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Memory-Mind Maps

Mind maps are a visual note-taking technique that organizes information in a radial, hierarchical structure similar to a tree. Popularized by Tony Buzan, mind maps place the central topic in the center and radiate main ideas, sub-topics and details outwards in branches. This structure allows for easy visualization of relationships between pieces of information. Mind maps engage more of the brain than conventional notes and can improve note-taking, problem solving, summarizing information and presenting ideas. The Mind Tools website provides free online training on mind mapping and other creativity techniques using the MindGenius mind mapping software.

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Thiti Vanich
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161 views4 pages

Memory-Mind Maps

Mind maps are a visual note-taking technique that organizes information in a radial, hierarchical structure similar to a tree. Popularized by Tony Buzan, mind maps place the central topic in the center and radiate main ideas, sub-topics and details outwards in branches. This structure allows for easy visualization of relationships between pieces of information. Mind maps engage more of the brain than conventional notes and can improve note-taking, problem solving, summarizing information and presenting ideas. The Mind Tools website provides free online training on mind mapping and other creativity techniques using the MindGenius mind mapping software.

Uploaded by

Thiti Vanich
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Mind Maps

A Powerful Approach to Note Taking


Also called Spray Diagrams, Spider Diagrams,
Spidograms, Spidergrams and Mindmaps!

Mind Map" is a trade mark of the Buzan Organization

How to Use the Tool:


Mind Mapping is an important technique that improves the way
you take notes, and supports and enhances your creative
problem solving. By using Mind Maps, you can quickly identify
and understand the structure of a subject and the way that
pieces of information fit together, as well as recording the raw
facts contained in normal notes. More than this, Mind Maps
provide a structure which encourages creative problem solving,
and they hold information in a format that your mind will find
easy to remember and quick to review.

Popularized by Tony Buzan, Mind Maps abandon the list format of conventional note taking.
They do this in favor of a two-dimensional structure. A good Mind Map shows the 'shape' of
the subject, the relative importance of individual points, and the way in which facts relate to
one another.

Mind Maps are more compact than conventional notes, often taking up one side of paper.
This helps you to make associations easily. If you find out more information after you have
drawn the main Mind Map, then you can easily integrate it with little disruption.

Mind Maps are also useful for:

• Summarizing information;
• Consolidating information from different research sources;
• Thinking through complex problems; and
• Presenting information in a format that shows the overall structure of your subject .

They are very quick to review as you can often refresh information in your mind just by
glancing at one. And in the same way, they can be effective mnemonics: Remembering the
shape and structure of a Mind Map can give you the cues you need to remember the
information within it. As such, they engage much more of your brain in the process of
assimilating and connecting facts, compared with conventional notes.

Drawing Basic Mind Maps

The Mind Tools site was originally planned and researched using Mind Maps. They are too
large to publish here, however part of one is shown below. This shows research into time
management skills:

Figure 1: An Example Mind Map


To make notes on a subject using a Mind Map, draw it in the following way:

1. Write the title of the subject you're exploring in the center of the page, and draw a
circle around it. This is shown by the circle marked 1 in Figure 1, above.
2. As you come across major subdivisions or subheadings of the topic (or important
facts that relate to the subject) draw lines out from this circle. Label these lines with
these subdivisions or subheadings. These are shown by the lines marked 2 in Figure
1.
3. As you "burrow" into the subject and uncover another level of information (further
subheadings, or individual facts) belonging to the subheadings above, draw these as
lines linked to the subheading lines. These are shown by the lines marked 3 in Figure
1.
4. Finally, for individual facts or ideas, draw lines out from the appropriate heading line
and label them. These are shown by the lines marked 4 in Figure 1

As you come across new information, link it in to the Mind Map appropriately.
A complete Mind Map may have main topic lines
radiating in all directions from the center. Sub-topics and
facts will branch off these, like branches and twigs from
the trunk of a tree. You do not need to worry about the
structure produced, as this will evolve of its own accord.

Note that the idea of numbered 'levels' in Figure 1 is only


used to help show how the Mind Map was created. All
we are showing is that major headings radiate from the
center, with lower level headings and facts branching off
from the higher level headings.

While drawing Mind Maps by hand is appropriate in


many cases, software tools like MindGenius improve the
process by helping to you to produce high quality
Concept Maps, which can easily be edited and redrafted.

Improving your Mind Maps


Your Mind Maps are your own property: once you
understand how to make notes in the Mind Map format,
you can develop your own conventions to take them
further. The following suggestions may help to increase
their effectiveness:

• Use single words or simple phrases for information: Most words in normal writing are
padding, as they ensure that facts are conveyed in the correct context, and in a
format that is pleasant to read. In your own Mind Maps, single strong words and
meaningful phrases can convey the same meaning more potently. Excess words just
clutter the Mind Map.

• Print words: Joined up or indistinct writing can be more difficult to read.

• Use color to separate different ideas:


This will help you to separate ideas where necessary. It also helps you to visualize of
the Mind Map for recall. Color also helps to show the organization of the subject.

• Use symbols and images:


Where a symbol or picture means something to you, use it. Pictures can help you to
remember information more effectively than words.

• Using cross-linkages:
Information in one part of the Mind Map may relate to another part. Here you can
draw in lines to show the cross-linkages. This helps you to see how one part of the
subject affects another.

Key points:
Mind Mapping is an extremely effective method of taking notes. Mind Maps show not only
facts, but also the overall structure of a subject and the relative importance of individual parts
of it. They help you to associate ideas and make connections that might not otherwise make.

If you do any form of research or note taking, try experimenting with Mind Maps. You will find
them surprisingly effective!
Mind Mapping & Business Creativity Software Training - FREE
Mind Mapping is just one of the business creativity and problem solving techniques that
become even more powerful when supported by computer-based tools. Others include
Brainstorming, Cause & Effect Analysis, Impact Analysis and SWOT Analysis.

So that you can see this for yourself, learn these techniques and improve your problem-
solving skills, sign up for our free six-part "Mind Tools MindGenius E-class". In one email-
based class a week for six weeks, you'll learn how to use these powerful techniques to
greatest effect, supported by the MindGenius Mind Mapping software.

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