Mind Mapping

Mind Mapping

Decision-making occurs all the time. There are different levels of decision-making from what to eat for dinner to a choice of life or death. Many techniques have been developed to aid in decision-making. This paper discusses the specific technique of mind mapping.

The mind mapping concept has been around for centuries. Though he did not "invent" mind mapping, a British psychology author named Tony Buzan popularized mind mapping in the 1970's (Wikipedia (a), 2006). While at University, Buzan became frustrated with traditional notes that took to much time to create and review. Research indicated the brain responds well to key words, images, colors, and direct association hence, mind mapping was discovered to be the best way a sheet of paper could act as a technique for taking notes. In Buzan's co-authored book, The Mind Map Book, these ideas and techniques were refined into a simple set of guidelines one could follow to capture notes from one's own creative ideas. Buzan claims that mind mapping is superior to traditional outline style of note taking because the mapping uses both hemispheres of the brain, the 99% of the brain that is not used (Buzan, 1991).

A mind map is an illustration used to symbolize words, ideas, actions, or other items linked and arranged around a central key word or idea (Wikipedia (b), 2006). The mind map is used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas and thoughts. A mind map involves images, words, and lines but does not have any formal restrictions on how these are used. The elements are arranged spontaneously according to importance and are organized into groupings, branches, or sections. Mind maps are useful in many applications such as personal, family, educational, and business situations. They are used for note-taking, brainstorming, summarizing, revising and clarifying of thoughts. Mind maps may be hand drawn or mapping software is available for use on computers (Appendix A-C).

There are many advantages for mind mapping. Mapping can reduce the amount of work perceived in a project or study. An overview of a topic can aid employees or students to see the "big picture" and understand the links and connections to decisions made. This in turn allows for better focus on tasks to produce better results. Mind mapping also aids in memorization and organization. This allows a presentation or commutation to be clear and concise. For orchestrating plans and meetings, the advantages of mapping allows the job to be done on one piece of paper and completed with speed and efficiency. Mind mapping is a fabulous tool for negotiating. All the issues, positions, and maneuverability can be depicted and prepares the person for bargaining.

The following are mind mapping "laws" and are open for interpretation by the user (Buzan, 1991).

1. Start in the center with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colors.

2. Use images, symbols, codes and dimensions throughout your Mind Map.

3. Select key words and print using upper or lower case letters.

4. Each word/image must be alone and sitting on its own line.

5. The lines must be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, organic and flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate out from the center.

6. Make the lines the same length as the word/image.

7. Use colors Ð'- your own code Ð'- throughout the Mind Map.

8. Develop your own personal style of Mind Mapping.

9. Use emphasis and show associations in your Mind Map.

10. Keep the Mind Map clear by using Radiant hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches.

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