Mind Mapping
- What is a Mind Map?
- What is the structure of mind map as well as the styles?
- How to create a Mind Map?
- What are mind mapping tools available?
- Tips for improving your mind mapping skill
What is Mind Map?
Mind map is a diagram created by combination of words, pictures, numbers, symbols, logic, colors and styles to represent ideas, concepts, tasks, or other items. Today, mind map becomes a very useful tool to show visual information. And it is getting more and more popular. A mind map can be created by two ways hand drawing and using mind mapping software. Mind MapTM is claimed as a trademark by The Buzan Organisation, Ltd.
Mind mapping is very useful technique to map your ideas, concepts, tasks or other items into diagram which is called mind map. The following video will show you in more detail about mind map and mind mapping.
This video created by NovaMind.
Structure of a Mind Map
There are many styles of mind map such as map, fishbone, spreadsheet, organization chart, tree and logic chart (see example in the following). There is a bit different for the way it looks but the core structure is the same.
1. Central Topic is core topic which describe what the map is all about.
2. Main Topic is a branch drawn from central topic which represents main ideas of the topic.
3. Subtopic is a branch drawn from main topic. It specifies ideas from the main topic.
4. Next level of subtopic. This creates more specific ideas from previous subtopic.
The branch level of map is usually from 3 to 5 and different for one to another based on topic of the map.
Map Style
This is an example of map as normal map style.
Fishbone Style
This is an example of fishbone map style.
Spreadsheet Style
An example of spreedsheet map style
Organization Chart Style
A sample of map in organization chart style.
Tree Style
This is a sample mind map in tree style.
Logic Chart Style
An example for logic chart map style.
I created all of these map styles by using XMind free version (A free mind mapping software).
Use of Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping has been widely used by personal, students, teachers, engineers, psychologists, business for various purposes such as:
- Planning
- Problem Solving
- Scheduling
- Managing Tasks
- Organizing
- Decision Making
- Presentation
- Brainstorming
- Framework Design
- Work breakdown
- Concept Visualization
- Allows for Creativity
- Note Taking
Mind map allows people to boost their brain power up which led to more creative, fast to remember things and effective visual thinking skills.
How to Make a Mind Map?
There are two ways to create a mind map (1) hand drawing and using mind mapping software. There are several different points between these two methods such as speed, ease, style, quality and flexibility. You can see here Hand Drawing vs. Using Software Mind Mapping for more detail and find out which one is right for you.
For me, I always enjoy using software for mind mapping. I have also created step by step tutorial for creating a great looking mind map with free tool, XMind. If you do not know how to make a mind map yet, you should read it. With that basic concept, you can use it as ideas to make just any mind map you like.
What are Mind Mapping Tools Available?
Using software is most convenient way for creating mind map. You don’t have to be a skillful artist to create a professional and great looking mind map. Today, there are many mind map tools available for you to use both free and paid solution. I have collected and categorized them as following, you can check out here:
- Free Mind Mapping Software (Download and use for free of charge)
- Professional Mind Mapping Software (Need to buy license in order to use, free to try)
- Online Mind Mapping Tool (There are both free and paid version available)
- Mind Mapping Tools for Mac user (For Macintosh platform)
Improving Your Mind Mapping Skill
One question may be asked especially for newbie to mind mapping. I do not have many ideas about creating new mind map, so what I need to do to improve my mind mapping skill? Don’t worry about that. I am going to show you an easy way on how to get more ideas and inspiration for creating just any mind map you want. One best way to get many ideas and inspiration is to see the samples which already created by other people. To this solution, I collected a bunch of resource links where you can find thousands of mind map samples and templates for all level of users including personal, education and business.
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