Mind Mapping
A mind map is a diagram used to visually organize information. A mind map is hierarchical and shows relationships among pieces of the whole.[1] It is often created around a single concept, drawn as an image in the center of a blank page, to which associated representations of ideas such as images, words and parts of words are added. Major ideas are connected directly to the central concept, and other ideas branch out from those major ideas.
Sometimes the hard part is getting started. Besides using an app, you can also just take a piece of paper, put the main idea in the middle.
Mind maps can also be drawn by hand, either as “notes” during a lecture, meeting or planning session, for example, or as higher quality pictures when more time is available. Mind maps are considered to be a type of spider diagram.
Basic elements:
- Subject/Topic – put in “center” of page.
- Main Theme – what you are trying to present or develop
- Branches – sub-elements or the “child” idea.
- Connections – links between items to create a nodal structure
Six steps to develop you map:
- Main topic – write it down and then, add, add, add – just let you mind flow.
- Brainstorm – Think of this step as a brain dump. Don’t think it’s too far off or unrelated, just get the ideas and thoughts out of your head. You can organize it later.
- Subtopics – this will provide context or connections
- Edit, re-arrange what you’ve done. Add color for clarity or emphasis
- Format with the tools available eon the app so it will be more visually appealing.
- Execute – Add more tasks, fill in gaps with research, identify problems or holes in your thinking. Expand what you have done and add links. Add comments or discussion. After this first pass, put it aside and wait a day and revisit.
Apps to look at:
Hybrids –
https://www.ayoa.com this is a whiteboard and mind mapping app
https://clickup.com an all in one workplace
pure mind mapping apps –
https://www.thebrain.com very comprehensive
There are many more apps just google mind mapping. Some are simple, free, and easy to use. Other cost a fee or subscription and have a learning curve but offer more collaborative features. You’ll need to try a few to see what works for you.