Mind mapping is a powerful graphical method that provides a universal key to unlocking the potential hidden in the brain.
While still a student, he noticed that traditional methods memorizing and taking notes (in order) are ineffective. They require a lot of time and effort, are boring and monotonous, and also do not bring desired results. This prompted him to seriously study thinking and the processes of memorizing information. He did not discover anything new, he only systematized the knowledge already available in psychology about the laws of thinking.
The most effective and fruitful is non-linear. It begins with the emergence of a central image, idea, and spreads in different directions due to the activation of brain neurons. The process of excitation spreads from one nerve cell to another, capturing more and more new parts of the brain, and activating various information stored in memory. Buzan called this thinking radiant thinking (“radiant” is a point in the celestial sphere from which the visible paths of bodies with identically directed velocities, for example, meteorites of the same stream, seem to emanate). This thinking is based on associations (connections that arise between foci of excitation in the cerebral cortex.
The associativity of our thinking is evidence that the process of information processing in our brain has a non-linear form. Arbitrary thoughts never form a coherent logical chain; they seem to spread in different directions from the central thought or image, jumping from one idea to another, “catching” new associations, sometimes completely unexpected. As a result of this, thought often goes far away from the original premise and leads to completely unexpected conclusions. The process of learning to think, as a rule, comes down to attempts to streamline our thinking, to make it consistent and linear.
Remember how we were taught to solve problems in school. As a rule, the solution to a problem was a certain algorithm, that is, a clear sequence of mental actions. The need to organize thinking as a process of sequential operations is also emphasized by logic - the ancient science of the rules of thinking, which arose in the era of antiquity. Any intellectual activity (writing an essay, abstract, course work, articles) must be preceded by a clear plan, the points of which reflect the sequence of presentation of the material. All this is a reflection of the linear form of information organization and, to a certain extent, contradicts the nature of our thinking. Often, drawing up a plan takes more effort than solving the problem itself. It is not for nothing that children (and not only others) do not like this activity. And getting students to draw up a plan before writing their coursework, and not after, can be practically impossible. Not surprising, because it’s difficult to plan something you haven’t thought about yet.
T. Buzan proves that the desire to build a linear algorithm for solving a problem only interferes with thinking, reduces a person’s intellectual potential and mnemonic abilities. We will not be so categorical; nevertheless, the algorithm method, as a way of solving mental problems, has proven itself to be quite effective. But, if we talk about truly creative thinking, then we must admit that it is subject to other laws, and in it the process of generating associations plays a crucial role.
Radiant thinking allows a person to connect information from completely different areas to solving a problem and avoid such a common phenomenon when thoughts rush around within the same associative space, and a person is not able to look at the problem in a new way, to see a non-standard solution.T. Buzan developed a very interesting and in many respects useful way activating radiant thinking - drawing up mind maps.
A mind map has four significant distinctive features:
1.the object of attention/study is crystallized in the central image;
2. the main themes associated with the object of attention/study diverge from the central image in the form of branches;
3. branches that take the form of smooth lines are designated and explained with key words or images. Secondary ideas are also depicted as branches extending from branches more high order; the same is true of tertiary ideas, etc.;
4.branches form a connected nodal system.
Composition exercise mind maps
Always use a central image.
Use graphic images as often as possible.
For the centerpiece, use three or more colors.
Add volume to the image more often; and also use raised letters.
Use synesthesia (a combination of all types of emotional and sensory perception).
Vary letter sizes, line thickness, and graphics scale. Strive for optimal placement of elements on the mind map.
Strive to ensure that the distance between the elements of the mind map is appropriate.
Associate
Use arrows when you need to show connections between elements of a mind map.
Use colors.
Use information coding.
Strive for clarity in expressing thoughts
Stick to the principle: one keyword per line.
Use block letters
Place keywords above relevant lines
Make sure that the length of the line is approximately equal to the length of the corresponding keyword.
Connect lines with other lines and make sure that the main branches of the map connect to the central image.
Make the main lines smoother and bolder.
Define blocks important information using lines.
Make sure that your drawings (images) are extremely clear (to you).
Try to place words horizontally.
Develop your own style.
Maintain a hierarchy of thoughts.
Use a number sequence in your presentation of thoughts (number the branches with numbers depending on their importance).
Add empty lines.
Ask yourself questions.
Complete the map with drawings.
Always remember the limitless associative capacity of your brain.
Improve what you have achieved
Review your mind map.
Mind maps are diagrammatic representations of the key ideas in a book, the main points of a speaker's speech, or your most important action plan. With their help, it is convenient to restore order in information chaos. Mind maps have many names - mental map, mind mapping, thought map, connection diagram, mind map.
The word mind is translated as mind. Psychologists are sure: by drawing maps with felt-tip pens on sheets of paper, you will really become smarter and unlock the potential of your brain. Let's leave these thoughts to scientists and talk about the practical implementation of mind mapping.
What, where and how to draw?
The map vaguely resembles a tree. Or a spider. Or an octopus. In general, something that has a center and branches.
In the center is the main idea or problem. Key points depart from it. Each item is also, if necessary, divided into several smaller items. And so on until the whole problem is clearly worked out.
What's good about the card format?
1. A schematic text is perceived better than a sheet, because it is shorter and simpler.
2. Time for perceiving information is saved.
3. In the process of drawing up a map, memorization of the material improves.
4. When working on projects, areas of responsibility are clearly shown by coloring branches.
How to create maps
Let’s not get fancy and complicate it – let’s use the algorithm of the map author himself, Tony Buzan.
- Maintain a hierarchy of thoughts;
- In the center is the most main question. Graphic images (drawings, pictograms) are welcome;
- Give images, blocks, rays volume. This makes the map easier to perceive;
- Leave a distance between the blocks, do not make a palisade of rays;
- If you need to emphasize the connection between elements, use lines, arrows, same colors;
- Express your thoughts briefly and clearly. Simple font, one keyword above the corresponding line, the main lines are smooth and bolder, place the words horizontally.
Mind map - like the Glavred service, only for the brain. Helps clear debris from thoughts.
Mind maps are useful...
...at work:
- Plan work projects. Many programs allow shared access among all team members. Changes are made to the map, tasks are prioritized, and the implementation process is monitored;
- Prepare and conduct meetings. With the help of cards, you will draw up an outline of your speech, highlight key points, and establish the logic of the narrative. The programs have the ability to create a presentation - this will help you visually present materials for the planning meeting;
- Make a strategy. Cards, in my opinion, are an ideal option. They help to go from the general to the specific;
- Brainstorm. Some programs even have a special mode.
...in training:
- Write down the key ideas of the seminar or lecture. Such a note will help you remember the teacher’s train of thought;
- Organize your information. You always have free space to add an important thought.
...V Everyday life:
- Plan. I use cards to create plans for the week, month, and prepare for important events;
- Make lists. This could be a list of books, movies, webinars, purchases, gifts, or just a list of things that need to be done at some point;
- Write notes on the books you read. One main branch - one chapter. Brief thoughts, theses, and main points fit perfectly into the map format. In addition, some programs have the ability to take hidden notes. Hover your mouse over a specific block and a window will open with a detailed description of what is written in the block.
We evaluate
I chose 15 programs (+2 from the editors) for creating mental maps. The selection includes popular drawing services and little-known ones. They differ in design, export capabilities, and ease of management. Some programs are more suitable for personal use, while others help you plan work and study effectively. The description applies only to free versions. Read the review and choose the program that is convenient for you.
For your convenience, I have also prepared a comparative table of the capabilities of all programs presented in the table.
1. Mind Meister
Features of MindMeister:
Rates:
1. Free basic package. There are only 3 cards in it. You can export them only in the form of text, you can also receive one card per invited friend;
2. Personal tariff ($6). Unlimited number of maps, multiple page printing, export to drawing, PDF, priority support;
3. Tariff Pro ($10). Everything in the previous plan plus Login to Google Apps for Domains, multi-user licensing, export to .docx and .pptx, custom map themes for the entire team, receiving statistics and reports;
4. Business tariff ($15). Everything that is in the previous tariff plus the creation of groups within the program, the creation of a custom domain for logging into the system, support for exporting and creating backup copies, priority support around the clock.
My impressions
The program is worthy of attention if you have small requests. MindMeister, even in the free version, has quite a wide range of functionality: different styles and block colors, changing the text color and its style. A small menu appears on the right and you use the switch buttons to change the design mode. Convenient, compact, simple. Maps are easy to draw: select the block from which the next rays should come and click on the plus sign. If you want to color the blocks and add icons and emoticons, that will work too.
2. MindMup
Features of MindMup:
- All the basic capabilities for creating high-quality design are present;
- Simple controls;
- Free export to PDF (link available within 24 hours);
- Maps are synchronized if there is one account on the devices;
- Import pictures from disk or cloud in 2 clicks.
Rates:
1. Free package. Users of the free version can create public maps up to 100 KB for a period of 6 months;
2. Individual Gold ($2.99). Unlimited number of cards, up to 5 messages in mail, card capacity up to 100 MB, storage on Google Drive;
3. Corporate Gold ($100). Unlimited number of users and maps created by them, work with Google/GAFE.
My impressions
MindMup is ideal for beginners because there are no complicated steps involved. You can insert a picture or edit an inscription with two clicks, create new blocks or delete them with one click. At the same time, the map looks aesthetically pleasing, it is clear and logical. It can be personalized by adding photos. At the time of adding, you can easily change the size of the image, place it under the text or on the side.
3. Mind42
Features of Mind42:
- Only basic functionality: adding icons, notes, main and additional nodes;
- Laconic card design;
- Export in JPEG, PDF, PNG and several more formats;
- You can add your map to general Mind42 groups or view other people's maps;
- Possibility of collaboration on the map;
- The priority of the block task is set. You can easily view the priority by hovering over the special icon.
My impressions
It seems that the creators of the program have already decided a lot for me. For example, they established their own order in which the branches would be located, and offered only one type of font and blocks. But you can set the priority and progress of tasks. In general, the capabilities of Mind42 are modest, like young girls in ancient Rus'.
4.XMind
XMind Features:
- A large number of templates: fishbone, business plans, SWOT analysis and other useful things;
- Stylish design, bright design - background for the entire map or separately for blocks, large selection of styles, lines, colors and shapes;
- Conducting a brainstorming session;
- Convenient creation of presentations.
Rates:
1. Free. All types of charts and synchronization with the cloud.
2. Plus ($79). In the Plus tariff, export in PDF, PPT, SVG, OpenOffice formats is available.
3. Pro ($99). The PRO account has more than 60,000 icons, Gantt charts, presentation mode and brainstorming mode.
My impressions
XMind is definitely worth using. I was thinking about a paid version, but for now the stripped-down free version is enough for me. The program has a lot of possibilities. Choosing it for simple drawing up of plans or notes is like driving a Ferrari through the village. The program is more suitable for professional team work. I like XMind for its design and ease of drawing.
5. MindJet Mindmanager
Features of MingManager:
- Templates are divided into categories - meetings and events, management, strategic planning, personal productivity, problem solving, flowcharts;
- In terms of design options, it resembles Word - it’s just as simple and easy to select text color, flowchart shape, fill, font, alignment, bulleted lists;
- Prioritizing actions. You can set the order of task completion, set beacons such as “risk”, “discuss”, “postpone”, “expenses”, “for”, “against”;
- You can brainstorm, build Gantt charts, and link cards together. Easily switch between map tabs;
- There is a MindManager Plus web account for saving files in the cloud;
- Transfer data from Microsoft Outlook.
Rates:
Perpetual license. For Mac it costs 12,425 rubles (update - 6,178 rubles), for Windows 24,227 rubles (update - 12,425 rubles). Creation interactive maps, setting time frames for completing tasks, exporting maps in different formats.
My impressions
Mindmanager offers a lot of training materials and a technical support service. The card design can be as simple as it is playful if you want. The controls are simple, all the necessary buttons are at hand. If you study this program thoroughly, you can easily use it for home and work. Data from Excel, Outlook can be inserted into the card, and other cards can be inserted. Personally, I don’t need so many functions yet.
6.PersonalBrain
Features of PersonalBrain:
- From the design, you can only change the theme;
- Most features are available after purchasing paid work packages;
- Complex controls program;
- Shows a 3D image of the mind map.
Rates:
1. Basic paid package ($219). Printing, adding files, links, pictures, notes are available;
2. Pro packages ($299). Provides integration of calendar and events, spell checking, saving reports, multi-page printing, and exporting maps. The difference between the Pro License, Pro Combo, TeamBrain packages is the presence of a desktop version and cloud storage.
My impressions
I didn't like it. First, I went through the application installation quest, put checkmarks and dots in the required fields. Then I opened the map and was disappointed in the controls. If you click in the wrong place, the central block changes and you are disorganized. Well, the design is gloomy. In general, I didn’t make friends with her.
7. iMind Map
Features of iMindMap:
- The program offers 4 modes: recording ideas and thoughts, brainstorming, creating mind maps, converting data into 2D and 3D presentations, PDF files, tables and other formats;
- About 130 styles;
- There are hints at the beginning of work: click on the icon, use Tab and Enter;
- There is a spell check;
- Very bright animated presentations;
- You can make notes for each branch, use icons from the series finance, transport, arrows, calendar, communications, flags, numbers, people, etc., change flowchart formats, set deadlines and priorities, add audio files;
- Time Map;
- Import files in IMX, Doc, Docx, IMM, MM, MMAP formats;
- Export files in PDF, SVG, 3D image, table, web page, project, audio, DropTask, Power presentation Point, archiving into a zip file.
Rates:
1. For home and study (80€). Create and edit maps, add images, create art projects, add links and notes, 30 days of use, one license;
2. Maximum (190€). Adds to the capabilities of the previous package brainstorming, creating presentations, exporting videos from YouTube, integration with DropTask, three-dimensional image, conversion to different formats, a license for a year and 2 computers;
3. Maximum Plus (250€). Adds to the capabilities of the previous package books and discs by Tony Buzan, the founder of mental maps.
My impressions
One of best programs which I used. I would put XMind and MindMup next to it. Very easy to operate. Easily switch between capture, brainstorm, mind map and time map modes, draw blocks and relationships between them. If you want to recreate the atmosphere of drawing with markers on whatman paper, then in iMind Map you can draw branches by hand.
8. Bubble
Bubble Features:
- The controls are not very convenient, you need to get used to it;
- Only the general color scheme changes; you cannot change the font, text color or node shape separately;
- 3 cards are created for free;
- The map is saved in JPEG, PNG, HTML formats.
Rates:
1. Premium ($4.91 per month). Create an unlimited number of maps, track the history of changes, add files and images;
2. Corporate tariff. It has several licenses available, management account user, creating user branding. The cost of the corporate plan depends on the number of accounts and subscription period.
My impressions
Nothing special. The controls seemed a little complicated to me, the design seemed ordinary. Who needs business style cards - welcome!
9.Comapping
Comapping Features:
- There is only one type of card;
- Small design options;
- Maps can be sent by e-mail, saved in SVG, PDF, Xmind, Freemind, MindManager formats;
- The service is used for brainstorming, event planning, and training.
Rates:
Paid versions are based on the number of licenses and the version: online or desktop. One online license costs $25 per year, desktop costs $49, and the maximum package of 100 licenses costs $612 and $1,225 is the discounted price.
My impressions
Nice program, but I don't like this map structure. I like it when the main idea is in the center. The design didn’t work for me either. Why is she nice then? Its simplicity, unobtrusive design. I liked how gray marks are highlighted on the map, for example, “competitor analysis”. They do not distract attention, but provide benefits.
10. MindGenius
Features of MindGenius:
- Good for team work, educational process. Emphasis is placed on working with enterprises;
- The design possibilities are optimal - the size, color, font type, background fill color, and block shapes can be changed;
- Add pictures, links, notes - this function is also available;
- Eat mobile applications for iOS and Android;
- Export maps in MS Office applications, JPEG, PNG, PDF, HTML
- There are a large number of different templates, there are Gantt charts, Swot analysis, and training guides are provided for each type.
Rates:
1. A license for 5 users costs $1120;
2. License for 10 – $2192;
3. Update already existing version – $187.
My impressions
Nice design, clear controls, great capabilities - good program, All in all. If I manage a company, I will take MindGenius into account.
11. Wisemapping
Features of Wisemapping:
- Easy to use, but there are difficulties with drawing additional nodes;
- Export to JPEG, PNG, PDF, SVG, Freemind, MindJet, text format or Excel;
- You can add users to collaborate on the map;
- Few design options: few icons, templates, styles.
My impressions
A program with a classic image of mental maps. Small color palette, but if content is more important to you than appearance, then you will like Wisemapping. The screenshot shows the difference in design. If you want minimalism without frills, get it. Do you want to color the map? It will work too. True, not very diverse.
12. Mapul
Features of Mapul:
- Unusual design. Bright rich colors of lines and blocks;
- Maps are saved in JPEG, SVG formats;
- Small selection of colors and fonts;
- Not very convenient controls. The lines are difficult to change after drawing, the text jumps along them and is difficult to read.
Rates:
1. Free version. One card and 4 images;
2. Premium package. The number of cards is unlimited. Premium can be purchased for 3, 6 or 12 months. Accordingly, $25, $35, $50.
My impressions
The design simply captivated me: bright, juicy, unusual. But the drawing process let us down. I want to align the line - instead the program draws me an additional branch. In general, if you get used to it, Mapul can become your favorite.
13. Mindomo
Features of Mindomo:
- Three accounts: teacher, businessman, student;
- 24 card templates available;
- Possibility of collaboration on the map by several users. When the map changes, notifications are sent to email;
- There is a backup option;
- Audio and video recordings, images, hyperlinks, icons, symbols are added;
- The priority of tasks is set, comments are added to blocks.
Rates:
Purchased for six months. All plans include an unlimited number of mind cards, backup to DropBox and Google. Disk, adding audio and video, password protection of cards, desktop version, synchronization between devices, 7 import formats.
1. Premium ($36). It has 8 export formats, 1 GB of memory, 1 user;
2. Professional ($90). It has 12 export formats, 5 GB of memory, 1 user;
3. Team ($162). It has 12 export formats, 15 GB of memory, 5 users.
My impressions
After working at Mindomo, there is some kind of pleasant aftertaste. Drawing is easy - just click on the button next to the block. Pictures are inserted easily and immediately into optimal size. I liked that you can make notes for each block in the form of simple text or lists - very convenient.
14. Coggle
Coggle Features:
- Tooltips on English language;
- A kind of management. New branches, for example, appear with a double click, a color scheme appears with a right-click;
- There is only one map in the free version;
- Export in PNG, PDF formats;
- Working together on a map. There is chat and comments;
- History of changes. The slider moves along the scale, returning the map to the desired editing segment;
- More than 1600 icons;
- A gallery of other people's maps is available;
- Synchronization with Google Drive, account required.
Rates:
1. Awesome. $5 per month or $50 per year. Unlimited number of cards, presentation mode, shared folders, high-resolution image uploading, wide choice of color schemes;
2. Organization (corporate). $8 per month. Added a separate workspace, consolidated billing, user and deadline management, and corporate identity.
My impressions
I didn't like the design at all. It’s not very difficult to understand the controls, the tips are nearby. Lines and blocks are easy to create and change direction. The slider for undoing changes to the map is a real lifesaver.
15. ConceptDraw MINDMAP
Features of ConceptDraw MINDMAP:
- Eat ready-made themes registration The design capabilities are standard: the size of the letters changes, the background of the text and the map itself is filled;
- The map is converted to a text list and vice versa;
- Hyperlinks, notes, icons, tags are added;
- Extensive presentation creation options;
- Maps are imported from Xmaind, FreeMaind, MindManager, Word, Power Point;
- Export to PDF, web pages, MindManager, Word, Power Point formats. You can export a checklist file with completed and uncompleted tasks;
- You can demonstrate presentations on Skype, post on Twitter, send by email and save in Evernote;
- In addition to maps, you can draw diagrams and various flowcharts, manage projects;
- By default, the map is saved on your computer in the “My Documents” folder.
Rates:
This program has complicated pricing. It depends on the number of users plus additional functions are taken into account. For $199 you will purchase the simplest version for 1 license, an upgrade for the program costs $99, a package for corporate use costs $299, and 10 licenses for educational purposes cost $638.
My impressions
There are many useful functions in the program. In addition to the service for creating mind maps, there is also a line of programs for creating business graphics and project management. In general, this is a huge set of tools specifically for business.
16. Popplet
Features of Popplet:
- Several users can work on one map simultaneously.
- You can draw in the cells, insert images and videos into them.
- The scale is adjustable.
- There are apps for iPad and iPhone.
- The map can be shared, printed, or converted to PNG or PDF.
- English interface.
Rates:
Using the service, you can create no more than 5 cards for free. Anything more requires a subscription, which costs $3 monthly.
My impressions
For me the interface is complicated. For example, I never found how to delete a cell, and I simply moved everything unnecessary out of the viewing area.
Monthly payment is convenient if the service is required due to some circumstances, and you do not plan to use it anymore. We used it for a couple of months and that’s it. If you need mind maps on a long-term basis, it is better to choose another service.
17.LOOPY
Features of LOOPY:
The service allows you to create “live” diagrams in which elements move between blocks. This allows us to illustrate some cyclical processes.
Rates:
The service is free, no registration required.
My impressions
Very few possibilities for card design. The main thing is that the maps turn out to be “live”; with their help it is convenient to depict dynamic processes. The resulting diagram can be inserted onto the website as an interactive element.
Let's compare
For convenience, I have prepared a comparison table of services for you. Click on the image below to download it.
We use
For drawing simple cards with daily plans, lists and ideas, these are good options:
- MindMeister
- MindManager
- MindMup
- Mind 42
- Wisemapping
- Comapping
- Mapul
The programs are easy to manage, everything necessary functions right at your fingertips.
Are you looking for a convenient tool for teamwork or strategic planning? Create presentations and assign tasks to the entire department using mind maps. Choose.
Mind maps. What do mind maps look like? What it is. Areas of application of mind maps. How to make a mind map. Rules for compiling mind maps.
What are mind maps?
This amazing and fascinating instrument has become fashionable and mass use not so long ago. The author and inventor of mind maps is Tony Buzan, a well-known figure in the field of learning psychology and intelligence development.
What are they?
A mind map is a special type of recording materials in the form radiant structure, that is, a structure emanating from the center to the edges, gradually branching into smaller parts. Mind maps can replace traditional text, tables, graphs and diagrams.
Why is writing in the form of a mind map more convenient and useful?
It's all about the peculiarities of our thinking. Our thinking is NOT organized like text, linearly. It has exactly this structure: branching, each concept in our head is connected to other concepts, these other concepts are connected to third ones, and so on ad infinitum.
This organization of material is called multidimensional, radiant. It is this structure that most organically reflects our real thinking.
Exactly the same on physical level Neurons in our brain connect: each neuron entangles a network of dendrites of other neurons, from one neuron along chains of connections we can move to another neuron. 
On the contrary, one has to wonder how a person can work and think linearly? After all, our brain is not designed for this at all.
Mind maps- most adequately reflects our real multidimensional radiant thinking. That is why it is more convenient to use compared to plain text. Mind maps allow you to better display the structure of the material, semantic and hierarchical connections, and show what relationships exist between the component parts.
Thanks to their structure, mind maps allow you to reveal your intellectual potential. And this is achieved through proper organization and through the work of both hemispheres of the brain. Indeed, in such a branching structure, both the right and left hemisphere brain.
A short video about how the mind map is connected to our thinking
Mind maps have one more wonderful effect. Due to its extensibility and adaptability to radiant thinking, the creation of mind maps contributes to the development flow of associations, thoughts, ideas.
As a rule, those who switch to using mind maps begin to notice how many ideas are formed in the course of their depiction; often there is not even enough space initially allocated for all the ideas.
That is why in our information age the use of mind maps in various areas of life becomes so relevant. 
Brief video: benefits of mind maps
How can you use mind maps?
They can be used almost everywhere, in different areas of life. Namely:
Mind maps at work
- create a common vision for the project
- create work plans
- plan events, budget
- prepare a plan for a speech or presentation
- decisions
- brainstorm
- generate ideas
- create motivation
- write goals
- prepare a negotiation plan
- organize thoughts and ideas
Mind maps in educational activities
- write down from books and by ear
- create plans for writing articles, books, abstracts, diplomas
- pass exams
- structure any material, which allows you to understand the essence, the author’s thought, and sort difficult material into shelves
- remember the meaning of the material. Mind maps are remembered many times easier than any text material
- write a series of interrelated hypotheses
Mind maps in everyday life
- use in structuring everyday tasks, household chores
- describe the advantages and disadvantages of planned purchases and acquisitions
- create your personal family tree
- describe the structure of a holiday or other event
- plan a vacation
Mind map from T. Buzan’s book “Super Thinking”
Creation: how to create a mind map?
Unfortunately, not everyone understands how to make a mind map correctly. After all, it is often precisely because of errors in its preparation and lack of understanding of the principles of its construction that we make only a rough sketch. But it turns out that the admitted inaccuracies affect the perception of this mind map so much that it seems ineffective and meaningless to us.
Therefore, let's look at the basic rules. Algorithm for creating a mind map:
1.
Take an unlined sheet of paper and place it landscape, that is, horizontally. It is this arrangement that is most convenient for depicting the radiant structure when compiling mind maps.
2.
Take several colored pencils, felt-tip pens, at least three or four colors. Using colors allows you to divide information into blocks or rank it by importance. All this facilitates the perception of information, improves the quality of memorization by preserving the visual image and actively connecting the right hemisphere.
3.
Write large and voluminous in the very center of the main topic. It is advisable to use large letters, and also to depict the main idea of the map schematically or with a drawing. Drawings and graphics further connect the resources of the right hemisphere, which promotes quick memorization of the compiled mind map 
4.
From the center make several branches, designate each of them keyword. Branches around central theme will be the largest, then as they branch, the branches will decrease. This division will visually indicate the hierarchy and relationships in the mind map.
5.
Continue branching large ideas into smaller ones as long as you need to. Each concept has associative connections with other concepts. Include the process of associative thinking. Then your card will begin to grow quickly. 
Greetings to all readers of the site. Ekaterina Kalmykova is with you as always. And I immediately have a question for you: do you systematize your thoughts and, if so, how? Do you have any way to bring order to 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.
Mind map concept
The example I drew is quite simple and clear. Usually the circuit looks much more branched, since it can fix great amount 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, complemented 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 efficient.
2. Super planners. They make it very easy to make a plan for the day, write a list of tasks, highlight the most important items, etc.
3. Storage of thoughts. Write down everything that comes to your mind when working with the map. Typically, your brain sends you interesting and useful information regarding the task or idea you are visualizing.
4. A wonderful reminder. Here one cannot help but recall the Russian proverb “what is written with a pen cannot be cut down with an ax.” What is included on the map will be difficult 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 scary to take on. But as soon as you start visualizing, everything falls into place. The entire mega project, like a ball, gradually unwinds, and an ordered map of sequential actions appears in front of you.
How to Create Mind Maps
I would highlight two ways to create mind maps: manual and software.
For manual method All you need to do is take a sheet of paper, preferably a landscape one, pens, pencils, markers.
Software method 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 correct your mind map, change something in it and you don’t have to redraw it completely.
It is also much more convenient to carry a mental map on an electronic medium rather than a landscape sheet. The disadvantage of working in the program is its stereotyped nature, limitations in drawing and visual expression of your thoughts.
Programs for creating mental maps
The programs listed below can easily be found on the Internet, but please note that they are both paid and free. Therefore, choose an assistant to your liking.
I will highlight the following:
— Mindmeister. You can see how to work in this program and examples of maps.
- FreeMind. I use this program quite often. It allows you to create a memory card quickly and easily. Read more about working in the program in the article.
Rules for creating mental maps
When creating mental maps, you need to follow a few simple rules.
- Use one mind map to express thoughts or ideas on one topic.
- It is best to place the sheet horizontally (whether it is a paper sheet or a sheet on a computer monitor), since this is how the human eye perceives information best. Remember how information is arranged on TV, on a chalkboard at school or on a monitor.
- 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, subgoals, points, sub-points, etc.
- It is advisable to highlight all connections different colors, use icons, symbols, pictures. This way you arrange everything visually using your associations. All graphic elements help to depict a clear mental map. It's important not to overdo it here. The map should simplify the perception of the information presented, and not vice versa. The mental map should be bright and expressive, but at the same time simple.
Where can you use the 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 goal is to develop or implement something. Various organizational events.
2. Projects in your personal life. Using mind maps you can plan a banquet, plan a vacation or go to the country))
3. To-do lists.
4. Organizational structures companies and organizations.
5. Design of website structure and program interfaces.
6. Structuring texts. Create content, a plan for the speech, and an agenda for the report.
7. Presentations in the form of a mind map.
8. Taking notes from the lecture
Mistakes when using mind maps
When you create a mind map for the first time, pay attention to the most common mistakes that arise when working:
- The mental map is too complex and highly branched. Such a map will only confuse rather than clarify everything.
- Same designs and colors for different branches.
- Lack of pictures and icons
- Ambiguity and chaos. All elements must be interconnected
In fact, I have been familiar with mental maps for a long time. I just didn’t know about the existence of certain programs and scientific concept. Always at the institute during lectures, in order to have time to write down and remember everything, I only drew circles, arrows, and figures that were understandable to me. These were my mind maps that helped me graduate from college with honors. Now, being no longer a student, I actively use mental maps in my daily work. I often use a mind map before writing a blog article.
Surely you use something similar?
I hope after reading the article you will be able to make mind mapping easier for yourself: choose the program that is most convenient for you to work with and go ahead!
And I also want to introduce you to the cool book by H. Muller “Drawing up mental maps. Method of generating and structuring ideas." A very interesting and useful book. Download, study and put into practice! Download HERE!
Don’t forget: the best thank you to me is a repost of the article :)
Sincerely, Ekaterina Kalmykova
