MIND MAPPING

A mind map is a diagram used to visually organize information. A mind map is hierarchical
and shows relationships among pieces of the whole.[1] It is often created around a single
concept, drawn as an image in the center of a blank page, to which associated representations
of ideas such as images, words and parts of words are added. Major ideas are connected
directly to the central concept, and other ideas branch out from those.

Mind maps can be drawn by hand, either as "rough notes" during a lecture, meeting or
planning session, for example, or as higher quality pictures when more time is available.

A Mind Map is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlock the
potential of the brain. It harnesses the full range of cortical skills – word, image, number,
logic, rhythm, colour and spatial awareness – in a single, uniquely powerful manner. In so
doing, it gives you the freedom to roam the infinite expanses of your brain. The Mind Map
can be applied to every aspect of life where improved learning and clearer thinking will
enhance human performance.

The term "mind map" was first popularized by British popular psychology author and
television personality Tony Buzan.

Buzan suggests the following guidelines for creating mind maps:

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 is best alone and sitting on its own line.
5. The lines should be connected, starting from the central image. The lines become
thinner as they radiate out from the center.
6. Make the lines the same length as the word/image they support.
7. Use multiple colors throughout the mind map, for visual stimulation and also for
encoding or grouping.
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 radial hierarchy or outlines to embrace your
branches.

Uses

As with other diagramming tools, mind maps can be used to generate, visualize, structure,
and classify ideas, and as an aid to studying[7] and organizing information, solving problems,
making decisions, and writing.

Mind maps have many applications in personal, family, educational, and business situations,
including notetaking, brainstorming (wherein ideas are inserted into the map radially around
the center node, without the implicit prioritization that comes from hierarchy or sequential
arrangements, and wherein grouping and organizing is reserved for later stages),
summarizing, as a mnemonic technique, or to sort out a complicated idea. Mind maps are also
promoted as a way to collaborate in color pen creativity sessions.

In addition to these direct use cases, data retrieved from mind maps can be used to enhance
several other applications; for instance expert search systems, search engines and search and
tag query recommender.[8] To do so, mind maps can be analysed with classic methods of
information retrieval to classify a mind map's author or documents that are linked from
within the mind map.[8]