How to Create a Mind Map

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By Althea DeBrule
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Create a Mind Map

A Mind Map is a powerful graphic technique that allows you to capture the natural flow of your ideas. It's a way of organizing information that improves learning and promotes clearer thinking to take your performance to the next level. Originated in the late 1960s by Tony Buzan, mind maps are road maps that enable you to plan, make choices and let you know where you are going and where you have been. They encourage problem solving by showing you new creative pathways, enable you to be extremely efficient, and let you see the whole picture and the details at the same time. Use these steps to create a mind map.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Problem to be solved
Paper and Pen
Mind Map Software

Step 1

Use Mind Mapping Software

Make a mind map by hand or by using free trial mind mapping software (see resources).
Step 2

The Central Focus

Start in the center of a sheet of paper that has been turned landscape style if you are making a mind map by hand. Place a word or image in the middle of the page that symbolizes what you want to think about (goal, problem or idea). This is called the central focus.
Step 3

Begin the brain dumping process to help stimulate new ideas and connections. Brainstorm all of the suggestions, recommendations and steps you believe you need to take to solve the problem or achieve the goal.
Step 4

Branches & Sub-Branches

As ideas emerge, print one or two word descriptions of the ideas on lines branching from the central focus. Allow the ideas to expand outward into branches and sub-branches. Put down all ideas without judgment or evaluation.
Step 5

Add sub-branches to a main idea. These can be thoughts or items related to a particular idea that you want to capture. Your brain works best in 5-7 minute bursts so capture any explosion of ideas as rapidly as possible. Key words, symbols and images provide a mental short-hand to help you record ideas as quickly as possible.
Step 6

Put your mind map away for a period of time (hours, days, etc); then review and revise as needed. Some of the most useful mind maps are those which are added to over a period of time. After the initial drawing of the mind map you may wish to highlight things or add information. For this reason it's a good idea to leave lots of space.

Comments

zoetical said

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on 6/7/2009 Insightful--I need to try this! Thanks for the great article. 5*

athenenoctua said

on 3/2/2009 Every right-brained person should try this out.

showpup said

on 11/9/2008 I'm a big fan of mind mapping and Tony Buzan. Brilliant man.

OneiricWeaver said

on 9/26/2008 oh. there's a software for mind-mappin'? great. (:

tQ for sharing!

Limowreck said

on 7/5/2008 Wow... we studied this in college, but back then there was no software. I'm definitely going to check this out. I need all the help I can get. Thanks! Interesting subject!