What is mind map

What is a Mind Map?

A Mind Map is an easy way to brainstorm thoughts organically without worrying about order and structure. It allows you to visually structure your ideas to help with analysis and recall.

A Mind Map is a diagram for representing tasks, words, concepts, or items linked to and arranged around a central concept or subject using a non-linear graphical layout that allows the user to build an intuitive framework around a central concept. A Mind Map can turn a long list of monotonous information into a colorful, memorable and highly organized diagram that works in line with your brain’s natural way of doing things.

Here is an example of an outline for vacation plans. It only takes a few moments to go through the list of locations and activities. But by the time you get to the bottom of the outline, do you even remember what you read at the top?

Take that same information and view it in Mind Map. You can now overview the information much faster and recall the data much more easily.

Take that same information and view it in Mind Map. You can now overview the information much faster and recall the data much more easily.

Mind Mapping is perfect for:

If you’re looking for Mind Mapping examples, or software to create a Mind Map, be sure to check out this Mind Mapping software review.

Theory Behind Mind Maps

When you study the brain’s functionality and memory system, you will realize the extraordinary extent of its capacity and potential. The Mind Map is a tool used to entice, delight, stimulate and challenge you. You will discover some astonishing facts about your brain and its function, and you will take the first major steps on the path to freedom of the mind.

How Mind Maps Harness the Brain’s Power

All Mind Maps have some things in common. They have a natural organizational structure that radiates from the center and use lines, symbols, words, color and images according to simple, brain-friendly concepts. Mind Mapping converts a long list of monotonous information into a colorful, memorable and highly organized diagram that works in line with your brain’s natural way of doing things.

One simple way to understand a Mind Map is by comparing it to a map of a city. The city center represents the main idea; the main roads leading from the center represent the key thoughts in your thinking process; the secondary roads or branches represent your secondary thoughts, and so on. Special images or shapes can represent landmarks of interest or particularly relevant ideas.

The Mind Map is the external mirror of your own radiant or natural thinking facilitated by a powerful graphic process, which provides the universal key to unlock the dynamic potential of the brain.

The Five Essential Characteristics of Mind Mapping:

The Brain’s Natural Architecture and Foundation of Mind Maps

Almost the moment Mind Maps came into use another major piece of scientific research confirmed their validity as a brain-compatible thinking method. In California, Dr. Roger Sperry, who won a Nobel Prize for his research, confirmed that the evolutionarily latest part of the brain, the ‘thinking cap’ of the Cerebral Cortex, was divided into two major hemispheres, and those hemispheres performed a comprehensive range of intellectual tasks, called cortical skills. The tasks included: Logic, Rhythm, Lines, Color, Lists, Daydreaming, Numbers, Imagination, Word, Gestalt (seeing the whole picture).

Sperry’s own research confirmed that the more these activities were integrated, the more the brain’s performance became co-operative, with each intellectual skill enhancing the performance of other intellectual areas. When you are Mind Mapping®, you are not only practicing and exercising the fundamental memory powers and information processing, you are also using your entire range of cortical skills.

The Mind Map is made even more powerful by the use of all the left and right brain-thinking tools, which enhance the clarity, structure and organization of your thinking. And because the Mind Map constructively uses the tools of Imagination, Association and Location, as well as the tools of the left and right brain, you can consider the Mind Map the ultimate thinking tool that incorporates all the significant and potent ways of thinking into its own structure.

The Power of Images

In 1970 Scientific American magazine published Ralph Haber’s research showing that individuals have a recognition accuracy of images between 85 and 95 percent. There is a well-known quote, «A picture is worth a thousand words».

We associate and remember images because they make use of a massive range of your cortical skills, especially imagination. Images can be more evocative than words, more precise and potent in triggering a wide range of associations, thereby enhancing creative thinking and memory. These findings support the argument that the Mind Map is a uniquely appropriate tool. It not only uses images, it is an image.

Tony Buzan and Mind Mapping

Although people have been creating maps using an image-centered radial graphic organization technique for centuries, British psychology author Tony Buzan has made a claim to the origin of the Mind Map. He argues that ‘traditional’ outlines require that the reader scans the information from left to right and top to bottom, whilst the brain’s natural preference is to scan the entire page in a non-linear fashion.

Buzan also uses widespread assumptions about the cerebral hemispheres in order to promote the exclusive use of Mind Mapping over other forms of note making. Tony Buzan has several registered trademarks on Mind Map and Mind Mapping.

Is Mind Mapping Effective?

A Johns Hopkins study indicates that students who utilize Mind Mapping increase their grades by 12%.

It is also proven that Mind Mapping is helpful for dyslexics and autistic students to better understand concepts and strategies. In fact, The British Dyslexia Association states, «Dyslexics struggle with their spoken and/or written language, following instructions, poor concentration and carrying out analytical or logical tasks. Strategies such as Mind Mapping are recognized as valuable learning tools.»

Mind Mapping, или как заставить свой мозг работать лучше

“Если не ломать мозгов — наломаешь дров”

Существуют десятки, а может и сотни методов по “прокачке” своего мозга, ведь он таит в себе многие возможности, доступ к которым нам зачастую ограничен. “Ешьте горький шоколад”, “Вешайте стикеры по всему дому”, “Начинайте с самых важных дел” и многие другие советы можно отыскать в интернете, суть которых сводится к одному — подтолкнуть наш мозг к быстрой работе, запустить его на полную катушку или даже “обмануть”. И все для получения максимальной выгоды — выполнить много дел, запомнить побольше информации, победить лень и прочее. Человек всегда пытался выжать максимум своих возможностей.

Что такое ментальная карта?

Что это за технология?

“В этом мире, чтобы стоять на месте, нужно бежать”

Использование ментальных карт — техника визуализации мышления, с помощью которой можно лучше и эффективнее обработать некоторую информацию. У ментальных карт есть много разных названий:

Технология широко применяется для многих целей:

Ментальные карты помогают легко оперировать с информацией, что делает их очень полезными во многих областях нашей жизни:

Зачем ее применять?

“Хорошо запоминается мысль, повторенная дважды.
Хорошо запоминается мысль, повторенная дважды”

Ментальные карты помогают при работе с какими-либо данными, улучшают способности мозга по восприятию информации, но почему?

Первая причина кроется в самом построении карты — она изображается в радиальном виде, ключевой образ находится в центре, и от него расходятся дальнейшие ветви. Это упрощает подачу информации в мозг — ведь мы тоже видим окружающий нас мир в целом — центральный образ и детали вокруг него.

Вторая причина тоже кроется в обработке информации нашим мозгом — визуализация в целом улучшает восприятие. Слова с картинками мы запоминаем в 6 раз лучше, чем просто слова.

При построении ментальной карты активизируются различные способности нашего мышления. При составлении ветвей и ключевых слов мы используем иерархии, для картинок — визуализации и ассоциативное мышление, в целом используется пространственно-образное мышление. Все это активизирует память и позволяет запомнить как структуру данных, так и их важные аспекты, поэтому использование ментальных карт улучшает запоминание информации примерно на 32%.

Так как мы используем различные способности мышления для построения ментальных карт, такие как творчество, логика, воображение, все они развиваются и улучшаются в процессе.

Поскольку ментальные карты отображают всю картину в целом, это позволяет установить все взаимосвязи между объектами, даже если изначально они были не так очевидны. В свою очередь, это приводит к появлению новой точки зрения на информацию, а также новых идей и мыслей. Структура и логика данных становятся более “прозрачными”, легкими для понимания и запоминания.

Еще одним неоспоримым аргументом в пользу использования ментальных карт является то, что научиться этой технике очень легко, а запомнить информацию с ее помощью можно сразу, в большом количестве и весьма эффективно. Писать при этом приходится мало, что значительно экономит время.

В чем отличия от обычных записей?

Линейная запись — основная форма записи информации, которой мы пользуемся в школе, университете, работе, и во многих многих учреждениях. Она используется в инструкциях, книгах, плакатах и вообще везде. Поэтому использование такой формы кажется логичным, удобным и правильным.

Но может быть дело лишь в привычке? Между линейными записями и ментальными картами есть некоторые отличия, из-за которых, возможно, стоит изменить свои привычки.

Популярны ли ментальные карты?

Кто придумал ментальные карты?

Аналоги различных диаграмм связей использовались с достаточно ранних времен, но создателем современной методики ментальных карт, такой, какой мы ее знаем сейчас, является Тони Бьюзен — английский психолог, автор и соавтор более 80 книг, самые известными из которых считаются “Супермышление” и “Научите себя думать”. Первая книга, описывающая технику ментальных карт, вышла в 1974 году — “Работай головой”.

Вот как автор описывает события, подтолкнувшие к разработке этой техники:

“В свое время на втором курсе университета я как-то зашел в библиотеку и спросил, нет ли у них книг по теории мозга и о его практических возможностях. Библиотекарь, не раздумывая направила меня в отдел медицинской литературы!

Когда я пояснил, что не собираюсь делать операций на мозге, а лишь правильно использовать его, мне вежливо ответили, что подобных книг у них в библиотеке, по-видимому, нет.

Я вышел в полном изумлении.

Как и другие мои сокурсники, я пребывал в состоянии, известном любому среднестатистическому студенту: растущее осознание того, что по мере роста учебной нагрузки твой мозг все более сдает позиции перед высокими требованиями к мышлению, творческому подходу, памяти, умению решать задачи, анализировать и «сочинять» в ходе письменных работ. Как и другие, я все чаще сталкивался с тем феноменом, когда отдача от учебной работы падает, несмотря на прилагаемые усилия, а временами и вовсе кажется нулевой.Парадокс заключался в том, что, как мне казалось, чем больше я конспектировал и учил, тем хуже был результат!

Логическим следствием обеих возможных в той ситуации стратегий действия являлся, как представлялось мне, тупик. Стань я прилагать меньше усилий, в разряд не усвоенной попадает масса важной информации, и, как следствие, провал на экзамене. Продолжи я с еще большим упорством, — конспектируя более подробно и тратя на это все больше времени, — результатом явилась бы все та же обращенная вниз спираль успеха.

Ключ к подлинному успеху, рассудил я наконец, следует искать в ответе на вопрос, насколько рационально я использую свой интеллект вообще и мыслительные способности в частности, — осознание этого и привело меня в библиотеку.

Когда я вышел из нее в тот день, мне вдруг пришло в голову, что проблема, с которой я столкнулся, не найдя нужной литературы, быть может, пришлась кстати. Поскольку таких книг еще не написано, я ступил на заповедную территорию, где есть подлинный простор для пытливого ума.”

Используют ли их в мире?

Со временем, целесообразность той или иной методики всегда определяется количеством людей, которые ей пользуются. Со времен выхода первого описания методики прошло уже более 40 лет, но тем не менее техника ментальных карт живет, развивается, и, что главное, используется. Обратимся к Google Trends:

В целом, mind mapping — стабильно использующийся запрос за последние 11 лет. Странами с наибольшим количеством таких запросов внезапно оказались Индонезия и Таиланд. Совсем другая статистика в России. Только в 2011 году эта методика начала пользоваться интересом в нашей стране:

Почему люди не используют их повсеместно?

Как создать ментальную карту?

“Всякий художник был поначалу любителем”

Для построения ментальных карт достаточно следовать определенным несложным принципам. Попробуем для примера составить ментальную карту для всей это статьи.

Для начала нужно чистая горизонтально повернутая область, например лист, доска, планшет, телефон, или рабочая область в графических редакторах. Чем больше данных вы будете обрабатывать, тем большая рабочая область вам понадобится. Я буду делать свой пример с помощью онлайн-редактора ментальных карт.

В центре рабочего пространства опишите образ проблемы, задачи или области знания. В нашем случае — это статья про ментальные карты.

Не забывайте использовать рисунки и символы там, где это возможно. Это сделает карту более яркой и красочной, и как следствие — более запоминающейся.

От центрального образа проложим толстые структурные ветви, главные подразделы нашей статьи. Рекомендуется использовать разные цвета для ключевых ветвей и слов, а также красочно оформлять их. Поскольку я люблю минимализм, немного отойду от правил.

Но ничего не мешает мне оформить главные подразделы соответствующими картинками. Также допишем ветви следующего уровня. Необходимо помнить, что на одной ветви должно быть только одно слово. Это позволяет не перегружать карту, а в процессе придумывания этого одного слова, мы может выделить суть материала.

Размер и толщина букв на ветвях варьируются в зависимости от удаленности от центрального образа. Чем дальше — тем меньше. Если между деталями на карте есть взаимосвязь — не забудьте показать ее. Дополним наш пример остальными ветвями и связями.

Вот и получилась готовая ментальная карта. Не самая красочная из-за моей любви к минимализму, но весьма информативная.

Есть ли программы для создания ментальных карт?

Что почитать по этой теме?

Конечно же, лучше всего узнать о методике ментальных карт из первоисточника, поэтому лучшие книги для прочтения — это “Супермышление” и “Работай головой” Тони Бьюзена, а так же его остальные книги.

Еще одна познавательная книга — “Визуализируй это! Как использовать графику, стикеры и интеллект-карты для командной работы” Дэвида Сиббета.

What is a Mind Map?

What is a Mind Map?

In a nutshell, a mind map is a visual tool that helps us understand any concept in a more straightforward manner by breaking it down into dedicated parts. It takes various graphic elements to analyze, explain, and elucidate existing concepts or brainstorm on new ideas.

Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you want to lay a detailed layout of a plan or represent a hierarchical concept; you can do it all with a mind map. Since mind maps are non-linear and don’t follow strict rules, you can use them the way you like. When it comes to using mind maps to visually represent any concept, the sky is the limit. Many people even use different shapes, icons, colors, and vectors to make their mind maps look interesting.

What Does a Mind Map Look Like?

To make proper use of mind maps, you must know what one looks like. Mind maps are generally very simple looking and not at all complicated. However, some components are necessary when making a mind map.

These are some of the essential components of a mind map that you must use. However, keep in mind that there are no hard and fast rules for drawing a mind map. So, use your creativity and personalize the mind map as you want.

A Quick History of Mind Maps

Now when you know what a mind map is, let’s quickly consider the history and origin of the concept. It might sound surprising, but the concept of mind maps and brainstorming diagrams has been originated in the early 3rd century. It was first found in the teachings of Aristotle and was even developed by Porphyry of Tyros.

Though, when we talk about the modern implementation of mind maps, the first semantic networks were introduced by Alan M Collins in the 1960s. They were often termed as “concept maps” or “brainstorming maps” back then and were later made popular by Tony Buzan (a British author). Buzan made the term “mind map” extremely popular when he talked about the concept on BBC in 1974 and even released an entire book to explain it.

Tony Buzan and Mind Mapping

Looking at the brilliance and usefulness of mind maps, one wonders who came up with this idea. Tony Buzan is the guy you’re looking for. Tony Buzan was an English writer as well as an educational consultant.

Tony Buzan took inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, and Joseph D. Novak’s «Concept Mapping» techniques for the idea of “Mind Maps.”

Traditionalists believed that a reader scans the information from left to right and from top to bottom. However, Buzan argued that the brain’s natural preference is to scan the entire page in a non-linear fashion.

Moreover, he used the widespread assumptions about cerebral hemispheres to his advantage and promoted mind maps over other alternatives.

Why Consider Using Mind Maps

Advantages of Using Mind Maps

One of the most important things about mind maps is that they are extremely easy to create and review. Since there are no strict rules for the use of symbols or connectors, you can create a mind map however you like without prior designing or technical experience.

While mind maps might not follow strict rules, it doesn’t mean that they are not visually appealing. That’s why a lot of people include mind maps in their presentations and lectures to instantly get the attention of their audience and elevate the visual appeal of their documents.

Another good thing about mind maps is that they can help us seamlessly break even the most complex topics into smaller chunks. Most mind maps follow a divide-and-conquer approach in which we break a complex topic into smaller segments and further link them to explain the concept.

Are you stuck at something and would like to work together with your team? Then why not work on a mind map together that can help you solve the problem. Not just that, by creating a mind map for any issue, you can also improve your overall productivity.

It has been observed several times that visual aids help in retaining the shared information. For instance, if you are a teacher, then you must consider using mind maps as your students can easily retain the provided details in the long run.

Limitations of Using Mind Maps

Most importantly, mind maps don’t have a specific set of rules or universally followed standards. Too often, this leads to confusion as mind maps created by an individual might not be understood by others so easily.

It has also been observed that mind maps can only depict basic concepts and ideas. When it comes to the explanation of highly complex topics, a mind map might not be too helpful and can even lead to confusion.

Lastly, if you have just started working on mind maps, then it can take a lot of time to understand them or depict anything.

Concept Map vs Mind Map

Since Tony Buzan took inspiration from the «Concept Mapping» technique, let us see how the two techniques differ.

When to Use Which?

Since concept maps and mind maps sound like the same thing, you might wonder which one to use. Well, the answer is simple. If you have to discuss multiple interconnected concepts, then concept maps will be suitable for you. On the other hand, if you have a single topic/idea in mind and you’re just looking to brainstorm, mind maps are ideal for you. So, depending upon the nature of your requirement, you can choose between concept maps and mind maps.

Diverse Application and Use Cases of Mind Maps

As you can see what a mind map and its advantages are, let’s have a look at the diverse application of the concept in different fields.

This is one of the most popular applications of mind maps as they are extremely diverse and can cover any topic. If you want to teach a new concept to your audience or make the entire process of learning interesting, then you should consider using mind maps.

Mind maps are often used to elaborate complex situations that can help you understand all the vital factors to consider for solving any problem.

If you are a project manager or a team lead, then you can also take the assistance of mind maps to distribute tasks, explain a workflow, and do so much more.

These days, mind maps are also extensively used by trainers to educate dedicated topics to their audience. Ideally, you can create a mind map for any process and explain to your audience how to undertake it.

It doesn’t matter if you want to brainstorm ideas on your own or with a group; you can easily do it with mind maps to achieve your goals.

If you are planning an event or any process, then mind maps would be extremely helpful. You can focus on different aspects of a plan with mind maps and even use color codes to make things more interesting.

Different Types of Mind Maps

Since mind maps don’t follow strict rules, you can draw them in different ways. Though, it has been observed that most mind maps fall under these five categories.

As the name suggests, these mind maps follow a certain flow (from one point to another) in a restricted direction. These diagrams are mostly used to depict a process by covering its different aspects.

These are more advanced than single flow mind maps as they can be distributed into different aspects. You can use these diagrams to explain how a process can have different distributions and triggers.

Most of the mind maps are ideally concept maps in which we explore a central idea by considering different parameters related to it.

These are simpler mind maps that are mostly used to explain the division of a concept, the hierarchy of an organization, and other related topics (represented via branches).

These are non-linear visual maps that are based on dedicated bubbles with all kinds of connections. They are used to show dependencies or even an undistributed flow of work.

What Is A Mind Map And How To Create One? (A Fun Guide)

November 19, 2020

We all know what the mind is.

And we all know what a map is.

Put them together, and voila, you get…a map of your mind?

Mind mapping is the easiest way to plan, organize, and visualize your thoughts and ideas. And we’re sure you’ve come across mind maps at least once before.

Remember how Dr. Strange saw through all the possible outcomes of the fight against Thanos?

Let’s get started!

A mind map essentially consists of a key concept with tons of related ideas branching out from it. These maps are used for both in-house and remote project management and planning.

Sorta like Dr. Strange’s mapping of 14 million possibilities here:

(Of course, our normal brains can’t comprehend this process!)

Let’s break it down.

Mind maps revolves around a few common characteristics:

Mind maps are built around a central image and forms a nodal network of keywords, whereas:

However, this all still leaves one question unanswered…

What is a Mind Map Used For?

A mind map can be used to visually connect ideas to a central concept helping with organization, problem-solving, project planning, and brainstorming. It is a powerful technique for students and professional project managers alike.

While mind maps are an intuitive tool for students and teachers, you’ll see them used by:

But really, they’re for anyone who has found success as a visual learner, or has found challenges picturing an image in their mind of how to bring a plan together.

An example of the mind map would look something like this image:

Mind mapping can help problem solving, project planning, creative thinking, memory, and a lot more!

Here are five of the big benefits of mind mapping:

1. Mind maps for aiding problem solving

You can’t find the perfect solution without exploring all the options, right?

And mindmapping does exactly that!

It provides better clarity about any piece of information. This helps you brainstorm and map the relationships between the central idea and the different possible solutions.

Of course, being aware of all the options doesn’t mean that you have the perfect solution.

Both of which contribute to the perfect solution!

2. Mind maps for simplifying project planning

Planning a project is no easy task. For that, you’ll need ClickUp’s Mind Maps.

You deal with a lot of things like tasks, resources, budgets, and more.

Mind mapping (and using the right mapping software) is the modern solution to easy project planning. and can take your next brainstorm session to the next level!

Use the mind mapping technique to transform your related points and thoughts into simpler, systematic strategies.

This not only ensures a steady start; it also provides an insight into problems that you could face in later stages.

3. Mind maps for fostering creative thinking

The wireframes of a mindmap form a spatial layout that provides a better overview or mental image of the main concept. It makes all the connections on the map more visible – much like the human brain itself.

As you’re able to view things clearly your brain makes room for thinking, opening up portals for an infinite number of related concepts helping you understand concepts you intended to map, and beyond!

Moreover, adding images to the map acts as visual stimuli. This enables our brain’s thinking part to make quick associations with the information we already know. This can help you brainstorm with ease.

And while it can’t help you rival Dr. Strange’s creativity and quick-thinking, it definitely helps you out!

4. Mind maps for improving memory

This unique combination of mental triggers helps our brain process and memorize such a concept in greater detail when compared to traditional note taking or plain text.

I mean, try identifying all the Infinity Stones if they were of the same color!

Additionally, as your power to memorize information improves in your brain, your recalling power strengthens too.

5. Mind maps for making learning meaningful

There’s a difference between learning through textbooks and in-person training, right?

Similarly, visually stimulating mind maps are a more meaningful source of learning than never-ending paragraphs.

Mindmapping forces our brain to make associations between different hues, keywords, and images, making room for radiant thinking.

Tip: The next time you’re studying for an exam/interview, add a visual thinking tool like mind maps to your writing process . It’ll help you remember what you’ve learned!

How Do You Create A Mind Map?

Use these simple steps to create a mind map quickly:

After you’ve made the basic layout of a mind map, make sure you implement these steps:

Now that you’ve learned the steps to create a mind map, all you need is a platform to do so.

And while using pen and paper or Excel to create a mind map might be someone’s go-to method, using a mind mapping software like ClickUp to make digital mind maps makes the job a lot easier!

Let’s see why ClickUp’s the best mind mapping tool today:

ClickUp’s Mind Maps help you transform your thoughts into beautiful free-form Mind Maps.

You can make Mind Maps for all your projects and creative ideas in no time!

ClickUp offers two modes for mind mapping :

A. Tasks mode and Customizing Mind Maps

Here’s how you customize mind maps in the Tasks mode:

Note : The diamond appears after clicking on the branch.

B. Blank mode

Use this mapping app’s Blank mode to add a mindmap from scratch, independent of the existing task structure. Then easily convert any of the reference nodes into a task.

With mind maps In the Blank mode, you can:

Blank Mode Mind Map Example:

ClickUp lets you publicly share your mind maps with anyone outside your Workspace, helping them view and stay updated on how projects are progressing.

But creating mind maps isn’t the only amazing feature that ClickUp offers.

This mind mapping software offers tons of other features, like:

Conclusion

Mapping your ideas when brainstorming can be incredibly rewarding.

And the more thought-through your plan is, the fewer number of bottlenecks you’re bound to face.

Luckily, you don’t have to be Dr. Strange to make a mind map!

Just follow the steps we’ve mentioned here to create mind maps easily.

And while you could do all this with a pen and paper note making, why would you when there’s dedicated mind map software like ClickUp? Join us in note making bliss today!

ClickUp has the right set of features to support all your mind mapping requirements (and more)! From project planning and documentation to process automation, ClickUp is here to help you be more productive!

So why not sign up for free today and use mind maps as the perfect path for your next big idea?

Questions? Comments? Visit our Help Center for support.

What is mind mapping?

Mind mapping basics

Mind mapping is a simple technique for drawing information in diagrams instead of writing it in sentences. The diagrams always take the same basic format of a tree, with a single starting point in the middle that branches out and divides over-and-over-again. The tree consists of words or short sentences connected by lines. The lines that connect the words are part of the meaning.

Compare these two ways of representing the same information

As plain text: «Versailles is a French commune, capital of the Yvelines department in the ГЋle-de-France region, known worldwide for its castle as well as for its gardens, sites classified by UNESCO as sites of outstanding cultural value to humanity. According to the 2015 census, the city has 85,771 inhabitants.»

As a fragment of a mind map:

To understand a text, you have to read it. Reading is a two-step process; first, you interpret the sentences, then you create a mental image and hold it in your mind. To understand a mind map, you need to visualize it. A mind map directly represents the mental image that you would have to create after reading a text. You get the gist of things in a single step, not two.

We can easily focus on the parts that are important. The information is not flat and lifeless but becomes interactive and worth exploring. It raises questions and makes us think. Visualization turns information into knowledge, insight, and action.

Compare the views below with the one above, to see how we can shift our focus with a couple of clicks.

When was the Palace of Versailles built? Are there any details worth remembering? How many gardens are there?

Why are mind maps based on trees?

Trees reflect how our minds work because we always seek patterns. Given two examples of something, most people will naturally think of a third or wonder why there is no third. Tree diagrams encourage and capture this thought process efficiently and clearly. And using software means you can deal with much more information than you could on paper, and easily rearrange it to suit your purposes.

Anatomy of a mind map

A mind map consists of objects and features, which represent information. We can describe the anatomy of a mind map in two ways; by its features and by the features’ purposes when used in a mind map. Knowing the name of each feature will help you get started with mind maps. Knowing each feature’s purpose will help you create useful and meaningful mind maps.

A mind map consists of a tree, made up of «topics». All the elements in the mind map are topics, but some of them have special names. In mind mapping and in other related software, these topics are also called «branches», «nodes» or «thoughts».

Of course, you can use mind maps in any way that suits you. But for your mind maps to be useful in the longer term, and for others to understand them, here are some suggested conventions that will make your mind maps easier to work with.

Where to use mind maps

Mind maps can be used effectively in business, home and education, either by individuals or by teams working on the same mind maps.

Business users

The most popular uses for mind mapping software are project planning, meetings, presentations and documents. Use mind maps to help solve problems collaboratively, to map out resources and information, and generate new ideas.

Consultants and coaches

Use mind maps to capture briefings, client sessions, and specifications to ensure clarity in your assignments.

Educationalists

Use mind maps for lesson plans, lectures, and gathering research materials.

Home users

Use mind maps to support learning, for planning vacations, weddings or house moves, comparing products and services, researching your hobby or interest, or searching for a new job.

Groups

Use mind maps collaboratively to work on projects and issues.

Common mind map types

While there are many different ways to use mind maps in a wide range of applications, there are a few common types of mind maps that are useful everywhere:

Reference mind maps for keeping track of information

Presentation mind maps for presenting or training

Planning mind maps for creating plans

Reference Mind Maps

A reference mind map is a map that contains information organized so that you can find it again easily. Many types of subject can be broken down and represented this way. You can start by collecting ideas and facts, then reorganizing them into sections and subsections, so that you get a complete overview.

Use this mind map type for:

Presentation mind maps

Use a presentation mind map when you need to tell a story or make a point with a call to action. In contrast to the Reference mind map, the Presentation mind map is used only to support a talk, to keep the audience focused on your message. Keep the mind map as small as you can. You can add supporting information or materials under the main topics but use them only to support your message. When delivering the presentation with the aid of a mind map, start from the top right, and work clockwise.

Unlike a linear PowerPoint presentation, where your audience cannot see where you are headed or where you have been, the main messages are always in view, and the presentation pinpoints the context of those messages. Many presenters like to have drama or surprises in their presentations, but your busy colleagues might not always appreciate this, and sometimes you can run out of time before getting to the key point. A mind map makes your message and intent very clear.

Use the Presentation mind maps for:

Planning mind maps

When planning something, focus on the outcome and put that at the center of your mind map. Think about everything in the mind map as leading towards the outcome in some way, like arrows aimed at a target. The actions you take will build up to achieve the overall goal, so things to do later in the project will be near the center, and things to do at the start of the project will be near the outside of the mind map.

Mindomo lets you add task resources, start and end dates, and durations to topics that represent actions. You can also add information topics in the context of the actions where they are needed.

Use the Planning mind map for:

Mind mapping allows you to graphically store complex concepts, tasks, ideas, and other related information in a structured form.

Topics in a mind map are linked together with lines, showing the relation between topics, very much like a brainstorming diagram. Each topic, similar in structure to an outline, can have multiple subtopics. Each topic and subtopic can contain text, notes, links, and images, allowing you to represent virtually any type of information.

What is Mindomo?

Mindomo is an online, web-based mind mapping tool, featuring functionality only found in the most advanced mind-mapping applications. Accessing Mindomo can be as easy as opening any modern web browser when you have an Internet connection. Designed to run on Windows, Linux, and Mac, Mindomo can follow you anywhere you go.

Mindomo’s visually appealing, interactive, and easy-to-use interface allows you to quickly create your mind maps by using the appropriate toolbars and keyboard shortcuts. Modify a task assignment, data structure, or change concepts by simply dragging and dropping topics on your mind map. Featuring automatic topic balance, map clutter is never a problem. The search function enables you to quickly find that piece of information or task you’ve been looking for.

Share mind maps with friends and colleagues by providing a direct web link to your mind maps or by embedding them in an existing web page. Sharing your mind maps with other Mindomo users lets you control who can access your information and how much access people have to your mind maps.

Mindomo has full support for extended character sets, including Japanese.

Do I need to learn «mind mapping» to use Mindomo?

Learning from the gallery

Take a moment to browse through the public map gallery. Try to guess what the author of each map wanted to achieve with their map. In most cases, it is not so easy to see. You can learn a lot from trying to understand other people’s maps, and seeing what works well, and what doesn’t. What would have helped you to understand their map better? Make sure to include it in your maps!