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Mind Mapping Techniques - the art of brainstorming

Mind Mapping is describes by Wikipedia as:

"A mind map (or mind-map) is a diagram used for linking words and ideas to a central key word or idea. It is used to visualize, classify, structure, and generate ideas, as well as an aid in study, problem solving, and decision making."

  • Key Concept
    The key to understand is that mind mapping is brainstorming by using the creative right side of the brain to throw up ideas without judging them. So this is actually the opposite to building lists and organizing items where you use your logical left side of the brain.
  • When
    So when should you use Mind Mapping? - well, if the problem or task can easily be solved using logical structures and lists you may not need this approach, but if you are unable to "connect the dots", figure out what to do next to achieve a goal or want to get new ideas out in the open, then Mind Mapping is a very strong technique. One can even use different colors, symbols and images to enhance and utilize the emotional responses and free associations.
  • How
    Innovation Network has a great tutorial on how to learn and do mind maps (link) that uses these steps:


Image source: ©2004, InnovationNetwork - www.thinksmart.com

  • Focus - by entering the topic in the center with plenty of room around it.
  • Lighten up  - by having a playful and relaxed attitude
  • Free Associate - by noting down ideas and items without judging or evaluating them.
  • Think Fast - by noting keywords, images or symbols in bursts as our brains works best in short focused bursts.
  • Break Boundaries - by using huge pieces of paper or software that will not limit your space and require order to fit,
  • Judge Not - by noting down anything that comes to mind, unrelated stuff can be filtered later and wont tie up your mind anymore now while doing the mind map.
  • Keep Moving - by moving the pen and drawing lines and doodles, your mind will soon continue to get ideas or find items to note down on the mind map.
  • Allow Organization - by connecting items you see relationships between as it may trigger new ideas. Order and formal organization can come later using the logical left side of the brain.

Sources/Links:

Wikipedia Definition
Mind Mapping in 8 steps
Mindomo FREE Online MaindMap tool