Thursday, September 23

Mindmapping -organise it !


Following a suggestion on the forum about using CMAP software to map out our PLE and after watching the video of Mr. Mindmap (Tony Buzan) what became clearer was the link between how our minds function and the structure of a mindmap which I'd never linked before.  Sure, mindmaps organise our thoughts but why are specific shapes and lines used ?
  1. Mindmaps reflect the processes of the mind.
  2. They should be curvilinear. The brain thinks centrally and explodes out by association. Association = connections = memory = thinking
  3. Start in the centre and connect the branches using curved tapered lines as the brain is organic and free flowing . Straight lines = rigidity
  4. Use one word per branch, so the ideas have the freedom to radiate out
  5. The length of the branch should be the length of the word to ensure the meeting points are very close and therefore connected 
  6. Incorporation of colour aids the memory
  7. Use images and keywords- Buzan claims "all the great geniuses did that" which is highly subjective and a gross generalisation, however if it was good enough for Leonardo, Darwin and Beethoven why shouldn't it be good enough for Mr. or Ms. Average. Buzan calls mindmaps a'genius tool' and why wouldn't he ? Should we understand by inference that as he is the inventor, it follows that .............
 Interestingly, I'm still looking for 'free' mapping software which ticks all Buzan's boxes. Buzan's choice (iMind) costs $99 for the basic version.

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