Mind maps are one of the best tools available for learning new topics and brainstorming ideas. You can learn in a few minutes what would have taken you hours through traditional studying systems.

I’ve successfully used mind maps for studying advanced programming topics, getting articles ideas, and everyday things like making the grocery list. Even this article was sketched using a mind map.

What mind maps are, and why they work

In simple terms, a mind map is a diagram made of words and images arranged around a central concept or idea.

The reason mind maps work so well is that they allow you to express your ideas better through the use of images and connections.

It is said that images are worth thousands of words. I’d also say that connecting ideas through images and word is the essence of learning. After all, that’s how our brain works internally.

It’s unfortunate that our brain still thinks that we are living in the savana with tigers and lions as our neighborhood, but that’s one of the reasons why using images for learning is so effective. Our brain uses more resources for remembering images and connections because that’s how we evolved.

Next time you’re trying to remember something, try drawing a tiger aside, and see if it helps.
 

Different mind maps, different purposes

Before talking about how to create your own mind maps, I’d like to show you a few scenarios where mind maps are currently being used successfully.

organizing ideas

Mind maps are a tremendous tool for organizing your ideas or other people’s ideas. They also force you to find connections between elements and thus reinforcing your learning.

remembering things

Remembering things is probably the most common use of mind maps. From studying difficult topics to remembering dates and rules, mind maps can definitely help with that.

P.S. I also suggest the use of supermemo if you are trying to memorize lots of things like a foreign language.

brainstorming ideas

I often use mind maps for brainstorming article ideas or even business ideas. Every time you draw a new connection it’s a challenge for my brain to come up with new ideas.

teaching

Teaching is also an area where mind maps are effective, as drawing images and connections is usually more interesting than using simple words from a student perspective.

making choices

Mind maps can be useful for making choices and brainstorming different scenarios.

How to create your own mind maps

Making mind maps is easy and everyone can do it. Below are some tips for getting you started.

  • Start from a central image. Every mind map should start from a central idea or concept. The central image is the most important part of your mind map, and it’s worth spending some time on it
  • Use images. Images can be remembered better than words. Use them as much as possible but make sure the intention is clear.
  • Use colors. After images, colors are another great way to build emotions and create visual hierarchy.
  • Use different styles. bold, italic, underline are al styles that you can use to reinforce your concepts.
  • Use associations and hierarchy. The greatest benefits of mind maps is that you can use visual structures, so use them.
  • Make art. Even if you think that you cannot draw, try to make your mind maps as beautiful as possible.

To reinforce your learning even more, you can redraw your mind maps at regular intervals. For example you can redraw them after 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 1 month, and so on.

Mind maps examples

Below are some examples of beautiful mind maps that you can use for inspiration.

I welcome any question or clarification in the comments.

Further reading

Wikipedia entry on mind maps

The Mind Map Book