- Characteristics of mind maps
- How to make a mind map
- 1- Create a central idea
- 2- Brainstorming about the topic
- 3- Add the branches to the map
- 4- Enter keywords
- 5- Create a color code for the branches
- 6- Include images
- How to properly use a mind map
- Use single words or simple phrases
- Use of colors to differentiate different ideas
- Use symbols and images
- The use of cross links
- Advantages of mind maps
- Uses of mind maps (what are they for)
- How Mind Maps Help Memory
- Mind Maps and Labor Productivity
- Some more facts about mind maps
- References
The mind maps are a very effective way of getting information into and out of the brain, helping to make associations with ease. In addition, they are a creative and logical means of decision-making, since they allow ideas to be "traced" and generate new ones.
They became popular thanks to Tony Buzan. This author used a two-dimensional structure that made them more compact, instead of the conventional list format used for taking notes.
Mind map example
All mind maps have some things in common such as a natural organic structure that radiates from the center, and the use of lines, symbols, words, colors and images that are as friendly as possible, so that the brain can retain information more easily.
A simple way to understand a mind map is to compare it to a map of a city. The center of the city represents the main idea, while the main streets of the center represent the key thoughts in your cognitive process.
The secondary roads or branches represent the secondary thoughts, and so on, the images or special shapes can represent ideas of special relevance.
Mind maps can be used for almost any thinking or learning task, from studying an object (such as a new language) to planning a career or even building better habits.
Characteristics of mind maps
-The main idea is adjusted in a matter or crystallizes in a central image.
-The main themes radiate from the image of the center as «branches».
-These branches comprise a key image or a key word drawn or printed on its associated line.
-The subjects of minor importance are represented as branches of the corresponding group.
-The branches make up a structure that starts from a point of origin or node.
-It is a graphical tool that can incorporate words, images, numbers and colors, so it can be more pleasant and memorable to create and review. The combination of words and pictures is six times better at remembering information than words alone.
-Mind maps link group concepts through natural associations. This helps to generate more ideas and find a deeper meaning about a topic.
How to make a mind map
1- Create a central idea
To develop a mind map, you have to start from a central idea. This represents the topic to be investigated or the object of study.
This should be in the center of the page and should include an image that represents the topic. This attracts attention and causes associations, as the brain responds better to visual stimuli.
Taking the time to personalize the central idea, whether designed by hand or on the computer, is key as this is what will reinforce the connection you have with the mind map content.
2- Brainstorming about the topic
You should brainstorm the topic before starting to draw, collecting all the information that is not stored in one place. For this you can use, for example, notes from a conference or meeting.
This can be done individually or in groups. It is simply about writing everything you can think of and is related to the topic. Keywords or phrases should be used instead of sentences or paragraphs.
The information should not be organized at that time. Just get the ideas out and put them in a mess. When brainstorming, ask how the topic relates to what is already known and what is different about it.
3- Add the branches to the map
The main branches are those that are derived from the central image and provide the key themes. With this, each topic or parent branch can be explored in greater depth by adding child branches.
The beauty of a mind map is that you can continually add new branches, meaning you are not restricted to just a few options. Likewise, the structure of the mind map will come naturally as more ideas are added and the brain freely draws new associations of different concepts.
4- Enter keywords
When adding a new branch to the mind map structure, a key idea must be included. Using keywords triggers a greater number of associations compared to using multiple words or phrases.
One word per branch also works well for breaking information into core topics and non-core topics. The use of keywords triggers connections in the brain and allows more information to be remembered.
Farrand, Hussain, and Hennessy (2002) supported this, after finding that medical students who adopted mind maps experienced a 10% increase in their long-term memory.
5- Create a color code for the branches
In mind maps, the whole brain stimulates thinking, because it brings together a wide range of cortical skills in numerical, creative and spatial logic.
The overlapping of these abilities makes the brain more synergistic and maintains an optimal level of brain work.
Having these cortical abilities in isolation from each other does not help brain development. Therefore, the use of this system is a benefit. An example of thinking regarding mind map coding is the use of color.
Color coding links visual with logic and helps the brain create mental shortcuts. This code allows you to classify, culminate, analyze and identify information and connections that have not been previously discovered.
Also, colored images are more attractive and pleasant compared to flat and monochrome images.
6- Include images
Images have the power to convey more information than a word, phrase, or even an essay. They are processed instantly by the brain and act as visual stimuli to recall information. Better yet, images are a universal language that can overcome any language barrier.
Intrinsically, people are taught to process images from an early age. According to Margulies (1991), before children learn the language, they visualize images in their minds, and link them to concepts. For this reason, mind maps maximize the powerful potential of images.
How to properly use a mind map
Once you have in mind the format you want to use in the mind map, you should develop your own settings, which allow you to delve into its content. Here are some suggestions:
Use single words or simple phrases
In mind maps, words and short phrases should be used, which are meaningful, and which allow the same message to be transmitted, with a meaning of greater power. When they carry an excess of words, they can cause the opposite effect in the mind of those who see them.
Use of colors to differentiate different ideas
This helps separate ideas when necessary. It also helps to visualize the mental map that will allow them to recover. Color can help you see the structure of matter.
Use symbols and images
Pictures can help you remember information more effectively than words, so if there is a symbol or image that can represent the content, it should be used.
The use of cross links
Information contained in one part of a mind map can refer to another. Given the connection between all its parts, these links allow the reader to better grasp the information. This is due to the fact that it is associated with other elements that have already been studied or that are of greater interest.
Advantages of mind maps
-A mind map can give an overview of a very broad topic and at the same time be the synthesis of large amounts of information.
-It is also a very intuitive way to organize thoughts, since mind maps mimic the way our brains think, bouncing ideas from one to another, instead of thinking linearly.
- Ideas can be generated very quickly with this technique and it also encourages exploring different creative avenues.
-Allows you to make summaries of books, which facilitates the study of a specific topic and structure it for a more effective understanding.
-It works for project management at the organizational level, based on budget, resources, scope, personnel and deadline.
-Highlights the most important ideas in a text, which is essential when studying, as it allows us to distinguish between relevant and secondary information.
-Evaluates the options, which can encourage people to make decisions and set goals, to later meet them.
-It works as a time planner, since it allows you to organize a large number of ideas, situations or commitments, so that none are excluded.
-It allows you to tell a story in a dynamic, didactic and original way, so that those by whom it is heard, have a better way of understanding it.
-Improves productivity, as it enhances time / space organization.
Uses of mind maps (what are they for)
-Brainstorming of ideas, both in individual and group activities.
-Summary of information and note taking.
-The consolidation of information from different research sources.
-Deepening in complex problems.
-The presentation of the information in a format that shows the general structure of its object.
-Study and memorize information.
-The resolution of problems.
-The activation of creativity.
-Improved the ability to see the larger image.
-Allows you to detail the information.
-Unlock insights hidden within bits of information.
-Helps unlock unexpected creative ideas.
-Save time.
-Makes learning fun.
-Clarify objectives.
-Explain the action plans.
-Clear ideas.
-Decrypt habitual patterns of thought.
-Take notes in work meetings.
How Mind Maps Help Memory
-Making mind maps increases association, imagination and creativity. They are the perfect tools to improve memory.
-They only contain keywords, this means that the information to be remembered is driven by short words with meaning and not endless paragraphs and content.
-Promote partnerships and connections. Association is known to be an important way to improve memory, this system not only promotes association, but will also make the connections between ideas clearly on the page as a visual reminder.
-The use of color and images stimulate the imagination. This is the secret key to improving memory. The visually appealing nature of a mind map filled with colors, images and symbols establishes a creative form of attention and concentration.
Mind Maps and Labor Productivity
Mind maps at work are useful for:
- Planning of sales strategies.
- Planning of marketing strategies.
- Project organization and management.
- Organization and management of meetings.
- Preparation for networking.
- Preparation of interviews and conducting interviews.
- Business planning.
- Investigation and development.
Some more facts about mind maps
Mind maps turn a long list of monotonous information into a colorful, memorable, and highly organized diagram that works naturally according to the way the brain does things.
A good mind map shows the relative importance of individual points, and how the facts are linked together. This makes them very quick to review, because you can update the information in your mind with just a glance.
In this way, mnemonic methods can be effective to remember a form, structure or a certain content. They can also give the necessary clues to remember the information they contain.
References
- Mind Maps Team (2017). Note-taking that literally “maps” out your ideas. Recovered from: mindmapping.com.
- Passuello Luciano (2009). What if mind mapping? (and how get started immediately). Litemind, exploring ways to use our minds efficiently. Recovered from: litemind.com.
- Mind Tools Team (2015). A powerful approach to note-taking. MindTools. Essential skills for an excellent career. Recovered from: mindtools.com.
- Thanh Pham. (2012). 10 ways to use mind maps over text notes. Asian Efficiency. Recovered from: asianefficiency.com.