Mind Mapping

Mind maps can be used to:

• Summarize information and focus on the main idea(s)
• Convey information from different sources
• Think throught complex problems
• Present information in a format that shows the overall structure of a subject. ^[1]

Originally mind maps were created on paper, normally spread over a wall where people could freely write down their ideas.

Step by Step

• Determine the topic that will be the focus of your thinking. The topic should be no more then a few words.
• Take a blank paper - if you are using a software, open a new document - and write down the topic, wherever you want. It may be a good idea to start in the center of the paper, so as you have 360 degrees of freedom to continue your drawing.
• To better identify and visualize the starting idea you can draw an image, using different colours.
• Be open and have a creative attitude, trying to let ideas flow and writing all of them.
• Free associate without limitating your ideas; you can always add new branches and add more information later on.
• Try to capture all your thoughts as rapidly as possible.
• Don't make any judgements; write everything you are thinking of.
• Allow organization. Once all the ideas have been added you can create links with the ones you left apart, and change the structure of your map.
• Experiment with different ways of linking and emphasising different aspects, e.g., using colours and highlighters.

Practical Tips

• Use single words or simple phrases; they can convey the same meaning of a long sentence but are more efficient.
• Use colours to separate different concepts; this will make the map easy to remember and will help showing the organization of the subject.
• Use symbols and images; they are easier to remember than words.
• Use cross linkages, since information in one part of the drawing may relate with other on the other side of it. ^[2]

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