There are obviously many different ways people organize their ideas on paper or via electronic devices, be it note-taking, diagrams utilizing bubble maps or other charts. However, mind mapping is in part attributed to the work of Tony Bruzan, a British psychologist, who packaged well-known techniques from science. Similar concepts to Bruzan's have been around for centuries. His interest in developing mind maps originated from what science was indicating about how people learn best. He developed a specific software program for mind mapping. General concepts based on outline maps are commonly used, with hand-drawn mind maps or mind maps shown on overhead projectors, flip charts or on whiteboard applications found in many school systems nationwide, as well as by businesses, organizations and individuals.
Mind mapping entails that you map out your ideas in an organized diagram. Identify the core idea and place it in the center of a blank sheet of paper, using key words or images. Branches stem out from that center, as you identify concepts crucial to your topic. They can branch out in all directions, but are best arranged in a logical order by category.
Smaller branches then spread out from the general concepts, into more specific details about each general concept. The lines that connect these branches illustrate the flow of ideas and provide a clearer big picture of the topic. As the ideas connect to one another from the general to the specific, the mind map looks as if there are trees growing out from the center. Lines need not be straight and different colors are often used for each concept, including branch lines and text, to further distinguish sections visually. Brainstorm other ways to make your mind map interesting and easy to follow.
Once you have completed your mind map, you can easily see what key points stand out. You also get a better sense of how the information flows, making the task of creating an outline for a written or oral report easier to organize. It also is helpful in identifying extraneous information or that which exceeds the length or scope of your report.
The concept of mind mapping continues to expand with numerous software products that have been developed to meet specific needs, adding features such as importing links to references as part of the mind map. This helps not only with creating an outline, but also with developing one's bibliography.