Mind Maps
Mind Maps
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What is a Mind Map?

A Mind Map is a visual form of notemaking 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 Vinci’s 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
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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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http://www.mind-mapping.co.uk/
The key points of the book “Orbiting the Giant Hairball” by Gordon MacKenzie
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http://www.mind-mapping.co.uk/
The key points of the book “The Human Mind” by Robert Winston
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http://www.mind-mapping.co.uk/
“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

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Images of Da Vinci’s notebooks are available from: www.bl.uk
Mind Maps – Freemind
freemind.sourceforge.net
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How To Mind Map (1 of 4)
Based on www.mind-mapping.co.uk/make-mind-map.htm
1.
Take a blank piece of paper, A4 or larger
 Pre-drawn
2.
3.
4.
lines can restrict us!
Use the paper in landscape orientation
Start in the centre
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)
Based on www.mind-mapping.co.uk/make-mind-map.htm
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)
Based on www.mind-mapping.co.uk/make-mind-map.htm
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)
Based on www.mind-mapping.co.uk/make-mind-map.htm
8.
Add emphasis to important points on the
map

9.
Maybe put a box around a point
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.
11.
Make your maps a little more beautiful,
artistic, colourful, or imaginative
Be humorous and have some fun!
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Mind Maps
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How To Mind Map
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Take a blank piece of paper, A4 or larger
Use the paper in landscape orientation
Start in the centre
Make a central image that represents the topic about
which you are writing/thinking
The main themes (Basic Ordering Ideas) around the
central image are like the chapter headings of a book
Start to add a second level of thought which are linked
to the main branch that triggered them
Add third, fourth, … levels of data as thoughts come to
you
Add emphasis to important points on the map
Outline whole branches of the map as you see fit
Make your maps a little more beautiful, artistic,
colourful, or imaginative
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Be humorous and have some fun!
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:

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
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
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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
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Planning
Brainstorming
Group thinking
Documenting
Note taking
Exam revision
Resources
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Mind Maps in Computing
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Requirements gathering
Fusebox Architecting
Development brainstorming
Testing and debugging
Project management
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