Mind Mapping Tips

A mind map is often designed around a single, central word or idea, and linked to other associated ideas and concepts. It is a non-linear way of organizing and structuring information, which allows a natural progression of ideas.

Mind Mapping Tips
Creating a mind map does not require great drawing skills, one can use mind mapping software tools, or just make a hand-drawn map using paper and colored pens. Following are a few tips one can bear in mind while creating a mind map.

Begin with the subject, or main idea written at the center. If possible, use pictures or images. When the main idea is placed at center, an endless list of possibilities can be worked upon. The mind can be opened to many associated concepts, just by seeing the idea at the center. Allow your thoughts to flow, and keeping penning or drawing them down, all around your main idea. Make use of colors, to make it more creative and organized.

While creating a mind map, keep lots of empty spaces to add more ideas that may flow in at a later stage. Empty spaces will also allow for addition of many levels (flow of an idea) on the mind map. An interesting feature of the mind map, is that different concepts can be branched separately as well as interrelated at the same time. Some of your themes may not sound related to each other, but if you have thought about them keeping the main idea in mind, then one can colligate them as a diversified or an extended idea to be used for the future. This line of thought may seem a little confusing to grasp initially, as we have always designed thoughts or idea flow charts in a linear manner, which do not allow for many diversifications, unless completely co-related. However, most times the word associations and data mapping that are added at sub-levels, form intricate relationships with the main idea.

As the mind map starts to grow, first try to cover the major topics related to the main subject. Work quickly through it to keep up the flow of ideas. Keep the points brief and exactly to the point, all elaborations can be done at a later stage. Use colored sketches, sticky notes, and images and pictures wherever possible, but don't overdo it. The idea is to keep the flow logical and not turn it into a picture collage. Once you have exhausted all ideas, stand back and take a look. Look for recurring and missing ideas, and the relation between all components of the mind map.

Mind mapping differs from most other flow or concept charts in many different ways. It uses both halves of the brain to solve a problem and create new ideas. The left half is used for logical and analytical thinking, and its use in information and fact finding, whereas the right half is used for pictorial representation of the ideas and concepts. This synchronization of the right and left brain helps in structuring and organizing thoughts better, and also provides one with more ideas and more room for creativity and imagination.

Mind mapping has many applications. It is a powerful tool for brainstorming, creative thinking, problem solving, organizing and structuring of ideas, note taking and decision making. They are simple to create, understand and use and provide a great deal of help.