Parallel Process

Is mind mapping a serious business tool? Anthony Landale reports on a technique that is easy to use across a range of applications.

If you are one of those people who still takes notes in meetings, or you use notes as an aide memoir for training, for course revision or even as a record of ongoing project activity then it really is time for a personal breakthrough in productivity. Cut down on your labour, improve your memory and use mind mapping. 

In essence mind mapping provides a visual representation of the way that we think. We don’t think in lists or long essays - we think in images and key themes, shapes and patterns, all connected one to another.

…mind mapping provides a visual representation of the way that we think…

To prove that this works let’s take an example. If you think about Christmas a number of key images will immediately spring to mind … what you need to do to prepare, the people you are likely to spend the day with, the parties you will go to, the money it will cost and so on. And as you think of each of these key categories you will have hundreds more associated thoughts. 

Mind mapping reflects this natural thinking process. It’s a graphic technique which focuses on a central issue and allows you to generate all sorts of thoughts and ideas around this one idea. 

…Mind mapping is a technique that is proven to help learning, aid memory and is efficient in recording and storing information…

Now when I say graphic technique does this mean you have to be an artist? Absolutely not. If you can doodle then you can mind map®. You simply start with a central image and then you draw thick lines in different colours representing the key associations you have with your topic radiating out from that central image. Have a look at the mind map here on how to organise a business trip. It’s a classic map which depicts the issue at the centre, includes the main themes branching out and includes a variety of other ideas that are associated with each of these themes.

So is this a serious business tool? Absolutely. 

So how do you make a mind map?  

1. Take a blank piece of A4 paper and turn it on its side
2. Start in the centre and draw an image that represents the topic you are working on
3. The main themes around the central image are like chapter headings
4.  Draw thick lines which connect the themes to the main image and print one word associated with each of your themes in CAPITALS next to the line
5. Start to add another level of thought, using thinner lines, linked to each theme
6. These are your associated thoughts. Attach words or images.

Add your personal touch.Make your map artistic, colourful and imaginative
Add humour, exaggeration or absurdity wherever you can. Your brain will delight in getting enjoyment from this process

Mind mapping is a technique that is proven to help learning, aid memory and is efficient in recording and storing information. Again let us consider note taking as an example. Typically note taking is a laborious process with an output which, let’s face it, is typically forgotten quickly if it is read at all. Why is this so? Because a page of text has almost no variety, no distinguishing features; nothing stands out and the brain goes to sleep. 

…It is also extremely useful when you are working in a group and want to generate creative ideas…

As a direct alternative, mind mapping wins hands down. It saves labour because you write down only the key words, saves reading time because you only have to read what is relevant, allows associations to be made between key ideas and is memorable because it is visually stimulating.

And there are all sorts of applications for mind mapping. You don’t have to be a compulsive note taker to use it. Try using it when you are planning your next holiday or on a project where you have a requirement to investigate a variety of issues and problems. It is also extremely useful when you are working in a group and want to generate creative ideas. Because they are non-linear, mind maps allow teams to capture a full range of insights and perspectives. 

As I intimated at the beginning of this article mind maps are also extremely useful in the recording of any formal learning you are undertaking. A mind map visualises the pure information, stores it efficiently and because it is visually memorable it provides fast access to that information when it is needed.

You can find out more about the uses of Mind Maps by downloading our Mind Map - “The Uses of Mind Maps”.

Mind Map® and Mind Maps® are trademarks of the Buzan Organisation.
MindManager® and Mindjet® are trademarks of Mindjet.

Tags: Learning and Studying, Memory techniques, Mind Mapping, Radiant thinking

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 23rd, 2006 at 4:42 pm and is filed under Assimilate, Learning and Studying, Memory, Mind Mapping. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.