Mind maps are diagrams used to visually organise information hierarchically. Mind maps are created around a single concept or image at the centre of a blank page or canvas. Major ideas directly branch from this central point with further ideas and detail branching off from those levels. Mind maps are purposefully colourful and work well when combined with imagery to represent ideas, concepts or information. The non-linear but hierarchical approach of mind maps makes them an excellent way to organise your ideas, plan an essay, make notes for a lecture or revise content.

Mind maps can be drawn by hand on paper. While the photo below shows this within an A4 notebook, you can also make much larger maps on flip chart paper or wallpaper to tackle more complicated ideas.

(1)

Creating a mind map

Tony Buzan, an educational consultant first popularised mind mapping as part of his work on mental literacies. He has published many books focusing on mind mapping, suggesting a few rules to ensure it is effective:

Start with a central image to represent your topic or subject. When looking at the map, this central image will be the subject of attention.
From the central image, create branches for each of your key concepts or ideas. The branches should flow out of the diagram, from thick lines to thin. These lines should only be as long as the key concept or idea which should sit on top of the line or within it.
From these key concepts or ideas, continue to branch out into second-level and third-level branches. These should flow from the main branches and move from thick to thin. The lines should only be as long as the works that sit on top of them.

(Buzan, 2014)

In addition to these principles you should consider:

Using images and symbols to demonstrate your ideas.
Highlighting keywords with capitals, boldness or colour
Using multiple colours in the map

1000px-MindMapGuidlines.svg.png (2)

If you want more information about mind mapping from Tony Buzan visit his www.thinkbuzan.com page for more information.

Using software

As you can see from the summary image above, it is possible to use software to make mind maps. University of Hull computers have Inspiration and MindView installed so you can make digital patterned notes on campus computers. Inspiration and MindView are not available for your own computer without purchase. If you're looking for a free tool for your own computer, check out FreeMind for PC or Mac. Web-based tools like WiseMapping are also available.

The Skills Team do not support these mind map software packages, but the videos below will help you get started:

MindView 6: Quickstart guide

FreeMind: Quickstart guide

WiseMapping: Tutorial

References

^{Buzan, T. (2014) Mind Maps for Business, Using the ultimate thinking tool to revolutionise how you work, 2nd Edition. Harlow: Pearson.}

Images

^{(1) Mindmap by Graham Burnett (CC BY-SA 3.0) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map#/media/File:Mindmap.gif}

^{(2) Mindmap by Nicoguaro (CC BY-SA 3.0) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MindMapGuidlines.svg}

^{Header image by Lee Fallin: http://leefallin.co.uk/2016/12/sausages-evidence-and-policy-making-the-role-for-universities/}