The mind map is a step towards success. Why do you need a mind map and how to create one? How to make mind maps: step by step instructions

Greetings to all readers of the site. With you, as always, Ekaterina Kalmykova. And right away I have a question for you: do you systematize your thoughts and if so, how? Do you have any way to put things in order in your head? I have - I use mind maps. And in this article I will share with you my experience in compiling them and show my examples of mind maps.

The concept of a mental map

The example I have drawn is quite simple and clear. Usually the scheme looks much more branched, as it can fix a huge number of connections between objects.

Thanks to the use of such cards, a person perceives a large amount of information better and easier, because it is difficult for our brain to perceive information in the form of a sheet of text or a bunch of tables. It is much easier if the same information is presented in a visual form, which is diluted with color, supplemented by drawings and based on associations.

Benefits of using mind maps

1. Excellent helpers in mastering new material. The process is much faster, more fun and more efficient.

2. Super planners. They make it very easy to make a plan for the day, write a to-do list, highlight the most important items, etc.

3. Storage of thoughts. Write down everything that comes to your mind as you work with the map. Typically, your brain sends you interesting and useful information about the problem or idea you are visualizing.

4. Wonderful reminder. Here it is impossible not to recall the Russian proverb "what is written with a pen, you cannot cut it with an ax." What is on the map is hard to ignore. This means that the probability of completing the task is much higher.

5. Mind maps are suitable for large projects that are initially intimidating to undertake. But once you start visualizing, everything falls into place. The whole mega project is gradually unwinding like a ball, and an ordered map of sequential actions appears in front of you.

How to create mind maps

I would single out two ways of creating mental maps (mind maps): manual and software.

For manual method you just need to take a paper sheet, preferably a landscape one, pens, pencils, felt-tip pens.

Programmatic way is the use of computer programs. Considering both methods, you can see that they have both their pros and cons. Using a certain program, you can easily fix your mind map, change something in it and you do not have to redraw it completely.

It is also much more convenient to carry a mental map on electronic media than an album sheet. The disadvantage of working in the program is its stereotypedness, limitations in drawing and visual expression of one's thoughts.

Programs for creating mental maps

The programs listed below can be easily found on the Internet, but please note that they can be both paid and free. Therefore, choose your assistant according to your liking.

I will highlight the following:

— Mindmeister. How to work in this program and examples of maps can be viewed.

— freemind. I use this program quite often. In it, you can easily and quickly create a memory card. Read more about working in the program in the article.

Rules for creating mental maps

When creating mind maps, you need to follow a few simple rules.

1. Use one mind map to express thoughts or ideas on one topic.
2. It is best to place the sheet horizontally (whether it is a paper sheet or a sheet on a computer monitor), since the human eye perceives information best of all in this way. Remember how information is arranged on a TV, on a blackboard at school, or on a monitor.
3. As a rule, the main subject (task, idea) is placed in the center, which gradually acquires logical connections and interconnected branches. These can be goals, sub-goals, points, sub-points, etc.
4. It is desirable to highlight all connections in different colors, use icons, symbols, pictures. This is how you design everything visually using your associations. All graphic elements help to depict an understandable mental map. It is important not to overdo it here. The map should make the information presented easier to understand, not the other way around. The mental map should be bright and expressive, but at the same time simple.

Where can I use it with a mind map

In my opinion, mind maps can be used in different areas of activity. Mind mapping is useful for many categories: managers, employees of any company, teachers, journalists, etc. In addition, it can be used in our daily life to solve everyday problems.

The following areas of application can be distinguished:

1. Diverse tasks at work. Projects whose purpose is the development, implementation of something. Various organizational events.

2. Projects in your personal life. With the help of mind maps, you can plan the organization of a banquet, planning a vacation or going to the country))

3. Lists of tasks.

4. Organizational structures of companies and organizations.

5. Designing the structure of sites, program interfaces.

6. Structuring texts. Make the content, speech plan, report agenda.

7. Presentations in the form of a mind map.

8. Lecture notes

Mistakes when using mind maps

When you create a mind map for the first time, pay attention to the most common mistakes that occur during work:

1. Too complex and highly branched mental map. Such a map will only confuse, not clarify everything.
2. Same patterns and colors for different branches.
3. Missing pictures and icons
4. Ambiguity and randomness. All elements must be interconnected

In fact, I have been familiar with mental maps for a long time. I just did not know about the existence of certain programs and scientific concepts. Always at the institute at lectures, in order to have time to write down and remember everything, I drew circles, arrows, figures that were understandable only to me. These were my mind maps that helped me graduate with honors. Now, being no longer a student, I actively use mental maps in my daily work. Very often I use a mind map before writing an article for a blog.

Surely you are using something similar?

I hope after reading the article you will be able to make it easier for yourself to draw up mind maps: choose the program that is most convenient for you in your work and go ahead!

And I also want to introduce you to the Krutetsky book by H. Muller “Mental Mapping. Method for generating and structuring ideas. A very interesting and useful book. Download, study and put into practice! Download HERE!

Do not forget: the best thanks to me is the repost of the article 🙂

Best regards, Ekaterina Kalmykova

Olga Pavlova

The mind map method was created by the American scientist and businessman Tony Buzan. In English it is called "mind maps". Literally, the word "mind" means "mind", and the word "maps" - "maps". The result is "mind maps". But most often in translations the term "mind maps" is used.

In the world of preschool technologies, intelligence cards came thanks to the candidate of pedagogical sciences V. M. Akimenko, who proposed using this method to develop coherent speech in children.

smart card is a unique and simple method of memorization

information, with the help of which both creative and

speech abilities of children and thinking is activated.

The mind map method helps to awaken the child's ability to

the image of the world around them, help to structure the information that the child has to learn, to break it down into specific figurative units.

Useful properties of mind maps

K. D. Ushinsky wrote: “Teach a child some five words unknown to him - he will suffer for a long time and in vain, but connect twenty such words with pictures, and he will learn on the fly.”

visibility. The whole problem with its many sides and facets

is right in front of you, you can take a look at it with one glance.

Attractiveness. A good mind map has its own aesthetic,

it is not only interesting to consider it, but also pleasant. Tony Buzan

Memorability. Thanks to the work of both hemispheres of the brain, the use

images and colors mind map is easy to remember.

In pedagogical practice, mind maps can be used as follows

Consolidation and generalization of the material. Creation of a generalized intelligence

maps can be the final work on the topics studied. This work is carried out both individually and frontally.

The development of connected speech. Compilation of stories on the mind map.

In completing this task, the children independently and consistently

express their thoughts, become more active when talking,

ability to answer questions widely, vocabulary

becomes more precise and varied. This work is being done in groups.

classes for the development of coherent speech.

General requirements for compiling any intelligence - maps.

Only colored pencils, markers, etc. are used to create maps.

The sheet is horizontal.

The main idea is outlined in the center of the page. For its image, you can use drawings, pictures.

For each key point, diverging from the center are drawn

branches (in any direction). Each main branch has its own color.

Above each line - a branch, only one keyword is written.

It must be written legibly in capital letters.

Each thought is circled, you can use drawings, pictures, associations about each word.

Symbols and illustrations are added during the modeling process.

Visualization is presented in the form of objects, objects, drawings, etc.

The sequence of work in compiling a mind map to consolidate and summarize the material of the studied topic:

1 option:

1. The topic of the lesson is indicated (fruits, pets, flowers, etc.)

2. Children name nouns and depict what refers to

3. Words-signs are selected for each noun.

Option 2:

For each noun, words-signs and words-

actions.

According to the compiled mind map, in any case, children make up

suggestions.

We started to make intelligence - maps in the older group. At first, these were small maps in terms of content, reflecting one topic, having in their structure only a classification in some areas.

All the necessary pictures were found in used workbooks, they themselves cut out, classified, pasted, and made "twigs".

At the end of the senior group, the guys built quite complex intellect - maps, such as: "Continents", "Planet Earth", "Green Kingdom".

Thanks to this work, the development of children's associations, the replenishment and activation of vocabulary, the formation of the meaning of the word, the development of fantasy. The child, working with mind maps, develops from simple logical operations: comparison, comparison of objects, location in space, quantitative determination of common and integral parts to the ability to analyze, differentiate, classify objects. Of course, I plan to continue working with children in this direction. Thank you for your attention!

Due to the specifics of my work, I constantly monitor the emergence and development of tools like the construction methodology. Naturally, I also follow the software that implements the methods. It seemed to me that I knew all these programs. But iMind Map really surprised me. Firstly, because I didn’t notice the elephant. Secondly, because the program is much better than analogues in terms of stimulating thinking.

However, it is not surprising - the program was made and is under the patronage of the founder of this technique, Tony Byuzan. Until now, I have used the most advanced and popular solution - Mind Manager from Mindjet. I continue to use it when I need to create a structure. But if I need to find a solution or think, iMind Map is exactly what I need. What is so special about this program?

The methodology for constructing mind maps is based on the visualization and structuring of thinking. So, how the map looks is crucial. Any mind map is a tree. A tree has a trunk and branches extending from it. The further away from the trunk, the thinner the branches become - this simple visualization principle allows you to display the train of thought in the correct order.

Each branch is a separate direction or thought that you develop. The thinner the section of the branch, the more new, fresh or detailed it is in relation to the main idea.

By default, all main branches of the tree have different colors. This is also important and allows you to separate one thought and the course of its development from another, while maintaining the overall structure. The color and shape of the branches can be changed at will.

In principle, it is very convenient to work with branches. They can be dragged, stretched, you can change their shape. Two drawing modes determine how the branch will be drawn: automatically or freehand. Drawing by hand, you can give the branch any shape. In addition, you can even change the drawing of the branch itself. For example, make it in the form of a road or an arrow. The visualization of a branch is the visualization of a thought.

Branches can also be of two types: simple (linear) and in the form of a rectangle. In the first version, the text is located on the branch itself. In the second case, the text is inside the rectangle. Representing a branch as a rectangle is very handy for displaying key thoughts and comments.

The branches can be connected to each other, for this there are separate arrows.

Images can be used to enhance visualization. They can be placed on the branch itself, assigned as the base point of the branch, or simply placed anywhere. In addition to pictures, branches can be marked with icons, the choice of which is very large in iMind Map. By the way, in addition to adding files with pictures, you can sketch an image and immediately add it to the map. Just an invaluable feature for brainstorming.

The cool thing about iMind Map is that you can add flowcharts directly to your mind map. I really miss this in the same MindManager. Each element of the circuit can be connected to any element of the entire map.

The automatic tidying function works very well. One click, and the map takes on the optimal look in terms of display and placement of elements. So don't worry about mess when working with the map.

Separately, it is worth talking about the ways of presenting the map.

Project type

Like many other mind mapping software, iMind Map allows you to convert branches into tasks. And the whole map is a single project. In order to make it more convenient to work with the map from the point of view of project management, a separate view is provided. In this case, the branches of the map are presented in the form of a list with the timing, duration, and percentage of completion.

By the way, iMind Map works with the Drop Task service. I would not say that the type of project in itself will bring great benefits, but maintaining small projects in this mode is quite possible. But in conjunction with Drop Task - a completely different matter. I highly recommend paying attention to the service itself and trying it in conjunction with iMind Map. Everything looks unusual, very, very cool. But this, perhaps, pulls on a separate article.

Map 3D

A very unusual presentation. The program will convert your map into a 3D image that you can rotate as you wish. It would seem that it is just a visual feature. But no. The presentation is extremely convenient for holding and focusing attention on a particular branch, thought, task. Unusual, interesting, adds zest - in a word, I liked it.

Text mode

In this mode, the mind map is presented as a structured text. Sub-items can be collapsed and expanded. This view, for example, is very convenient for working with text alignment. The number of nested sub-items is infinite. You can first sketch out the structure of the text in the form of a map with notes on the main theses and ideas, and then switch to text mode and already. Pictures and icons in this view are also displayed. This view is also very convenient for preparing for a presentation and working with abstracts.

Presentation Mode

There is no such effective and effective presentation mode in any analogue program. The mind map is the whole story. iMind Map in presentation mode lets you tell the story in the way and in the order you choose. Before starting a presentation, you can set up the order in which branches are displayed, comments on them, types of transitions from one branch to another, and much more. You can set up transitions on click of keys, or set the timing of each branch. You can even loop the presentation so that it is shown all the time - kiosk mode.

The program offers a set of presentation presentation templates, which makes its creation even easier. Scaling, transitions, accents on branches - all this is done in just a couple of clicks. The result is a very high quality product. My rating is five out of five.

branch queuing mode

Similar to text mode and is structured text. But the purpose of this mode is precisely to determine the order of branches. In this mode, you determine the order in which your ideas will be presented on the map and in the . That is, you can do this both in the map mode, simply by dragging the branches, and in this mode, changing the levels of the branches in the form of text. Actually very convenient.

Summary and some chips

• The only software that fully complies with the principles of building mind maps and visualizing the process of thinking.
• Developed with the support of method founder Tony Buzan.
• Very convenient work on building and changing mind maps.
• Integration with Drop Task allows you to carry out big projects.
• Flexible display and presentation settings.
• Building mind maps turns into an exciting process.
• On the ThinkBuzan website, you can take a free online training on building mind maps.
• The program works on different platforms: Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android.
• The built-in map display optimization works like magic.
• The best software for preparing presentations based on mind maps.
• Ability to add flowcharts to the map.
• Completely in Russian.

Finally

iMind Map is the best mind mapping software in my opinion. The only program of its kind that stimulates. I strongly advise you to try it, since there is a trial version. Recently, the program has been supplemented with new features and updated to the 8th version. But more on that next time. That's all I wanted to say. ;)

“Mental map… Esoteric again?” - I thought, when I read this title for the first time more than six months ago. Then I delved into it, tried to draw my plans for the week in this format. It turned out surprisingly easy and interesting.
Here I could write that since then I began to use the cards constantly, but this is not so. I forgot about them. And I remembered only in August, when I was planning a trip on vacation. That's what came out of it.

What are mind maps

Several months have passed since the first meeting with the cards. I planned my time: the Pomodoro timer rang, the Eisenhower matrix worked, the calendar was replenished with tasks and painted in different colors. But there was a feeling that there is some other cool method, but I can’t remember it.

And suddenly, having accidentally stumbled upon an overview of services for mind maps, I realized what tool I was missing. The puzzle took shape and away we go - a map for going to the store, for planning life goals, for work. Maps, maps, maps… They were blue and multicolored, in mindmaps and on landscape sheets. Now the euphoria has subsided, and I use them more soberly. I'll tell you how and when.

Mind cards and me

These gizmos are effective where you need to sketch out a general vision of the situation and detail it in stages. With the help of maps, my colleagues create semantic cores, design a site map, conduct market research, generate ideas, prepare for presentations, organize events, plan a budget, and simply make a to-do list for the week.

Where can I use the cards

1. Work with information (presentations, speeches)

What am I doing
With the help of maps I collect information, sort it. What I know about the subject: properties, disadvantages, features, use - all this easily fits into the mind map scheme.

What should you do
Replace a boring lecture with a simple presentation and you will grab the audience's attention. Replace with an interesting presentation - you will also win the respect of the audience.

2. Learning and memorization

What am I doing
The same as in the previous paragraph: I highlight the main question, put it on the shelves. A huge plus of the cards is that you can finish drawing the branches if a new idea suddenly comes to mind. Therefore, I always draw with a margin. I don’t have much friendship with services yet, I prefer a snow-white sheet and colored felt-tip pens.

What should you do
Create notes of lectures or books, write various texts (term papers, dissertations, articles), analyze the text. You can use detailed maps (1 map-1 question), you can write down the main schemes.
By the way, most of you have seen the similarity of mind maps in textbooks - these are flowcharts of the main questions of the course.

3. Brainstorm.

What am I doing
I come up with ideas (what to give for the holiday), solve problems (where to find time for classes) - this is how maps help with brainstorming. I can draw maps alone or with colleagues, in any case it is effective.

What should you do
Brainstorming cards are drawn as usual. In the center - the problem, large branches - solutions, small - features or consequences. If you need to generate ideas, then the topic will be in the center, and the ideas themselves are large branches.

4. Decision making.

What am I doing
I am a logician to the core. Intuitive solutions are not my forte. And here I have differences with Tony Buzan, the founder of the mind map method. It is believed that drawing, the use of symbols stimulate creative thinking, which means that the brain is tuned to find an effective and non-standard way out of the situation (I do not argue with that). And at such moments, intuition turns on and we make a decision based on it (here is a hitch).
Therefore, I simply write the problem in the center of the sheet, with branches of the 2nd level I designate all possible solutions, and with branches of the 3rd level - the consequences of these decisions.

What should you do
You write down the problem and twist it from all sides, in parallel writing down everything that comes to mind. Arranged thoughts - saw the solution. Whoever finds it easier to operate with facts and figures writes them on branches. And whoever relies on intuition will bet on the associativity of cards.

5. Planning.

Plan work and personal projects, budget or time.

What am I doing
First, on the map, I wrote down all the books that I want to read. Then from the book I singled out the form in which I will assimilate the material (summary, summaries). And I created a similar goal on SmartProgress .
And then such a fat lack of maps came out - it is difficult to tie them to deadlines. On the Gantt chart, for example, it is clearly visible which event and when should take place, the temporal relationship of events is visible. And on the mind map, you can only sign the deadline by which you need to complete the task. In SmartProgress, you can set intermediate deadlines, there are reminders of deadlines. So these two tools work well together.

What should you do
In the center of the sheet, indicate the goal, for example, "hold a wedding anniversary." And then write associations. Choosing a venue, guest list, menu, budget, program - these are the key lines of your mind map. From each large beam, several more small beams depart, specifying who and how you will invite, what elements of the program will be, and who is responsible for them.

Why is this form beneficial?

Any incoming information must first be formed into an image. Then it will be remembered much easier and for a longer period. The role of maps is ordering, systematization, visual presentation of information. It doesn't matter if you are planning an anniversary or organizing team work on a project, you can fit all the main data on one large sheet.

The more volume of the cerebral cortex is connected to the perception of information, the better it is remembered. The brain does not think linearly, but associatively, so for most people, mind maps are a suitable tool for planning or working with large amounts of data.

Pros and cons of mind maps

I already wrote about the shortcomings - there is no interconnection with the timing.

And now about the merits.

The brain first focuses on the key areas of the project. This helps you prioritize.
All the main and auxiliary stages of the project are clearly visible. Contradictions, hindrances, overlays are also noticeable.
It is convenient to mark already passed paths.
It is easy to supplement the project by drawing new branches.
It is possible to place heterogeneous elements on the maps: megabytes coexist friendly with the number of people.

What if you use mind mapping to plan your goals? Combined with Smart Progress turns out to be quite effective. The main directions are determined on the map, and discipline occurs with the help of the service.

How to build maps

Map Drawing Principles

In the center of the sheet or a little higher, draw a central image (idea, goal, problem). Take away branches of the first level (sub-ideas) from it, with associations or key concepts that slightly reveal the central image. From the branches of the 1st level, take the branches of the 2nd level. If necessary, add level 3 branches.

12 Map Drawing Tips

1. Include figurative, creative thinking and associativity. This helps the brain to approach the problem from different angles and look for an unusual but effective solution.
2. Use different branch colors to separate areas of work. If this is a map with tasks for employees, mark the branches with a specific color for each project participant. Flowers should be no more than 8, so as not to get confused. Red, yellow and orange colors have the highest perception speed. The lowest is in brown, blue and green.
3. The number of branches of 2 and subsequent levels should not be more than 5-7.
4. The map represents a way of thinking, so don't try to standardize it.
5. Exaggerated examples are better remembered. So feel free to draw unusual pictures.
6. Freehand drawing stimulates thinking. Despite various convenient services, do not neglect white paper and felt-tip pens.
7. Make images vivid and memorable so that they evoke emotions. This will help the brain work in the right direction.
8. Organize the structure according to the hierarchy: important concepts are closer to the center, details are further. You can number the branches if necessary.
9. Less words, more drawings. If there are several words, then write them in one line so that the eye does not make unnecessary movements.
10. Create your own symbols. Lightning is fast, eye is control, light bulb is important.
11. Lines of the first level draw thicker to see the importance of actions. The length of the line is equal to the length of the word. Change the size of the letters to emphasize the importance of the branch.
12. Delimit branches by circling them in blocks, connect with arrows to show the relationship.

Services for mind maps

If you do not like to draw by hand (and in vain!), Then choose paid or free programs for drawing maps on your computer. They differ in design, ways to export images, the ability to connect To-do List, compatibility with platforms.
I use the MindMeister online service. It is combined with Meistertask (scheduler). Plus, you can connect paid PRO-packages. The data is stored on the cloud, so I can load maps from any laptop. Bright, many opportunities for creativity, intuitive to operate. There are templates, I don’t know how anyone, I still have enough.

Psychologists believe that it is best to draw by hand, activating creative thinking as much as possible, then you will think and solve problems much more efficiently. And the modern rhythm of life offers to use any service you like. Well, it's up to you. But mind maps are a really cool tool, I recommend it.

In the new millennium, when the volume and nature of information has become colossal, new methods and programs have become urgently needed for their rapid assimilation. Such methods soon appeared and were called "mind maps". Their creator is Tony Buzan, and the author of many books on self-improvement and thinking. His most famous work, the book "Supermind", created with his brother, is a hit and a fulcrum of many of his followers.

What is a mind map for?

(from English mindmap, or is a creative way of revealing a topic, concept, idea, any object of thought or even a story. They will help you in:

Mind maps from Tony Buzan have become widespread due to the simplicity of their implementation. Their effectiveness lies in increasing the productivity of work, often on a fairly large scale.

How to create?

A smart map is very easy to create - all you need is a pen and a piece of paper, you can also use the screen of a computer, tablet, laptop. The brain more easily absorbs a multi-colored and multidimensional mind map than a regular gray abstract with diagrams and tables, so it is better to use multi-colored pens or pencils.

As you can see, the mind map is easily supplemented with additional branches-elements and associations, easy to read, easy to understand.

How does the brain work?

In order to understand how a mind map works, we first need to understand the principles. We all know that the brain consists of two hemispheres, each responsible for its own functional set. For example, the left hemisphere is responsible for logical meanings and sequences, words, numbers, formulas, diagrams and analysis. While the right is the perception of rhythm and space, imagination and representation of images. Most people rely mainly on the left hemisphere to solve their problems, and the constant load on only one part of the brain atrophies the second, as a result of which the entire brain loses, since the main potential is not used.

Cards load the whole brain

The brain functions perfectly when both hemispheres are connected, which is what Tony Buzan was trying to achieve when creating his new method. Drawings connect the right hemisphere to work, and the connections between them - the left, a competent ratio of both allows you to use those reserves that were not in demand before. So the mind map will help your whole brain work, and its constant use will make it habitual to work with images, which is a key moment in all areas of life. T

So, many people note that, having worked with cards for a long time, they notice that they are completing them in their heads already when reading or communicating, and this does not bring chaos, but, on the contrary, increases understanding. By using your brain at this intensity, you will be able to keep it functioning and working properly.

Smart cards: programs

Now special programs are very popular in the world, with the help of which you can quickly and competently create mental maps. About two hundred different programs in different categories have now been created in the world:

• paid;
• free;
• online services.

Working on them is quite simple: first you need to go to the editor menu and start with "Create a new mind map". A convenient one will immediately appear in which you will need to start creating a mental map by entering a keyword - the program will immediately create a colored central symbol with your word. After that, you will need to enter additional keywords that will be responsible for the branches emanating from the central symbol. The program will draw and color each branch by itself, and it will be possible to edit all points, from color to the scheme of the structure of all branches. You can also copy and propagate branches, move them, delete as desired. Very convenient, isn't it?

What are the benefits of the programs?

An intellectual map will help you correctly distribute all the information and paint its key points. But what to do if the amount of information is simply huge and cannot be included in standard schemes painted on a sheet of paper? That is why the programs have gained such popularity - they will help you create three-dimensional and multidimensional maps, with large amounts of information and sections.

Megamind maps are large-scale mind maps, examples of which you can find in the editor program or online service. This method is popular in industry and large companies, but it can be useful to anyone who uses this technique. They will help you improve your performance, and hyperlink your map with multi-level information, develop idea centers for new maps - after all, each such mind map will be part of a large whole created to help you in any endeavor.