Mind Maps, what are they and how to create them

A revolutionary note-taking method by tony buzan

To better understand what a mind map is, we need to start from its origins, or rather from its creator: the psychologist Tony Buzan, who dedicated his life to researching learning methodologies by studying memory, speed reading, and intelligence development. Buzan introduced mind maps in the 1960s as a "note-taking method" and created a real model of a mind map with its specific characteristics. To do so, he meticulously studied great geniuses of the past – such as, for example, Leonardo Da Vinci. Buzan discovered that their notes contained concepts connected to each other through associations of thought and drawings. We can define these as "the ancestors of mind maps".

A mind map is a tool that graphically represents thought, allowing any topic to be simplified not only in a hierarchical way (from the main news to the secondary one and so on) but also in an associative way (using keywords, thus making the map text-poor).

The dominant characteristic of a mind map is creativity: through images, drawings, and the use of many colors, learning is personalized and fun for the student, breaking down the topic in a way that facilitates memorization. Like the concept map, from which it differs in many aspects, it allows for a tailor-made study for the student.

Understanding the key differences and how to create an effective concept map

Erroneously one might think that mind maps and concept maps are the same thing. The two types of maps are often confused, although in reality they differ in many aspects. If you are interested in how to create an effective concept map, you can find a guide on our blog.

Starting from the structure of concepts, the concept map (graphically identified as an inverted tree) uses a hierarchical and schematic order, so it starts from the main idea and descends to insert secondary ideas; the mind map, on the other hand, has a radial and more dynamic structure. In mind maps we find the main topic in the center and the various concepts that branch out following an emotional and imaginative association, not only hierarchical, letting them branch out.

The customization of the concept map is less and is based more on associating colors with various concepts (e.g. green for main ideas, pink for secondary ones) and on moderate use of images. In the concept map, the focus is more on the hierarchical order of key concepts. The mind map, on the other hand, is by construction a veritable explosion of drawings that extend the concepts entered, of colors that can be both contrasting and harmonious with each other, used to the maximum because there is no rational identification but only emotional (e.g. the keyword is love and the color I decide to associate is red).

Brevity is a characteristic that both types of maps share, but while in concept maps it is common to also use a short sentence, in mind maps the keywords reign supreme, those will be enough to associate the notion that is being inserted.

In conclusion, according to the same inventor Tony Buzan, mind maps allow a collaboration between the two hemispheres of the brain.

A visual representation of thought and neurons for personalized learning and memorization

Buzan defined the mind map as a "visual representation of thought". The reticular structure of the mind map is identical to that of neurons, therefore the mind map is structurally identical to the process of creating thoughts in humans, especially because it relies on the process of free association of the mind. This last point is the key advantage of the mind map because it makes the topic even more personal and effective for memorization. In addition, it allows for the development of creativity and stimulates the student by encouraging new solutions for learning, simplifying, and consolidating concepts.

Mind maps can be used in any context due to their versatile nature; in the school environment, they see their greatest expression because they help students in memorizing topics that, year after year, become increasingly complex and require simplification and a more personal understanding. It is useful to highlight that mind maps, like concept maps, are identified as an effective method for students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) and Special Educational Needs (SEN) due to their characteristics, which are: stimulation of the visual channel, synthesis, and customization adapted to the student.

Guidelines for building effective and tailored maps

If you are convinced that this could be your ideal method to break down any type of topic you encounter, there are some guidelines to keep in mind to build an effective and tailored mind map!

Use a landscape sheet and place the main topic in the center of your map from which you will start. It doesn't necessarily have to be a word, you can also use a drawing or an image that represents it. Once you have identified the main topic, start thinking associatively. 

What comes to mind when you hear that word or when you think about that topic? What you will think of first will define the first key concepts, those from which your mind map will branch out. Usually, these are maximum seven and should be connected to the word or drawing placed in the center like curved branches that tend outward. Each concept will then have a child branch that will develop in the map.

This will be the process that characterizes your map, no matter how "absurd" the associations may seem because, in reality, you will only be expressing what are the natural connections of your brain. 

The ultimate digital tool for colorful concept maps and image integration

1. Fill the concept map with colors, it will help you highlight the keywords you have used.
2. Use as many images as possible related to the keywords: accompanying concepts with images will make it easier to remember!
3. There is no limit to the mind map, stop when you can no longer come up with associations between concepts. That will be the sign that your map is complete.
   

Although the old method of white paper and pencil is the most used and exploited by students, the use of digital technologies as a support for students is becoming more and more widespread, especially in recent years due to the pandemic. Buzan himself believed in this principle, so much so as to create software capable of generating mind maps.

Algor Maps, the web app within the Algor Education platform, comes to the rescue of creating mind maps by making the process simple, automatic and customizable. Through the "star layout" option, it is possible to generate a perfect mind map, with bright colors, inserting images, all always editable. In addition, to make the process fast, it is also possible to create maps from digital books and, with the new automatic map function, create concept maps with Algor's automatic suggestions starting from a text or a simple sentence.

To start creating mind maps, register and log in to Algor Education.

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Article by Rosie Spiniello, content creator.