Mind Mapping Using Papery Tools Fast and at Your Ease

In the articles(1),(2),we have learned some basic information about mind mapping. I have introduced a great mind mapping software – imindmap to help make mind map easier. Every time when I am not busy or needing to do something, I always want to use mind map to help manage it. I have many blank A4 papers in front of me as well as some colorful pens. Although I have listed many advantages using computer mind mapping software in (2), sometimes I still choose to use simple tools such as papers and pens, especially for little work or material learning.

I always think of one question: what on earth can mind mapping bring to me? In my dictionary, mind mapping means high efficiency, quick and easy learning, easily absorbed in work and so on. So the standards for me to choose mind mapping tools only depends on the benefits I can enjoy. For example, to write a blog, I will choose papery tools rather than computer mind mapping softwares. One paper of A4 size can supply me enough space to release my ideas, and most important for me, mind mapping on software can make me feel excited and more absorbed. I like the beautiful lines flowing out of my pens; I can use any font I like to express my ideas, whatever the font is so "ugly" or "informally".

To tell the truth, every mind map using papery tools is so free for me that I almost have forgotten some of the basic laws, for example: different colors, using more graphs and so on. Perhaps you will see only one kind of color and only text on my map when hand drawing. Once beginning a map, all my attention is paid to the topic which my mind map is based on. With the main topic on the center of the map and a curved line surrounding it, I let the ideas go. I really will not stop until the limited time set before is over or the map seems good enough for my needing now. The only needing for me is only to express my ideas as soon as possible with freedom. I only use a black-color pen and a piece of A4 paper to begin the map. Although only one kind of color used, I emphasize the thickness and thinness of the branches and make the curved line graceful. The branches of first level are the thickest of all, and I will make the length of the branches longer than the length of words on them. The font of the first level words is also the biggest relatively. Sub-branches will be thinner, as well as the font of the words on them. I will draw using thicker line at each cross of branches and sub-branches. The final mind map is just like a sketch in black and white. It is simple but meaningful, and especially the most important for me are that I can "design" the map fast, at my ease and effectively.

As to graph, because of lack of gift on drawing, I used to avoid using them when creating new ideas on papers. It seems that I have violated one important and basic rule -- using more graphs. Using computer mind mapping software, we can import graphs from the library, but using mind map on papers is not so convenient to get a graph, we can only draw by ourselves. It is a job more of art than of the tool to problem solving. From my own experience, I only use text in almost all the mind map. The gracefulness of curved line and selection of thickness and thinness give me enough motivation to draw next. But a map with more graphs is usually better while looked at.