Mind Maps And Boosting Creativity
January 23, 2007 by Editor
Filed under Creativity, Imagination, Learning, Performance
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Mind maps are tools for thinking - diagrams that represent ideas linked and arranged radially around a central key word or idea. They use pictures instead of words, radial branches instead of linear lists and as a result you think different.
Most people think in a linear fashion from point A to point B and so on. Conversations tend to progress along these lines. A linear thinker like this will prioritize thoughts by how far they are removed from a given point. If we are discussing “A”, then “B” is obviously more closely related than “D”.
Mind Mapping does not have this linear pattern of organization. Imagine a group of concentric circles with a series of spokes, or radials, going out from the center. In this arrangement, point “A”, the center, might be as close to point “B” as it is to point “X”, or “Y” or for that matter “Z”. This can result in some very creative problem solving skills.
Similar concepts of image-centered radial graphic organization techniques have been around for centuries used by educators, engineers and psychologist. It has been made popular in recent modern times by psychologist, Tony Buzan, who suggest the following guidelines for constructing a mind map.
1. Start with a central image or theme. Draw the main topic in the middle of the page for maximum space. This will allow for other ideas to radiate from the center.
2. Draw quickly without judging or editing. By editing, you are encouraging linear thinking and the idea of mind mapping is to think creatively and in a non-linear manner. There will be plenty of time for editing the information later, but at this stage it’s important to get every possibility into the mind map.
3. Look for relationships to connect the central idea. Personalize your mind map by using colors, arrows, branches and your own symbols to represent visual and meaningful relationships between ideas which will help your recall and understanding.
Some claim the mind map is a far superior method of taking notes and that mapping takes full advantage of the left / right brain hemispheres. I know I’ve used it on several occasions in my writing and can attest to the fact, it does assist in getting the juices flowing. I’ve also heard this technique has been successfully used in corporate brainstorming exercises. Whatever its success, you won’t know how it may help you unless you give it a try.
For additional information, check out “The Art of Visualization” post at the “How to Change the World”.
