This document discusses the concept of radiant thinking and mind mapping. It begins by explaining that radiant thinking refers to thought processes that connect to a central point, like branches radiating from a tree. Mind mapping is introduced as a visual thinking technique where ideas branch out from a central theme in an nonlinear fashion. The document provides examples of mind maps and their benefits over linear note taking, such as improved memory, concentration, and association between ideas. It encourages developing one's own visual thinking style and discusses how technology like mind mapping software can support this approach.

1. Visual ThinkingwithTuan FoleyBrian O’Callaghan1

2. Radiant ThinkingWhat is Radiant Thinking???2

3. Radiant ThinkingOur minds don’t naturally work in straight lines they radiate out or in from many different connection points.The mind is a network of connections.3

4. Radiant ThinkingCreativity and problem solving will flow more smoothly when allowed to work freely and radiantly.Throughout Tony Buzans book on Mind Mapping he uses natural radiant images. Radiant thinking (from “to radiate, meaning to spread or to move in all directions from a given centre”). It refers to the associated thought processes that connect to a central point. The other meaning of Radiant is also relevant -to shine brightly- and in this context means burst of thought.4

5. Mind MappingMind mapping is a different way of creative thinking using visual diagrams.A Mind Map always radiates from a central image. This image is the core theme. 5

6. Mind MappingEvery word or image becomes in its self a sub-centre of association, proceeding in a potentially infinite chain of branching patterns away from or towards the common centre.Although the Mind Map is drawn on a two dimensional page it represents a multi-dimension reality.6

7. Mind Mapping It is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlocking the potential of the brain. It can be applied to every aspect of life where improved learning and clearer thinking will enhance the human performance.7

8. Tony Buzans 4 essential Mind Map characteristics:The subject of attention is crystallized in the central image.The Main themes of the subject radiate from the central image as a branch.Branches comprise a key image or key word printed on an associated line. Topics of less importance are also represented as branches attached to the higher level branches.The branches form a connected nodal structure The idea behind Mind Mapping is to enhance and enrich with colors, pictures, codes and dimension to add interest, beauty and individuality. This in turn will aid creativity, memory, and help recall information.8

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10. What Mind Mappers have said:‘ A Mind Mirror’‘My Mental Volcano’‘A device for accessing intelligence’‘Agoal-centered through network’10

11. Tony Buzan Video11

12. GameThe brainstorming exercise12

13. Happinesswrite down the first ten words you associate with happiness.It is Important to put down the first thing that comes to your head regardless of how ridiculous it may seem.This exercise should only take 1 ½ minutes to complete.13

14. Analyzing the resultsThe aim of this game is to find words that are common to all members of the group.But words must be exactly the same.????Guess???how many words will be exactly the same?How many words will be unique to any individual?14

15. According to the mind mapping bookMost people will predict that there will be many words common to the whole group with only a few words unique to the individual.If there is a common word usually the group are asked to redo the exercise using this word. The same result is observed, showing that even the commonality is rooted in the fundamental differences.15

16. An example from Buzan’s book16

17. The Uniqueness of each individual (hopefully)The fact that each person shares so few common associations for a given word image or idea means that we are all extremely different from one another. (this is a practical way of explaining how we use radiant thinking)17

18. The Uniqueness of each individual The advantages of our uniqueness are :Brainstorming.Problem Solving situations.The more diversity of ideas the better.Every individual becomes part of the process.The result of this exercise also highlights people as a group rather than individuals.18

19. Sketches by great minds19

20. A. 20

21. A. Isaac NewtonReflecting telescope21

22. B. 22

23. B. Albert EinsteinVisual answer to students question23

24. C. 24

25. C. Thomas EdisonLight Bulb25

26. F.26

27. F. MichelangeloStudy of anatomical proportions27

28. G.28

29. G. BeethovenVisual conversation29

30. H.30

31. H. James JoyceDrawing of character, Ulysees31

32. I.32

33. I. Vincent Van GoughLetter with picture33

34. J.34

35. J. Christopher ColumbusSketch of Island from ships logbook35

36. L. 36

37. L. Leonardo da VinciMusical Notations37

38. p.38

39. p. John F Kennedydoodles39

40. q.40

41. q. MikaelFernstromImedia teaching aid41

42. r. Tuan & BrianCar stereo prototype42

43. Back of the napkin by Dan Roam43

44. Image game (house)44

45. Images‘A picture is worth a thousand words’They make use of a large amount of cortical skills.Dimension, texture, visual rhythm, and Imagination.45

46. ImagesLatin wordimaginaria, literally means ‘to picture mentally’Images enhances creative thinking and memory.According to studies, 95% of note taking/making is done without the benefit of images.46

47. ImageThe rejection of the image is partly due to the modern over-emphasis on the use of word Reasons for this is the belief that they are incapable of creating images.That images are somehow primitive and childish.47

48. LearningIt is understood that vivid images and colors help children to learn more effectively than dull/ linear methods.48

49. LearningAs we mature into adults, the processes for learning changes, and we are introduced to reading text rather than looking at images, as more information can be put onto a page in text. This theory works fine, but how many thousand pages of text have we read in our lifetime?? As something becomes monotonous it slips away from our easily recallable memories.49

50. LearningEveryone can remember a particular picture of a character from a story in primary school, or a diagram in a science book. What about all the stories and lessons without visual imagery? These are much harder to recall.50

51. LearningTony Buzan talks about the different ways the brain remembers:Items from the beginning of the learning period.Items from the end of the learning period.Items associated with patterns already stored, or linked to other aspects of what is being learned.Items which are emphasised as being in some way outstanding or uniqueAny items which appeal to any of the five sensesThose items which are of particular interest to the person51

52. Learning If one were to learn or make notes using visual aids, several of Buzans criteria for remembering can be metItems from the beginning of the learning period.Items from the end of the learning period.Items associated with patterns already stored, or linked to other aspects of what is being learned.Items which are emphasised as being in some way outstanding or uniqueAny items which appeal to any of the five sensesThose items which are of particular interest to the person52

53. Image GameUse the house drawn in previous picture Draw 4 rooms (or garden) in your house using only images The big branches should indicate the room and the smaller branches will provide contents of that room53

54. Mind map of house54

55. The aim of this exercise is to:Show the power of the visual cortex. Enhance memory storing and recalling, through the use of images for emphasis and association. To increase aesthetic pleasure. Drawing is enjoyable. The idea that you can use images to learn. Helps mental relaxation. To develop visual and perceptional skills used by artist and visual thinkers think.55

56. Examples of mind mappingSkeleton plan of today’s presentation: 56

57. Examples of mind mappingColmand Megan’s Presentation 57

58. Examples of mind mappingTi and Alan’s presentation 58

59. Visual Thinking in the Real World59

60. Develop your own style of Visual Thinking60Ulf Ekberg’s based on DaliClaudius Borer roots lead to fruits

61. Benefits of developing your own style of Visual Thinking include:Development of artistic skillsStress reductionPleasureProviding good examples for othersUnderstanding the work of great artistsCommercial??61

62. The Difference between Sketching and prototypingsketches are much more useful to encourage creativity. They can be a faster way to get through different ideas without wasting time on a bad oneSketching can be much less restrictive62

63. Mind Mapping LawsStart in the centre with an image of the topic, using 3+ colors.Use images throughout your Mind Map.Select key words and print.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, becoming thinner as they radiate out.Make the lines the same length as the word/image.Use colors throughout the Mind Map.Show associations in your Mind Map.Keep the Mind Map.63

64. Advantages of Visual Thinking over Linear Note Making/TakingTime saving noting only relevant wordsTime saving by reading Time saved reviewingConcentration on real issues enhancedEssential key words Made more easily discernibleClear association made between wordsThe brain finds it easier to remember visual stimulationThere is an endless flow of thoughtThe mind map works in harmony with the brains natural desire for completion or wholeness64

65. Technologywww.mindmeister.com65