Mind Maps

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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 Vincis 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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The key points of the book Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie
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The key points of the book The Human Mind by Robert Winston
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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
Images of Da Vincis notebooks are available from: www.bl.uk
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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!
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 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
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
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
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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 brains natural desire for
completion or wholeness
By working from the centre outwards, a Mind Map encourages
learners thoughts to grow outwards.
The learners 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