August 22, 2024
How to Mind Map – Step by Step
You can create a Mind Map in one of two ways, 1) drawing it by hand or, 2) generating it on a computer using a bespoke software tool such as Ayoa.
While there are no ‘fixed’ rules for Mind Mapping, the following guidelines are designed to make full use of the natural expression of the human brain, utilising all the key elements discussed in this chapter. Before you begin, take a moment to focus on your core question, goal or challenge. Then, get creating!
Step 1) Start with a central image
In the centre of a blank sheet of paper create a colourful picture which represents the main subject or theme of the Mind Map. Try using at least three colours to focus the mind, attract attention and stimulate associations. For instance, if you’re creating a Mind Map for career development, you might draw a picture of your ideal vocation or workplace, or anything that represents success and advancement.
Step 2) Connect the main topics
Next draw thick, organic, flowing lines branching out from the central image. These are your main branches. Allocate one for each of the main topics or ideas that relate to your theme and make sure they are each given a different colour to aid organisation. The branches can start out thick and become thinner as they radiate outwards.
Step 3) Use key words to label branches
Print key words onto each main branch to convey your topics potently and succinctly. For example, each main branch of your career development map might represent key career-related topics such as your skills, lifestyle, opportunities, interests, strengths, weaknesses and so on. Ideally the word or image should be the same length as the branch it sits on. Leaving ‘empty’ length at the end of a branch can disconnect the flow of the thought process.
Step 4) Connect sub-topic branches
Next, draw thinner lines off the end of the main branches. These will reflect your sub-topics and supporting information, and will flow naturally from the main topics. Continue to branch out with progressively thinner branches, adding more detail and associations as you see fit. As an example, under the ‘Skills’ main branch, you might have the following branches: Individual, Team and Practical. Under the ‘Individual’ sub-branch, you could explore further to identify the following third level branches: Technical, Motivation and Social.
Step 5) Use images, symbols and colour where possible
Try to use images as much as you can throughout your Mind Map. Where possible, use them instead of key words on branches to add visual impact to specific topics and imprint your thoughts. If you find it difficult to draw images, use patterns or shapes in your words. Also, add symbols, colour or codes for extra meaning.
Step 6) Show relationships within your map
Once all your ideas are displayed in Mind Map form, it becomes easier to identify patterns and linkages between information in different parts of the map. Use relationship arrows to visually show how these different topics connect with each other. The arrows automatically guide your eye and give spatial direction to your thoughts.
Step 7) Highlight important topics
Adding highlights or boundaries in the form of clouds or other outlines can make specific topics or ideas ‘stand out’ visually against the rest of its content. This makes them easier to remember and communicate to others. Our short-term memory is on average only capable of storing seven items of information and so ‘chunking’ information in this way can help us use this storage space more effectively. Simply surround a topic branch and/or its sub-branches with an enclosed shape, ideally containing a different background colour.
When you’re first learning to Mind Map, it’s a good idea to stick to these guidelines as much as possible as they provide a reliable and consistent framework for your thinking. Once you’re comfortable with the process, feel free to experiment and develop your own personal style to make your maps more meaningful. Above all, remember to have fun! Taking enjoyment from the activity has a hugely positive impact on your overall outcome.
Chris Griffiths
Chris Griffiths, is a bestselling author with decades of experience in the areas of creativity, metacognition and innovation. His books have been published in over 20 languages and his previous title ‘The Creative Thinking Handbook’ was selected by Forbes as one of the best books to “get your creative juices flowing” and named the #1 business book for inspiring innovation by CEO Today. He is an advocate of using technology to improve thinking, and his latest app, Ayoa.com, is used by millions worldwide.