Mind Map Techniques, free toools and guideliness by Tony Buzan

Mind Map is a graphical method that makes use of keywords, symbols and pictures to associate and link list of free ideas to take notes in a hierarchical or tree branch format where ideas are branched in to their subsections and helps one to think and learn fast. 

Generally it  is created around a single word placed in the center to which associated list of ideas are added.

These are very helpful as it is provides an efficient way in storing new information or skills and helps in retrieving those very fast.

Taking Notes using Mind Map Technique:

 Generally the Question raised in the Minds of the Students. One need to develop the skills in taking Notes which proves to be very useful in preparing exams that also avoids or eliminates the process of reviewing the concepts right from the scratch. Also Taking Notes using Traditional methods is very boring, time consuming and hard to remember. But taking notes using this method benefits you a lot and  saves your precious time because it is easy to read and review the entire syllabus or concepts, also at the same provides you a scope to concentrate only on relevant key words.Also make use of very popular note taking method by name Cornell Notes.

Mind Maps are used in Brainstorming approach, planning, Group Thinking, Etc,.

Mind Mapping Software:

iMindMap, MindManager, MindMapper, MindView,  XMind Pro, etc,.

iMindMap is software that uses Tony Buzan’s brand of Mind Mapping methods to create maps for creative thinking, brainstorming, organising, planning and delivering presentations,project management.

MindMapper is a Microsoft Windows-based visual mapping program developed by SimTech Systems, which allows users to create mind maps, flowcharts and Gantt Charts,concept maps,organizational charts, process maps and Ishikawa diagrams.

XMind is a brainstorming and mind mapping software tool developed by XMind Ltd. of Hong Kong, which assists users in capturing ideas and in organizing charts and helps them to share. 

It supports mind maps,tree diagrams,spreadsheetsIshikawa diagrams (also called fishbone diagrams or cause-and-effect diagrams) and organization charts. Xmind is also used for knowledge management, task management, meeting minutes and GTD(Getting Things Done is a time-management method).

MindView is a computer program, developed and distributed by MatchWare.,used by profesionals.

Mind map guidelines:

Anthony "Tony" Peter Buzan was on born 2 June 1942 is an English author and educational consultant. He is a proponent of the techniques of Mind Mapping and mental literacy.

Guidelines for creating mind maps by Tony Buzan:

One can create a free mind map related to the situation for easy understanding. Below are some of the steps one need to follow for creating free mind map.

    1. Start in the center with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colors.

    2. Make Use of images, symbols, codes, and dimensions in mind map.

    3. Select right key words and print them using Upper or Lower case letters.

    4. Each word/image is should sit on its own line.

    5. From the central image only the lines should be connected. The central lines are thicker, organic and thinner.

    6. The lines should be of same length as the word/image they are supporting.

    7. Make Use of multiple colors throughout the mind map.

    8. Always try to Develop your mind map which reflects your own personal style.

    9. Show associations in your mind map.

   10. Make use of  radial hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches to Keep the mind map very clear.

Tony Buzan Quotes:

1. Learning how to learn is life's most important Skills.

2. My Goal and the goal of the Buzan Group is the creation of a mentally Literate planet; one in which every human being is fully aware of the physical and behavioural alphabets of our human brain.

3. If you are looking for a short-cut to improving your performance at work, try a Mind Map.

4. A common Pitfall on the path of excellence is an overemphasis on comparing our Progress with others. While competition can be a tremendous tool for stretching ourselves to new heights, too often it causes a lack of perspective. This loss of perspective can often be traced to the following cycle: losing becomes associated with failure, and failure with the loss of self-esteem.

This article on free mind map written  to improve your skills by Veera Ranganath. 

  

 Image Courtesy:

1.  http://www.mind-mapping.co.uk/_images/_Images/ADVICE-AND-INFORMATION/How-to-MindMap-imindmap.jpg

2. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/MindMapGuidlines.svg/640px-MindMapGuidlines.svg.png