t information and ideas that one can utilize. Our brains think in unique and exponential ways. Each and every piece of information is best studied and memorized through a structured process of learning that assimilates each chunk of information in the most effective and efficient manner that naturally mimics the brain’s cognitive thinking patterns. Within this branch of the IQ Matrix we will discuss some of these types of maps and their purpose. We will also delve into the computer generated and hand drawn methods of Mind Mapping that you can utilize on a daily basis.
The following is a quick break down of 7 unique mapping types that can be utilized to effectively represent the information. How you apply these maps will vary in accordance to the structure of the information you are learning, and upon your purpose, objectives and goals.
- Cyclical Maps
Are used to represent key terms within stages in a cyclic process.
- Radial Maps
Are Mind Map type structures with sub-topics radiating from a central image or word.
- Converging Maps
Are used to represent causes that lead to a single effect.
- Hierarchical Maps
Are used to represent key terms as smaller and smaller parts of a larger topic.
- Interacting Maps
Are Concept Map type structures that interlink with each other in a variety of ways.
- Comparison Maps
Are used to compare two or more things with each other. The central interlocking part represents the object’s shared components or characteristics.
- Linear Maps
Are Flowchart type structures that represent linear stages of a process that has a beginning and an ending.
Benefits of mind mapping
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Common mistakes that you should try to avoid.
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So, where the tips to produce effective visual mind maps?
However I’ve lost count of the number of people who tell me that they were first introduced to Mind Maps in two minutes on some course or other and that as a result they just didn’t “get it”. That is a real shame, because, although they are easy to use, a few guidelines and directed practice means that people get far more benefits from the technique. The following suggestions may help to increase effectiveness when you making a mind map.
- Just focus
Start your session in a quiet, light environment where you will not be disturbed until you are finished. If you are doing your mind map on your computer, turn off your chatting client (YM!, gTalk, MSN), email, social media such as Facebook and Twitter, and everything else that you have running except the mind mapping software. It is too easy to “take a small break” that turns out to waste 30 minutes. If you are using paper, make sure your desk is clear, except for the paper and your writing materials.
- Start with good question or idea.
Think about what you want to accomplish during your session, and start with an idea that is precisely defined, so it will help you work towards your goal.
- Write down every thought or idea that comes to you.
Do not judge your ideas too heavily before you put them down, because you may change your mind later and regret throwing them out.
- Set your goals, but feel free to deviate from it.
As your brainstorm grows, follow your creativity and expand it however you like. Don’t feel constrained by that bubble in the middle, because it is only there as a starting point.
- Leave yourself enough room to expand.
Don’t expect to fit everything onto one piece of paper. Make sure you have extra paper, and draw your branches generously far apart, so you have room to expand on ideas. Obviously this does not apply to brainstorming software on your computer, as you can move stuff around easily. Color code, doodle, scratch out and do whatever else you want to your brainstorm, if it will help you get a better understanding of it. Again, you don’t have to be neat and tidy. Think of your brainstorm as art, and ac