A mind map is a diagram or tool that is used to represent items, words, concepts or thoughts centered on a particular concept. It is an easy way to represent thoughts and brainstorm ideas. A mind map allows the user to organize and structure their thoughts and create ideas. With a mind map, you can turn a long list of jumbled information into a colorful, organized, and easily memorized diagram that the brain can coordinate with.
The power of any idea lies in its simplicity. No matter how great an idea is, it will be difficult to execute if it is too complex for the mind. Mind maps are modeled on the brain processes information. It is analytic and artistic and is, therefore, easier for the brain to grasp.
How to make a mind map
Start with the main concept
You have to determine the main purpose or a central topic as to why you are making the mind map and write it down. This will become the baseline on which you will expand. This can either be a problem you are looking to solve, a difficult subject you are trying to learn or even a to-do list. A typical mind map looks like a tree with many branches so while creating your tree, remember that the branches need a trunk.
Add branches to the central idea
After creating the central idea. The next thing is to add branches to it. Branches are outlines of the main subtopics under the main idea. They help to organise thoughts and information about the main idea. While creating branches, details are not really needed. You should instead add keywords or phrases that are easy to remember.
Expand the branches with sub-branches
Once you have added branches to the main topic, you can begin to add subtopics or sub-branches onto each branch until you run out of ideas or lists. The subtopics can be more detailed and specific than the branches that you add. The sub-branches are what completes the mind map. This means that, until the specific details are added, the map remains generalized. You should therefore use all ideas that pertain to the main topic until you have exhausted all options.
Add fonts, images and colors
The brain has been known to get stimulated by colours. Studies have shown that the ability to memorize text becomes greater when colour is added to it. Colours also help to make the mind map attractive and more memorable by adding images and fonts to it. Images will help you visualise the ideas and colours will stimulate the brain to remember it. A great font will go a long way in making your mind map attractive and inviting to read. You should try to blend various colours and images when creating a mind map as it helps to easily connect the text in each branch with the colour.
Share or present your mind map
Depending on what your mind map is about, you may present, share or store it. Whether the map is created for yourself or for a project, it has to be used in one way or another. It may be printed, shared online or presented as a slide. Just ensure that your map is detailed, easy to read and assimilated by others, and most of all, attractive.
Mind map examples
There are many examples of mind maps and many things that a mind map can be used for. Some of them are:
Brainstorming mind map: used to brainstorm particular ideas and topics.
Note-taking mind map: to organize notes and classes into structured patterns that can be read and understood easily
Memorization mind map: to help memorize ideas, topics, or concepts by breaking them down to smaller bits
Creative writing mind map: to organize events into the right sequence when writing and to create subtopics before writing
Mind map templates
These are easy to edit, already prepared templates of various topics. Many websites offer mind map templates for free online with a variety of topics. They can be easily downloaded and edited to match the idea being mapped. Check out nice mind map templates by Venngage, Canva, Creately and Lucidchart.
Originally published at https://weje.io on February 18, 2021.
