, developed by learning experts in the 1970s, but differ in that mind maps are simplified by focusing around a single central key concept.

Buzan's specific approach, and the introduction of the term "mind map", arose during a 1974 BBC TV series he hosted, called Use Your Head.[4][5] In this show, and companion book series, Buzan promoted his conception of radial tree, diagramming key words in a colorful, radiant, tree-like structure.[6]

Buzan says the idea was inspired by Alfred Korzybski's general semantics as popularized in science fiction novels, such as those of Robert A. Heinlein and A. E. van Vogt. He argues that while "traditional" outlines force readers to scan left to right and top to bottom, readers actually tend to scan the entire page in a non-linear fashion. Buzan's treatment also uses then-popular assumptions about the functions of cerebral hemispheres in order to explain the claimed increased effectiveness of mind mapping over other forms of note making.

Using Mind Maps Effectively

Once you understand how to take notes in the Mind Map format, you can develop your own conventions for taking them further. The following suggestions can help you to get the most from your Mind Maps:

• Use Single Words or Uncomplicated Phrases – Keep things simple. In Mind Maps, single strong words and short, meaningful phrases can convey the same meaning more potently. Excess words just clutter a Mind Map.
• Print Words – They will be easier to read than joined-up or indistinct writing.
• Use Color to Separate Different Ideas – Color can help to show the organization of the subject. It can also make your Mind Map a more appealing document, and help you to visualize the different sections of your Mind Map for future recall.
• Use Symbols and Images – Pictures can help you to remember information more effectively than words, so use symbols or pictures that mean something to you, use it. (You can use photo libraries like iStock to source images inexpensively.)
• Using Cross-Linkages – Information in one part of a Mind Map may relate to another part, so draw lines to show these cross-linkages. This will help you to see how one part of the subject affects another.

Types of Mind Maps

Mind maps are graphical representations of information. In contrast to the traditional, linear notes you might make in a text document or even on paper, mind maps let you capture thoughts, ideas and keywords on a blank canvas. These ideas are organized in a two-dimensional structure, with the title/main idea always located in the center of the map for visibility. Related ideas branch off from the center in all directions, creating a radiant structure. Despite these key principles, the fact that mind mapping has existed for almost half a century makes it inevitable that some divergence will exist when it comes to defining what a mind map actually is. Let’s look at the two key schools of thought.

The Buzan Method
In its purest form, mind mapping is a particular technique that requires the following key elements to be effective:

• A central image, to stimulate memory, associations and thought processes
• Curvilinear branches, emanating from the central image, to depict the basic ordering ideas (BOIs)
• A (theoretically infinite) network of smaller branches to depict ideas stemming from the BOIs at different levels of detail
• Conscious use of color to separate ideas by topic
• A single keyword for each branch

The rules behind Buzan's mind mapping technique were developed following extensive studies in the fields of neuroscience and psychology. Many purists argue to this day that his method remains the one true technique: a map without the elements above cannot be considered a “true” mind map. Importantly, however, Buzan mentions that he uses his own learning experiences to ultimately gauge what is effective and what is not, which is why his method has been subtly adapted over time by like-minded enthusiasts. Below is an example of a Tony Buzan Profile Mind Map.

source: Mindwerx

Spider and Bubble Maps
Although the term is inextricably linked to Buzan, the modern definition of mind mapping is slightly broader and generally encompasses spider maps and bubble maps as well. These similar concepts are less-rigidly defined variations of the Buzan method above, differing in several key aspects.

• Both spider/bubble maps and “Buzan” mind maps start from a single central topic, or two topics in “double bubble” maps. However, how the surrounding topics are presented is the crucial point of difference.
• Rather than labeling the branches, spider/bubble diagrams use lines to connect ideas, displayed as “bubbles” around the central theme. These topics may also be further dissected into subtopics to provide detail and depth.
• A key advantage of spider/bubble maps is that they provide mappers with the opportunity to link themes “cross-topic” rather than solely from the preceding branch. This fosters an overarching structure within the map and can show links between related subjects.

source: Mind Meister

Benefits and Hazards of Mind Mapping

Benefits and Advantages of Applied Mind Mapping Mind mapping is a very effective method of drawing information from the human brain, of visualizing thoughts and ideas clearly and in a structured fashion. When making notes, use it as a creative and logical tool to represent your ideas according to rules.

Both conventional linear notes, as in the short keyword listing of main and sub-topics, and diagrams merely use the left hemisphere of the brain. With most people this is the hemisphere tasked with analytical thinking. It processes language, figures, logic and linear as well as ordered concepts. However, the right hemisphere is usually home to figurative imagination. This is where shapes, colors, patterns and rhythms are perceived and treated. Mind mapping combines these faculties with those of the left hemisphere to optimally exploit the capabilities of the brain rendering it increasingly astute and receptive.

In a mind map you will only ever read and write relevant words, which allows for saving up to 90% of time compared to linear notes. No need to search for keywords in superfluous text. Instead, relevant keywords are placed adjacently in time and space, which improves both your creativity and your memory. This establishes clear and telling associations between keywords displayed in the form of a mind map.

Mind mapping does not restrict you to thinking in any one correct order as does taking conventional notes. Rather, you may lay down ideas in random order just as they enter your mind. A visually stimulating, varicolored and multi-dimensional mind map is more easily accepted and remembered by our brain than are monotone linear notes.

The Main Hazards of Mind Mapping
The four main hazards for every mind mapper are:

• Mind maps, that are not genuinely mind maps.
• The notion that short sentences or phrases say more than a detailed mind map.
• The perception of a seemingly messy mind map being no good.
• A feeling of rejection towards your compiled mind map.

Mind maps that aren't really mind maps are often created by people inexperienced with the the method. Their fabrications may look like mind maps at first glance and seem to follow the guidelines. But instead of order or structure they merely develop chaos and monotony, because the mind mapping rules of clarity, emphasis and association have not been adhered to.

A whole sentence or a phrase in lieu of a central word expresses a preconceived concept leaving no margin for interpretation. By following the one word rule of mind mapping you grant every word the liberty to produce its very own associations. This approach is especially helpful when you are trying to solve problems or kick start creative thinking, as it opens your mind to all possibilities.

On special occasions you may come up with a seemingly chaotic mind map. But that does not necessarily make it a bad one. It might lack clarity and beauty, but it will still represent your mental processes during its creation. Perhaps it wasn't even yourself who was unorganized and confused but the lecturer you were following or the author of the book you were reading at the time.

Rarely will you make a perfect mind map straightaway. More often you will start out with an incomplete first stab. Don't be disappointed in your mind map, but realize it to be a rough sketch in need of additional revision.

You can easily avoid said hazards by remembering and observing these principles.