What is a Mind Map?

The Mind Map is simple to make, because it works just like your brain and memory.

So how does it work? A Mind Map is:

1. A way of remembering information

Information is presented in a form that is logical and easy to remember. Recalling a branch leads to memory of the sub-branch details. Students can put information into this form for recall in examinations.

2. A way of generating ideas

You have one idea but it seems to go nowhere. Make it the title of a mind map. The branches prompt you to add ideas at another level. A structure emerges. Soon that idea has become a whole concept. The mind map keeps all your ideas in front of you in a clear form. Each new idea is a center of thought for more new ideas.

3. A way of organizing thoughts

When you have a number of thoughts and want see how they relate to each other, starting a Mind Map helps get them organized. You will be able to pick out the main thoughts and see how the others relate to them.

4.Works from overview to details

The main branches convey the overall picture, while the sub-branches give the key points or details. You can see quickly how items are related and inter-dependant. The mind map brings clarity to complex material.

5. Focuses your mind on the main issues

The mind map enables you to see at a glance, what is important. As you work, your whole brain and all your skills come into play. Mind mapping is fun.

6. Helps you to solve problems

The very act of making a mind map around a problem, helps you to see possible solutions and to select the one that will meet all your criteria.

7. Compact

By making use of color, shape, style, layout and fonts, a Mind Map can hold a large amount of information in a small space. A whole complex concept can be presented on one page.

8. Graphical

Mind Maps give the whole story in one picture. Your map can be easily read by others.

9. Uses words

Using text allows your ideas to be expressed accurately. You can use your own language. You can form a document from your mind map.

10. Uses color

Ideas can be linked by using the same shape for their boxes, or the same color for the branches. Emotions can be conveyed, and importance stressed.

11. Can be used for training and job instruction

Each branch is an important step in an operation and the sub-branches are the key points in each step.