A short presentation on mind maps

1. MIND MAPS
Creating and using mind maps

2. What is a mind map?
• A visual map of a subject of topic, made up of text, images
or both
• A mind map presents information in a non-linear format
• They can be created to represent or summarise the
content of books, lectures or meetings
• They can be used to stimulate thoughts and ideas
• A way to generate word associations

3. Mind map of Heinz Beans

4. Why use them?
Mind maps can help at the start of a project
• Because they create a visual overview of a subject, you
can use them to organise your thoughts and the structure
of your work
• They and help you to develop and ask questions about a
subject
• They help you see themes, patterns, relationships and the
associations between ideas, events and subjects
• While creating them you often find that ideas you hadn’t
considered initially will come to mind

5. What can I use them for?
During a lecture Before the lecture draw the central image for your
mind map and as many branches as you can.
Fill in the branches with information during the lecture
Making notes from books or
journals
Create a visual map of a book or journal article
• Create a map as your read (a ‘growing map’)
• Or mind map after you have read the article or
book to check understanding
Organising the content of an
assignment
Identify the topics that you want to cover in the
assignment
Add as many ideas to your map as you want
Edit and reorder your mind map into the order that
you want
Project planning Create a mind map of a major project
Identify goals and objectives if you can
Identify as many key topics and themes, key dates
and actions
You can recreate your mind map and number each
branch in order of action or importance or use your
original map as your plan

6. How to create a mind map You will need
Paper – in landscape
(sideways) format
Coloured pens
10-20 minutes
• Focus on your question
• Place the main topic in the centre of
the page in a circle or box– draw
your question/topic if you can
• Add branches from the main topic,
use a different colour for each
branch and make the branches
curvy
• Write one keyword on each branch,
use an image or a word to describe
your thoughts
Try and use images where you can
Try and limit to one word per branch

7. Creating a mind map
• Fill in second and third level
branches with thoughts
about your main topics
• You can show associations,
relationships and deeper
issues through these
branches
• Continue to add branches
and thoughts as they arise
Use images where you can
Use different colours
Try and restrict each branch to
one word

8. • You can create a mind map by hand or using online
software (some of which are free)
Online tools
iMindmap http://thinkbuzan.com/
Mind Genius http://www.mindgenius.com/
Coggle Free to use, access with a Google account
iThoughtsHD Mind mapping app
Popplet http://popplet.com/
Not strictly mind mapping software - but
similar. Mind map app

9. Resources
Books
Buzan, T. and Harrison, J. (2011) Buzan's study skills : mind maps, memory techniques, speed reading. Harlow: BBC
Active
Buzan, T. and Buzan, B. (2000) The mind map book. Rev. edn. London: BBC Worldwide
Useful websites
Think Buzan
http://thinkbuzan.com/how-to-mind-map/
Includes a section on how to mind map and free online course

10. References
• Mind map basics photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeanlouis_zimmermann/3041475977/">jean-
louis zimmermann</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a
href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>
• Heinz brand spider https://www.flickr.com/photos/lex-photographic/8737942722/in/set-72157632200422410/ with
kind permission of Lex Mckee