Tips for making and reading mind maps

Here are tips from Vanda North and Tony Buzan as mentioned in their book Get Ahead, Mind Map Your Way to Success.

To read the mind map:

1. Start in the center, that is the focus of the mind map.

2. Read the "key words" which connect to the central image. They are equivalent to chapter headings, and give you the main themes or topics of the mind map.

3. Read out from the center on each branch.

4. Note any links between the branches.

To make the mind map:

1. Take a blank piece of paper measuring roughly 23 by 21 centimeters. The blank paper allows 360 degree freedom to express the full range of your cortical skills, whereas pre-dawn lines restrict the natural flow of your thoughts.

2. Use the paper landscape to give the words and images more lateral space, so they do not bump into the margins as quickly.

3. Start in the center.

4. Make a central image that personally represents the topic about which you are writing or thinking because "a picture is worth a thousand words".

- Use at least three colors in the image to stimulate the right cortical activity of imagination as well as capturing and holding attention.

- Keep the height and width of the central image to approximately 5cm, as it leaves plenty of space for the rest of your mind map.

- Leave the image open (do not use a frame) as a frame gives the center a monotonous shape. A free image is more memorable and enjoyable.

5. The main themes around the central image are like the chapter headings of a book.

- The word is printed because printing (versus joined up writing) allows the brain to photograph the image and thus allows for easier reading and more immediate recall.

- Place on a line of the same length, as an extra line disconnects thoughts, whereas the same length accentuates the connection.

- The central lines are thick, curved and organic. Curved lines give visual rhythm and variety and so are easier to remember.

- Connect directly to the central image because the brain works by association, not by separate disconnected lists.

6. Add other main theme branches by imaging other "chapter headings".

7. Start to add a second level of thought.

- These words or images are linked to the main branch that triggered them. Your initial words and images stimulate associations.

- Attach those words to whatever word or image triggered them.

- Allow the random movement of your thought - you do not have to finish one branch before moving on. Remember that lines connect and are thinner in order to create relationships and a structure. They also demonstrate the level of importance. Words are printed but may be lower case.

8. Add a third and fourth level of data, as thoughts come to you. Use images as much as you can. Allow your thoughts to come freely.

9. Add dimension to your mind map. Box and add depth around the word or image to make important points stand out.

10. Sometimes enclose branches of a mind map with outlines in colors, hug the shape of the branch. The outlines will create unique shapes and will aid your memory.

- Use different colors and styles and arrows and codes between pieces of information to show connections.

11. Make each mind map a little more beautiful, artistic, colorful, imaginative and dimensional so that your eye/brain will be attracted to your mind map.

12. Have fun by adding a little humor, exaggeration or absurdity wherever you can. Your brain will delight in getting the maximum enjoyment from this process, and will learn faster and recall more effectively. Studying becomes much more enjoyable.