Mind mapping


What is Mind mapping?

A mind map is a diagram used to visually organise information. It can be used for all kinds of activities and purposes. From brainstorming or collecting information to planning and learning in the class room. People from all walks of life have used mindmapping to great success.

whats so good about mind maps?

1. It enables meaningful learning

The structure of the mind map help people learn the connections of each element and quickly see the bigger picture of the concept.

2. It helps with memorization and retention

Firstly diagrams are more easily stored in memory than other formats of information. Secondly, the use of colour together with the branching structure also allows you to logically think through the branches and reach all the elements within the mind map.

3. It makes complex issues easier to understand

The branching or layering of the mind map ask of you to start at the centre of the mind map and slowly move towards the edges. The method of reading or recording allows user to break down even complex topics into different layers of increasing details. You can even choose to work and expand on individual main branches of the mind map and still be able to see how each element connects to the main topic.

4. It Improves Your Productivity

After coming writing the initial main branches, you can move your focus on specific branches and expand as needed without losing sight of the big picture. you may even add in additional branches that you missed out previously. The flexibility in using it allows you to be more focused and possibly even break down the mind map for different people to work on different branches at the same time, greatly increasing you and your team's productivity.

5. It is super flexible!

Mind maps can be used for so many purposes. You can even combine or use together with other techniques like brain storming or gantt charts for project planning.

How to mind map?

5 Simple steps to Mind Mapping

  1. Create a Central Idea

  2. Add branches to your map

  3. Add Key words

  4. Colour code branches

  5. Include images

1. Create a central idea

Start at the center of the page and using a few keywords or image, write down your central idea. This is the main topic to be explored. Using colour and images will help to stimulate your association with the topic.

"pictures are worth a thousand words"

2. Add Branches to your map

Start to add branches to the main topic and allow your creative juices to flow. Don't worry if you forgot to add a branch or want to edit a certain branch.

Mind mapping is an iterative process. You can also come back to add, edit, move branches around or even all association links to different branches. It is supposed to get messy!

Hence using a big piece of paper and leaving empty space in between branches is a good idea. ALternative you may also consider doing mind mapping on software, which will allow you to change and edit easily.

3. Add key words

Now add a key idea to your branches. Try to keep this idea as brief and short as possible. this will allow you to add multiple smaller branches to it later. Limiting the number of words to write down is a simple way for helping you write the key idea.

4. Add colour code BRANCHES

Add colour to your mind map! By adding colour it will help your brain to analyse, highlight or group information. Yo may use it on different branches, layers or even different sub branches from different part of the mind map.

"colour will make any mind map more appealing and engaging, leading to better understanding of the topic"

5. include images

Add images to your mind map. Images can come in the form of pictures, drawing or a diagram. Images can convey more than words and they are universal of language. Our brain also processes images differently than words make it easier for you to remember the content of the mind map afterwards.

"pictures are worth a thousand words"

Example of an actual Mind Map on Events Planning