Below there is a mind map on the subject of writing
Mind Map is a copyright concept of Tony Buzan and the Buzan Organisation
A good exercise is to take this text and turn it into a mind map
A better exercise is to combine both articles into one mind map
Analytical thinking reduces solutions:
This is where many starting points leads to one option and one page of notes
Creative thinking increases solutions:
This is where one (of many) starting points leads to many options and lots of notes
This is where the mind map works
(Of course later these options can be reduced down analytically for a strategy)
Humans interpret random shapes as having meaning
Diagrams are more suggestive than maths (for most people)
Pictures can be worth a thousand words
Linear presentations suggest time
They suggest order but not variety
But a MIND MAP incorporates the visual area of the brain
Consist of a central keyword and image
A succession of outward keywords with supporting images
The keyword is general and there are few in number
They radiate out according to levels of logical order
Levels get more specific and numerous
The structure is an inverted tree, seen from an overhead view
Less visual:
the text version is more like words in a structure on the left and notes and details on the right.
Complex:
the matrix version is a mass of criss-crossing connections where, in addition, keywords can be grouped to form further associations, and the notes link to different keywords
Planning - personal, projects
Problems solving (by increasing options)
Summarising (by economising language)
Overall structure (in one look)
Brainstorming (first stage of ideas)
Notes (related to a structure)
Computer menus (links)
Summarising a lecture and freeing its linearity
Reviewing a book and freeing its linerarity
Improve memory (the brain is visual - thus use of images)
Economise words (keywords and limited space)
Organise into logical groups and order (by editing, moving)
Develops creative thinking (expansive and pictoral)
Improves lectures and thought processes (not limited to linearity)
Aids revision (by making reasoned connections)
Show something of the individual (all are personal)
A keyword opens up to other words
Clearly some words are more general than others
A keyword should be general in nature
A keyword can be supported by an appropriate image
Comments can be via ticks, crosses and various smileys
Down the branches of a mind map words should get more specific
Time may travel down branches, never between branches
It is like sets and subsets and eventual details
Add to, review and change mind maps from time to time
Look out and note down potential keywords when out and about
Minds maps facilitate brainstorming
In fact the first stage should be free and easy
Use colour straight away
Use colour straight away
This is how to get keywords as well as lower order words
Lecture notes may lead to several initial mind maps:
Speech is messy and linear at the same time - mind maps sort it out
Only later does a presentation suggest logical order - mind maps may do this
(this is because lectures are time delivered whereas only certain branch flows follow logically)
Books are linear but may join several areas in an artificial narrative:
Mind maps re-present the book (eg for revision, reviewing)
It needn't be along the line of chapters
Several mind maps may be made at first
Free flowing thought needs capturing
A new mind map branch holds the different thought
It's good for pairs and groups to start a shared mind map together
Then attach some branches to other keywords
Make some main branches sub-branches of main branches
Change the logical order
Extend branches
pairs and groups can generate much discussion in the editing process
Perhaps one mind map should become two or more
Reading books:
Write down keywords from chapters (avoid defacing the book!)
Add underneath points being made
Elsewhere realise new keywords
Add points underneath
Start the mind map
Add appropriate images
Edit the mind map
In Literary Machine keep making new notes and new keywords and linking them together
Create associations of keywords
Deleting and reintroducing keywords/ concepts allows editing of connections
Hayfork model:
Used in eMindMaps
Probably the best method
Writing takes place along branches
The branches are curved or angular
Each lower level is after a bend
The writing and its line section is horizontal
The writing determines the length of the horizontal line
Fishbone model:
The branches are angled outwards but continue without corners or bends
Is it clear where one section starts and another stops
Clustering model:
The branches curve out to writing in bubbles
Words are severely limited
Start in the middle
Keep all text the same reader's way up (inc. fishbone, bubbles)
Limit the number of lines
Colours are visual and differentiate
Associated pictures support words
Associated symbols support words
Diary (support):
Support dates and activities with mind mapping
Show the different areas of a meeting in separate branches and add detail
Show the different areas of the day in separate branches and add detail
Minutes (support):
Minutes can be carried out visually or according to connections
The mind map starts with paper
It can continue on computer
Lower branches raise the issues of each area (keyword)
Budgets (support):
Areas of expenditure are visually separated out
Each area can lead to lower branches of what is involved
Money, future expectations, contents all can be elucidated.
Bibliography:
Svantesson, Ingemar (1989), Mind Mapping and Memory: powerful techniques to help you make better use of your brain, London: Kogan Page.
Buzan, T., Keene, R. (1994), Buzan's Book of Genius: and how to unleash your own, London: Stanley Paul and Company, 58-60.
Buzan, T., Buzan, B. (2000), The Mind Map Book, Millennium edition, London: BBC Worldwide
Mind Maps are a copyright concept of Tony Buzan and the Buzan Organisation