by Milos Itic on March 4, 2011
A Mind Map (mind mapping) is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea. Mind maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as an aid to studying and organizing information, solving problems, making decisions, and writing.
Anthony “Tony” Peter Buzan is an author and educational consultant. He is a proponent of the techniques of Mind Mapping and mental literacy. He claims to have worked with “corporate entities and businesses all over the world; academics; Olympic athletes; children of all ages; governments; and high profile individuals, in teaching them how to maximize the use of their brain power.
Simple definition of mind map: A lot of information, plans and ideas in one small and arrange piece of paper. Brainstorm template for Ideas. Every Mind Map is individual, use your imagination, drawing skills, feeling for colours. Use colours, because your brain like it. Vary the thickness and length of the lines. Draw shapes, objects, if you can even for every word.
Uses of mind mapping is wide. You can try to draw one, when you reading a book or plan a business meeting. In a mind map, as opposed to traditional note taking or a linear text, information is structured in a way that resembles much more closely how your brain actually works. Since it is an activity that is both analytical and artistic, it engages your brain in a much, much richer way, helping in all its cognitive functions
We use mind maps for following (examples):
- Note taking
- Brainstorming (individually or in groups)
- Problem solving
- Studying and memorization
- Researching and consolidating information from multiple sources
- Presenting information
- Gaining insight on complex subjects
- Jogging your creativity
- Art develop
- Script writing (storyboard grouping shots)
- Outline/framework design
- Individual expression of creativity
- Team building