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 solvingTony BuzanOrigins of Mind MapsHow to use Mind Maps Popular uses of Mind MapsExamples of Mind MapsMind Map excerciseThinkertoys - Da Vinci’s technique

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Tony BuzanTony Buzan is another thinking guruBuzan 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 Vinci’s notebooks are available from: www.bl.uk

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Mind Maps – Freemindfreemind.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 Map1. Take a blank piece of paper, A4 or larger2. Use the paper in landscape orientation 3. Start in the centre4. 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 them7. Add third, fourth, … levels of data as thoughts come to you8. Add emphasis to important points on the map9. Outline whole branches of the map as you see fit10. Make your maps a little more beautiful, artistic, colourful, or imaginative11. 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 keywordsThey 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 enhancedEssential 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 brain’s natural desire for

completion or wholeness By working from the centre outwards, a Mind Map encourages

learner’s thoughts to grow outwards. The learner’s 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