This eBook explains how to create mind maps for project planning and management. It discusses that mind maps are based on the natural human ability to associate ideas, and encourages letting ideas flow freely without judgment on a blank sheet of paper. The eBook then provides step-by-step instructions for creating a mind map, starting with a central idea and branching out sub-ideas in a non-linear fashion using colors. Finally, it suggests editing and organizing the mind map once complete.

2. Th e Projec t L ab Show eBo ok Collection

3. Project Lab: if you have an idea , project it!

5. This eBook is part of the TREeBOOK Gallery Collection. It was created to support the
Project Lab Show, an innovative course about Project Management, 2010.
To contact TREeBOOK please write to bia@freeyourideas.net
TREeBOOK is supported by Free Your Ideas. www.freeyourideas.net.
All rights reserved by the artists. Feel free to share this eBook.

6. A mind map is an image
that represents an idea.

7. It's based on a singular brain
feature: ideas association.

8. This phenomenon is inherent
and natural in human brains.

9. According to this phenomena,
given a current stimulus, like

10. a word or an image, is evoking
the related ideas before.

11. For example: the word perfume
could be associated to

12. flowers, garden, seduction,
cleaning, nose, beauty, spices...

13. The connection of ideas
is not a rational act.

14. It depends on a
subjective state such as

15. the liveliness of spirit,
the stock of knowledge

16. and quality of memory
of each one of us.

17. You can use some coloured
pencils and a blank sheet paper

18. or even softwares
to create mind maps.

19. Once you have your own brain
you can choose any tool

20. according to your personal
skills and preferences.

21. Anyway, the main rule
to create a mind map is:

22. don't judge the ideas!
Just let them flow...

23. Drop the ideas in the paper
as they appear into your mind.

24. Later, there will be time
to order and to edit everything.

25. Mind maps are about
“non-linear” thinking.

26. A mind map is the best way
to overview a project.

27. Mind maps are useful to projects
specially during the planning

28. and also as a way to memorize
the entire project,

29. the idea, the plan,
the strategy, the content...

30. basically, you can create
mind maps about everything.

31. Using mind maps, you can limit
and focus your action.

32. Using mind maps you can plan
the content of the project and

33. it's easier to define your goals
and your resources.

34. You can create mind maps alone
or in groups: it's up to you.

35. Are you ready to create a
mind map from the begining?

36. Draw the main idea in the center
of the blank sheet paper.

37. Write the key word and draw
something that represents it.

38. You must start always
in the middle of the paper.

39. Otherwise you risk to create
something linear as a list.

40. Use as many colours as you can
not just because it's beautiful.

41. (And people love and remember
beautiful things easier.)

42. But also because using many
colours you will help your brain

43. to be free to start the
idea association process.

44. Focus on the main idea.
What is it about? Write it!

45. When you think to the main idea
what comes into your mind?

46. Draw and write each idea in a
different branche. Go ahead!

47. Just let the ideas flow and find
a rhythm to welcome them...

48. Once you are satisfied with the
main branches

49. you can repeat the same
method to create sub-branches.

50. And so on, until you feel your
brain is totally empty (for now).

51. You can repeat this process
as many times as you like.

52. Finally, you can edit, organize
and order the information.

53. That's it! You just made your
own mind map! Congrats!

54. Do you want to share it?
bia@freeyourideas.net

55. Te n
h eD

56. Free Your Ideas
www.freeyourideas.net
created and produced by Bia Simonassi
images by Paul Foreman, deviantart & personal files
videos by youtube
promoted by Free Your Ideas
www.freeyourideas.net
This eBook is part of the TREeBOOK Gallery Collection. It was created to support the
Project Lab Show, an innovative course about Project Management, 2010.
To contact TREeBOOK please write to bia@freeyourideas.net
TREeBOOK is supported by Free Your Ideas. www.freeyourideas.net.
All rights reserved by the artists. Feel free to share this eBook.