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Origins

Mind maps (or similar concepts) have been used for centuries, for learning, brainstorming, memory, visual thinking, and problem solving by educators, engineers, psychologists and people in general. Some of the earliest examples of mind maps were developed by Porphyry of Tyros, a noted thinker of the 3rd century as he graphically visualised the concept categories of Aristotle. Ramon Llull also used these structures of the mind map form.

People have been using image-centered radial graphic organization techniques referred to variably as mental or generic mind maps for centuries in areas such as engineering, psychology, and education, although the claim to the origin of the mind map has been made by a British popular psychology author, Tony Buzan. He claimed the idea was inspired by Alfred Korzybski`s general semantics as popularized in science fiction novels, such as those of Robert A. Heinlein and A. E. van Vogt. He argues that `traditional` outlines rely on the reader to scan left to right and top to bottom, whilst what actually happens is that the brain will scan the entire page in a non-linear fashion. He also uses popular assumptions about the cerebral hemispheres in order to promote the exclusive use of mind mapping over other forms of note making.

More recently the semantic network was developed as a theory to understand human learning, and developed into mind maps by Dr Allan Collins, and the noted researcher M. Ross Quillian during the early 1960s. As such, due to his commitment and published research, and his work with learning, creativity, and graphical thinking, Dr Allan Collins can be considered the father of the modern mind map.

The mind map continues to be used in various forms, and for various applications including learning and education (where it is often taught as `Webs` or `Webbing`), planning and in engineering diagramming.

When compared with the earlier original concept map (which was developed by learning experts in the 1960s) the structure of a mind map is a similar, but simplified, radial by having one central key word.

Uses of mind maps

Rough mindmap notes taken during a course session

Mind maps have many applications in personal, family, educational, and business situations, including notetaking, brainstorming (wherein ideas are inserted into the map radially around the center node, without the implicit prioritization that comes from hierarchy or sequential arrangements, and wherein grouping and organizing is reserved for later stages), summarizing, revising and general clarifying of thoughts. For example, one could listen to a lecture and take down notes using mind maps for the most important points or keywords. One can also use mind maps as a mnemonic technique or to sort out a complicated idea. Mind maps are also promoted as a way to collaborate in colour pen creativity sessions.

Some of the literature around mind-mapping has made claims that one can find the perfect lover, combat bullying, persuade clients, develop intuitive powers, create global harmony, and tap the deeper levels of consciousness by using mind map techniques.

Software and technique research have concluded that managers and students find the techniques of mind mapping to be useful, being better able to retain information and ideas than by using traditional `linear` note taking methods.

Mindmaps can be drawn by hand, either as `rough notes`, for example, during a lecture or meeting, or can be more sophisticated in quality. Examples of both are illustrated. There are also a number of software packages available for producing mind maps (see below).

Mind map guidelines

Mind map of mind map guidelines

Tony Buzan suggests using the following foundation structures for Mind Mapping:

Start in the centre with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colours.
Use images, symbols, codes and dimensions throughout your Mind Map.
Select key words and print using upper or lower case letters.
Each word/image must be alone and sitting on its own line.
The lines must be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, organic and flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate out from the centre.
Make the lines the same length as the word/image.
Use colours ? your own code ? throughout the Mind Map.
Develop your own personal style of Mind Mapping.
Use emphasis and show associations in your Mind Map.
Keep the Mind Map clear by using radial hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches.

Scholarly research on mind maps

Buzan claims that the mind map is a vastly superior note taking method because it does not lead to the alleged "semi-hypnotic trance" state induced by the other note forms. He also claims that the mind map utilizes the full range of left and right human cortical skills, balances the brain, taps into the alleged 99% of your unused mental potential, as well as intuition (which he calls "superlogic"). However, scholarly research suggests that such claims may actually be marketing hype based on misconceptions about the brain and the cerebral hemispheres. Hemispheric specialization theory has been identified as pseudoscientific when applied to mind mapping.

There are benefits to be gained by applying a wide range of graphic organizers, and it follows that the mind map, specifically, is not equally suited to all learning tasks.

Scholarly research by Farrand, Hussain, and Hennessy ( 2002) found that the mind map technique had a limited but significant impact on recall only, in undergraduate students (a 10% increase over baseline for a 600-word text only) as compared to preferred study methods (a ?6% increase over baseline). This improvement was only robust after a week for those in the mind map group, and there was a significant decrease in motivation compared to the subjects` preferred methods of note taking. They suggested that learners preferred to use other methods because using a mind map was an unfamiliar technique, and its status as a "memory enhancing" technique engendered reluctance to apply it. Pressley, VanEtten, Yokoi, Freebern, and VanMeter ( 1998) found that learners tended to learn far better by focusing on the content of learning material rather than worrying over any one particular form of note taking.

Tools

These tools can be used effectively to organise large amounts of information, combining spatial organisation, dynamic hierarchical structuring and node folding.

List of Mind Mapping software
A very complete list of mind mapping software: http://www.mind-mapping.org/

Mind mapping in contrast with concept mapping

The mind map can be contrasted with the similar idea of concept mapping. The former is based on radial hierarchies and tree structures, whereas concept maps are based on connections between concepts. Concept maps also encourage one to label the connections one makes between nodes, while mind maps are based on separated focused topics; both of them have been found to enhance meaningful learning while enabling the potential as a true cognitive, intuitive, spatial and metaphorical mapping.

Trademarks

The use of the term "Mind Maps" is trade-marked by The Buzan Organisation, Ltd. in the UK and the USA , though the trade-mark does not appear in the records of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office .

for development of the mind mapping techniques, offers this definition: "The Mind Map is a expression of Radiant Thinking and is therefore a natural function of the human mind. It is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlocking the potential of the brain. The Mind Map can be applied to every aspect of life where improved learning and clearer thinking will enhance human performance."

Mind Maps can be thought of as a structured artistic representation of a word association game, providing links between associated ideas, organized in the manner in which the brain organizes information.

Here are some simple rules.

Paper – Horizontal, at least 8 by 11.
Markers/pens – Array of at least 8- 12 colors.
Create a central Image with one word and/or symbol using at least 3 colors.
Draw Primary Branches from the Central Image.
Print one word on each line.
Make lines and words of equal length.
Begin secondary branches, adding additional lines and words.
Use symbols, drawings, and colors to add life to your mind map.
Be bold in your use of colors.
Be bold in your thinking.
Consult other’s drawings of mind maps for ideas.

In his book, Tony Buzan mentions the need to do 100 mind maps to become comfortable with their use as a tool for planning, organizing, note taking, or journaling our thoughts and feelings.

I became comfortable with the process quickly and developed my own style of mind maps. Once you have worked with them a while your own technique will evolve. I utilize mind maps to outline presentations, plan my monthly cycle of activities, take notes at meetings, organize my journal comments, or plan out some new venture in my life or business

It is helpful to do at least one mind map per month on a regular cycle. During the month, draw other smaller mind maps, and occasionally larger ones, to plan out other aspects of one`s life. In my craft room, an easel with a pad of newsprint sits ready to accept the next idea colorfully illustrated by the set of markers sitting nearby. My office is likewise equipped with markers, pens and paper for use by children, clients or myself when trying to conceptualize a life situation.

You will soon discover that the mind fills any sheet with colorfully expressed ideas, no matter what the size. The mind does not seem to want to allow blank space and will find some thought or idea to fill up all available spaces. As you learn to create mind maps, you will occasionally want to use sheets the size of newsprint or even larger allowing for larger markers, more intense color and more expansive ideas. Occasionally, for the sake of mental gymnastics, start with the sheet of paper as large as three feet by four feet or even larger. My largest mind map was drawn on a 4’ by 9’ canvas as a presentation outline for an audience of 80 people.

It is best to begin with a single idea or symbol and expand it to only a few primary branches and several secondary branches. You may want to use many drafts before you settle on one that you`ll use to either mount on a wall for your own use or to use as a outlined for presentation people.

For presentations, I have learned that people, once having seen the mind map while hearing your presentation from this outline, will remember the picture of the mind map and thus remember the entire presentation.

When teaching Mind Map seminars, I have found the use of sheets of 11” by 17” heavy paper turned horizontal to be the optimal size. A large array of colorful marker options helps beginners with learning this new technique.

There is now available software to develop Mind Maps. The use of computer-generated mind maps may begin to provide an illustration of how mind maps link ideas. But, the use of your own hand to draw, to select color, to hand write the idea, is eminently more effective than the use of computer keyboard or a mouse when it comes to retention. Just as there is a difference in use of the keyboard versus a pen for writing your journal, you may feel more connected to the handwritten mind map.

Lastly, I have discovered the use of Crayola markers on inexpensive newsprint paper pads as one of the best ways to become more expansive in the use of color and in one’s thinking.

“A mind, once stretched by a new idea,

can never go back to its former size.”

-- Earl Nightingale

Begin by getting a Mind Mapping book (the Buzan book is perhaps the best one of the group). Read, and do the exercises in the first half of the book. This provides you with the basics to get you started. Later, you can return to the book when you want to refine or improve your mind mapping style.

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