Mind Map Examples
Tony Buzan developed the idea of Mind Maps in the late 1960s, and they are now used all over the world by people to unlock creativity and help them to think more clearly. There are several ways to Mind Map, but they all use the same seven principles, set out by Tony Buzan.
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What Are Mind Maps?
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Mind Maps take advantage of how your brain works by using images, lots of color, curvy lines, and printed rather than cursive writing. These things actually please your brain, helping you to think more clearly and creatively, and helping you to retain what you have learned better. The method for Mind Mapping is extremely simple. All you need to get started is a piece of paper turned horizontally, colorful pens, your brain, and creativity.
Getting Started
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Start in the center of your paper, turned horizontally. The blank paper turns your brain toward its creative side, without restrictions imposed by lines. The horizontal structuring of the paper ensures that you will be able to write more without bumping into margins, again freeing your brain to be as creative and expressive as possible. The center of the paper symbolically mimics the center of your mind, where thoughts are born.
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Main Focus
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Draw an image in the center that will represent your main focus: your question, problem, idea, whatever. Make it about two inches square if you are using standard sized paper, larger for larger paper. The size is large enough so that you can focus on it, but not so large that there is not space to produce a map. Use at least three colors in this image, and do not use a frame for your picture. Colors will help get your creative juices flowing by appealing to the right side of your brain. Use lots of color throughout the entire Mind Map. This is to keep you interested, to appeal to the creative side of your brain, and will help you remember all the information you've set out.
Additional Levels
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Keep your main themes attached to the image and work outward, creating layers of sub themes attached to the main themes, out to the edges of the paper. These should be printed in capital letters on a line the same size as the word, and the lines should curve naturally, again to create a workspace that your brain enjoys and delights in. Add the second and third and fourth levels to be created naturally. You do not have to finish one theme before moving on to the next. These sub themes are smaller and less important than the larger themes, and are written in smaller letters.
Other Tips
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Use lots of color throughout and lots of images. This appeals to your creativity and delights your brain. You will not get bored, and will retain what you are learning better by doing this, according to Tony Buzan, the creator of Mind Maps, on his website. Also only use one word per line, and curve the lines, so that your brain will be attracted to the lines and remember the words.
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