Mind-Mapping

What is Mind-Mapping?

“Get out of your head”. Mind-mapping is a way of note-taking that  literally “maps” out your thoughts. This visual tool you create consists of a central theme which branches off into correlating topics and key words as well as images. It is an extremely effective method of getting information out of (and into) your mind.

Why Use Mind-Mapping?

“The soul never thinks without a mental image”- Aristotle.  A mind map provides you and others with a mental image on which to base your solutions. The act of creating a mind map allows you to organize your thoughts quickly and effectively. It also helps you communicate ideas to others more effectively. By showing hierarchy and demonstrating relationships between ideas, it provides a “big picture” understanding at a glance. This understanding fosters productive brainstorming and jumpstarts the creative process for you and your team.

How to Make a Mind Map

Mind-mapping can be created using a variety of mediums or formats. Whichever format you choose, remember this is to be understood at a glance. Use color and single key words. The use of pictures is encouraged but sentences are not allowed. The steps involved are as follows:

1. Start with a central theme. Record it in the center of your map using a word or image. This is the subject of your mind map.
2. Draw main branches coming from your central image. Notate ideas that are related to your subject, using either a word or image. These are the main topics that relate to your subject.
3. Add smaller branches to the main ones. List or illustrate details of the main topics.  These branches should curve and connect.

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