How to Mind Map

The Brain Book

Peter Russell's highly acclaimed book on memory and learning, with many examples of mind maps, how to make them and use them.

   Software | Advantages | Uses

• Use just key words, or wherever possible images.
• Start from the center of the page and work out.
• Make the center a clear and strong visual image that depicts the general theme of the map.
• Create sub-centers for sub-themes.
• Put key words on lines. This reinforces structure of notes.
• Print rather than write in script. It makes them more readable and memorable. Lower case is more visually distinctive (and better remembered) than upper case.
• Use color to depict themes, associations and to make things stand out.
• Anything that stands out on the page will stand out in your mind.
• Think three-dimensionally.
• Use arrows, icons or other visual aids to show links between different elements.
• Don't get stuck in one area. If you dry up in one area go to another branch.
• Put ideas down as they occur, wherever they fit. Don't judge or hold back.
• Break boundaries. If you run out of space, don't start a new sheet; paste more paper onto the map. (Break the 8x11 mentality.)
• Be creative. Creativity aids memory.
• Get involved. Have fun.

Mind Map Software | Mind Maps | Advantages of Mind Maps | Uses of Mind Maps
 

More information and examples can be found in The Brain Book and Tony Buzan's The Mind Map Book