Mind Maps

Mind Maps

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 What is a Mind Map?

 A Mind Map is a visual form of note-

making that can be done either individually
or as part of a group. At its heart is a
central image or idea.

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Agenda
 Today we will have a look at mind-maps and how
they can be used in problem solving
 Tony Buzan
 Origins of Mind Maps
 How to use Mind Maps
 Popular uses of Mind Maps
 Examples of Mind Maps
 Mind Map excercise
 Thinkertoys - Da Vinci’s technique

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Tony Buzan
Tony Buzan is another thinking
guru
Buzan has written 82 books
available in 100 countries and
translated into 30 languages
 Buzan is also a bit of a TV star
and has featured on the BBC
series In Search of Genius and on
Blue Peter

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Origins Of Mind Maps
 Buzan developed Mind Mapping while at
University
 He was frustrated that traditional note-taking
took so much time
 Realising that the brain responds extremely well to
key words, colours, and images Buzan
developed a simple set of rules for capturing
topics in a map
 His brother, Barry Buzan, then realised that the
technique could also help in creative thinking

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Origins Of Mind Maps (cont…)
 “Use Your Head: Innovative
Learning and Thinking Techniques
to Fulfil Your Potential”, Tony
Buzan, 1974
 “The Mind Map Book”, Tony Buzan
& Barry Buzan, BBC Active, 1993

 “The Ultimate Book of Mind Maps”,

Tony Buzan, Harper Thorsons, 2006

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 What is a Mind Map?
 A Mind Map is a powerful graphic technique which
provides a universal key to unlock the potential of the
brain

 It harnesses the full range of cortical skills – word,

image, number, logic, rhythm, colour and spatial
awareness – in a single, uniquely powerful manner. In
so doing, it gives you the freedom to capture the infinite
power and creativity of your brain.

 The Mind Map can be applied to every aspect of life

where improved learning and clearer thinking will
enhance your productivity

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http://www.mind-mapping.co.uk/ The key points of the book “Orbiting the Giant Hairball” by Gordon MacKenzie

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http://www.mind-mapping.co.uk/ The key points of the book “The Human Mind” by Robert Winston

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http://www.mind-mapping.co.uk/ “What is Happiness?” by the illustrator Paul Foreman

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Maps By Great Thinkers
 There is evidence to suggest that many great thinkers
throughout history have used mind-map type
techniques
 These include Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso and
Winston Churchill

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Images of Da Vinci’s notebooks are available from: www.bl.uk
Mind Maps – Freemind
freemind.sourceforge.net

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 How To Mind Map (1 of 4)
1. Take a blank piece of paper, A4 or larger
 Pre-drawn lines can restrict us!
Based on www.mind-mapping.co.uk/make-mind-map.htm

2. Use the paper in landscape orientation

3. Start in the centre
4. Make a central image that represents the topic about
which you are writing/thinking
 Use at least three colours
 Keep the height and width of the central image to about two
inches
 Allow the image to create its own shape

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 How To Mind Map (2 of 4)
5. The main themes (Basic Ordering Ideas) around
the central image are like the chapter headings of a
Based on www.mind-mapping.co.uk/make-mind-map.htm

book
 Print this word in CAPITALS or draw an image
 Place on a line of the same length connected to the
central image
 The central lines are thick,
curved and organic - like the
trunk of a tree
 Usually about 3 – 7 themes

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 How To Mind Map (3 of 4)
6. Start to add a second level of thought
which are linked to the main branch that
Based on www.mind-mapping.co.uk/make-mind-map.htm

triggered them
 Connecting lines are thinner
 Words are still printed but may be in lower
case
7. Add third, fourth, … levels of data as
thoughts come to you
 Use images as much as possible
 Jump around the map as different thoughts
come to you
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 How To Mind Map (4 of 4)
8. Add emphasis to important points on the
map
Based on www.mind-mapping.co.uk/make-mind-map.htm

 Maybe put a box around a point

9. Outline whole branches of the map as
you see fit
 Try using colours here
 The colours can be used to show
connections between branches
10. Make your maps a little more beautiful,
artistic, colourful, or imaginative
11. Be humorous and have some fun!
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Mind Maps

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How To Mind Map
1. Take a blank piece of paper, A4 or larger
2. Use the paper in landscape orientation
3. Start in the centre
4. Make a central image that represents the topic about which you are
writing/thinking
5. The main themes (Basic Ordering Ideas) around the central image are
like the chapter headings of a book
6. Start to add a second level of thought which are linked to the main
branch that triggered them
7. Add third, fourth, … levels of data as thoughts come to you
8. Add emphasis to important points on the map
9. Outline whole branches of the map as you see fit
10. Make your maps a little more beautiful, artistic, colourful, or imaginative
11. Be humorous and have some fun!

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Excercise
 Create a Mind Map of DIT

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MindMaps

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Mind Maps & Note Taking
 Mind maps are a great tool for note taking
 Use them at meetings, lectures or when
reading papers/articles
 Traditional linear notes are ineffective
because:
 They obscure keywords
 They are naturally difficult remember
 Boring and monotonous
 They waste time
 You have to write them AND you have to read them!
 They fail to stimulate creativity 22
Advantages Of Mind Maps (1 of 2)
 Advantages of mind-mapping over linear note
making/taking:
 Time saved
 Noting only relevant words
 Reading only relevant words

 Reviewing mind map notes

 Not having to search for keywords amongst unnecessary verbiage

 Concentration on real issues enhanced

 Essential keywords juxtaposed in time and space –
improves creativity and recall

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Advantages Of Mind Maps (1 of 2)
 Advantages of mind-mapping over linear note
making/taking:
 Clear associations made between key words
 The brain finds it easier to accept and remember visually
stimulating multi-coloured mind maps
 They have a depth or 3D aspect
 Mind maps work in harmony with the brain’s natural desire for
completion or wholeness
 By working from the centre outwards, a Mind Map encourages
learner’s thoughts to grow outwards.
 The learner’s ideas will expand and radiate creative thinking
 This is a visual map which complements how the brain works
and can lead to significant results
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MindMaps

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Uses of Mind Maps
 Planning
 Brainstorming
 Group thinking
 Documenting
 Note taking
 Exam revision
 Resources
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Mind Maps in Computing
 Requirements gathering
 Fusebox Architecting
 Development brainstorming
 Testing and debugging
 Project management

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