Mind map: Difference between revisions
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== Definition == | == Definition == | ||
A ''Mind map'' is a kind of [[concept map]] or more generally speaking a [[visualization]] that arranges items around a central idea. | A ''Mind map'' is a kind of [[concept map]] or more generally speaking a [[visualization]] that arranges items around a central idea. | ||
* {{quotation|A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks or other items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea. It is used to generate, visualize, structure and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.}} ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map Wikipedia, retrieved 13: | * {{quotation|A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks or other items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea. It is used to generate, visualize, structure and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.}} ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map Wikipedia, retrieved 13:28, 18 August 2007 (MEST)] | ||
Mind maps were made popular by Tony Buzan, who was the first to publish extensive guidelines. | According to [http://www.mindmapping.com/ Mindmapping.com], retrieved 09:09, 15 January 2010 (UTC), a typical mind map has the the following characteristics: | ||
* The main idea, subject or focus is crystallized in a central image. | |||
* The main themes radiate from the central image as 'branches'. | |||
* The branches comprise a key image or key word drawn or printed on its associated line. | |||
* Topics of lesser importance are represented as 'twigs' of the relevant branch. | |||
* The branches form a connected nodal structure. | |||
Mind maps were made popular by Tony Buzan, who was the first to publish extensive guidelines. There exist other simple hierarchical [[concept map]]s, however the term "mind map" is used loosely by many people for naming any kind of more hierarchical diagram that connects sub-elements to elements. WikIT has a [http://www.informationtamers.com/WikIT/index.php?title=Mind_maps discussion] about the various types of mind map as well as describing [http://www.informationtamers.com/WikIT/index.php?title=Concept_maps_or_mind_maps%3F_the_choice what to consider] when choosing between mind maps and concept maps. | |||
== Design guidelines == | == Design guidelines == | ||
According to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map | According to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map Wikipedia] (, retrieved 13:28, 18 August 2007 (MEST)), Buzan (1991) suggests the following desing guidelines for structuring a Mind Map: | ||
{{quotationbox| | {{quotationbox| | ||
#Start in the center with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colors. | #Start in the center with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colors. | ||
Line 24: | Line 32: | ||
Danny Stevens made this mind map of the mind map guidelines: | Danny Stevens made this mind map of the mind map guidelines: | ||
[[image:MindMapGuidlines.jpg|frame|none|Danny Stevens, Mind map of mind map guidelines, Copyright: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_Free_Documentation_License GFDL]]] | [[image:MindMapGuidlines.jpg|frame|none|Danny Stevens, Mind map of mind map guidelines, Copyright: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_Free_Documentation_License GFDL]]] | ||
== Uses and usefulness == | |||
According to [http://www.peterrussell.com/MindMaps/Uses.php Peter Russel], mind maps can be used for: | |||
* Note taking | |||
* Improving recall, since it connects somewhat ideas | |||
* Creativity, since it favors non-linear thinking and each node could be expanded as a new mind map | |||
* Problem solving, because one can quickly produce all the issues in order to get a hierarchical overview and also how issues relate to each other (although the later statement could be challenged) | |||
* Planning (including task analysis), since one can nail down all relevant information in one place. | |||
* Presentations | |||
Some claims made by the map mind community are very controversail, in particular the ones that relate cognition. As far as we know, serious studies only show that mind mapping vs. "no method" can provide some little gains, e.g. Farrand (2002). Use of mind maps as cognitive tool to support certain tasks on the other hand seems to be well accepted, e.g. to brainstorm, to decompose a concept or problem situation or to plan certain activities like (writing, smaller projects). | |||
=== In education === | |||
(needs to be written) | |||
Mind maps are popular in class-room teaching at all levels. Some popular use cases are: | |||
* [[note taking]] | |||
* brain storming (to detect dimensions of a problem/concept) | |||
* planning (for little papers, class projects, etc.) | |||
== Software == | == Software == | ||
There are loads of mind mapping and concept mapping software and I don't have time to sort them out. Rather check out Wikipedia's good [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mind_Mapping_software | There are loads of mind mapping and concept mapping software and I don't have time to sort them out. Rather check out Wikipedia's good [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mind_Mapping_software list of mind mapping software] or [http://www.mind-mapping.org/ mindmapping.org]. See also the [[concept map]] article, since many mind map systems also allow to create concept maps (e.g. labeled arcs) | ||
=== Desktop === | |||
; Commercial | ; Commercial including some that have a basic free version. | ||
* [http://www.mindjet.com/ MindManger from MindJet] (between $80 and $300) | * [http://www.mindjet.com/ MindManger from MindJet] (between $80 and $300) | ||
* [http://www.matchware.com/en/products/mindview/ MindView] 3 and 3 Business | |||
* [http://www.thebrain.com/ PersonalBrain] (multi platform, limited free edition, includes a presentation mode) | |||
* [http://www.edrawsoft.com/freemind.php Edraw Mindmap] (Basic version is free). | |||
; Free (open source or not) software | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FreeMind FreeMind], multiplaform (Java based). Good XHTML export. There also is an [http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Embedded_Mind_Maps embedding extension] for MediaWikis (we should try this sometimes) plus a browser application (in flash). | |||
* [http://sourceforge.net/projects/freeplane/ FreePlane], a fork of FreeMind with excellent extra features. | |||
* [http://www.sciplore.org/software/sciplore_mindmapping/ SciPlore MindMapping] is another FreeMind fork (and compatible). It {{quotation|is the first mind mapping tool focusing on researchers’ needs by integrating mind mapping with reference and pdf management.}} (retrieved 1/2010). | |||
* [http://www.insilmaril.de/vym/ VYM (View Your Mind)]. Free (Linux, MacOS) as of 1/2010. | |||
=== Mobile === | |||
; Web-based applications | ; Commercial iPad Apps | ||
* [http://www.ithoughts.co.uk/iThoughtsHD/Welcome.html iThoughtsHD] ($10) is a fully featured mindmapping software (good price/performance ratio). Can import/export from most popular applications including freeware like Freemind and Freeplane. | |||
; Free iPad/iPhone | |||
* [http://www.mindjet.com/ Mindjet] (free) is an iPad/iPhone version of the popular "MindManager" application and online service. Can synchronize with the online app. | |||
; Free Android | |||
* [http://www.thinkingspace.net/ ThinkingSpace]. Can read Freemind maps. Commercial version has extra features | |||
* [http://www.appbrain.com/app/mind-map-memo/com.takahicorp.MindMap Mind Map Memo]. Includes advertisements. There is also a cheap commercial version. | |||
=== Web based === | |||
; (Somewhat or totally) free Web-based applications | |||
You might find more in our incomplete [[list of web 2.0 applications]]. These service usually allow you draw a limited amount of mind maps for free. Best to try these, before you install something on your computer. | You might find more in our incomplete [[list of web 2.0 applications]]. These service usually allow you draw a limited amount of mind maps for free. Best to try these, before you install something on your computer. | ||
* [http://www.mindmeister.com | * [http://www.mindmeister.com Mindmeister] | ||
* [http://www.bubbl.us/ bubbl.us] | * [http://www.bubbl.us/ bubbl.us] | ||
* [http://www.mindomo.com/ Mindomo] | * [http://www.mindomo.com/ Mindomo] | ||
* [http://www.text2mindmap.com/ Tex2Mindmap] (automatic generation from text input) | |||
* [http://www.wisemapping.com/ Wise Mapping] | |||
* [http://dropmind.com/ DropMind] (exists both as free web application and desktop application) | |||
; Commercial web applications | |||
* [http://www.meadmap.com/ MeadMap] | |||
* [http://www.mapul.com/ Mapul] | |||
* [http://www.comapping.com/ CoMapping] | |||
== Links == | == Links == | ||
; Mind map Web sites | ; Mind map Web sites and Software indexes | ||
(check these for more links than we have here) | |||
* [http://www.informationtamers.com/WikIT/index.php?title=Free_mind_mapping_%28and_related_types%29_software Free mind mapping (and related types) software] | |||
* [http://www.mind-mapping.org/ Mind-mapping.org] Software for mindmapping and information organisation. | * [http://www.mind-mapping.org/ Mind-mapping.org] Software for mindmapping and information organisation. | ||
* [http://www.associatesdegree.com/2009/07/27/50-useful-mind-mapping-tools-for-college-students/ 50 Useful Mind-Mapping Tools for College Students] Jul/2009. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mind_Mapping_software List of mind mapping software] (Wikipedia) | |||
* [http://www.lifehack.org/articles/technology/11-free-mind-mapping-applications-web-services.html 11 Free Mind Mapping Applications & Web Services], Lifehack, Sept. 2008. | |||
* [http:// | * [http://www.peterrussell.com/MindMaps/MMSoft.php Mind Map Software] by Peter Russel (author of the "The Brain book"). | ||
* [http://www.mindmapinspiration.com/ Mind Map inspiration] by Paul Foreman offer example Mind Maps for inspiration and motivation, plus mindmapping tips, drawing tips, techniques for enhancing your creativity and improving idea generation. | |||
* [http://spyrestudios.com/15-great-mindmapping-tools-and-apps/ 15 Great Mindmapping Tools and Apps] at spyrestudios, 2011. | |||
; | ; (somewhat and totally) free mind maps | ||
* [http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Mind_Map_Gallery Freemind Gallery] Free maps that work with Freemind and Freeplane) | |||
* [http://www.topicscape.com/mindmaps/ Mindmaps directory] from Topicscape (includes also different kinds of concept maps) | * [http://www.topicscape.com/mindmaps/ Mindmaps directory] from Topicscape (includes also different kinds of concept maps) | ||
* [http://mappio.com/ Mappio] Mind Map Library. 1000s of... | |||
* [http://www.biggerplate.com/ Biggerplate] (MindManager only, but a free viewer is available in principle) | |||
; Online | ; Online map applications | ||
* [http://www.wikimindmap.org/ Wikimindmap.org] allows to visualize relationships between wikipedia pages. | * [http://www.wikimindmap.org/ Wikimindmap.org] allows to visualize relationships between wikipedia pages. (This tool is now open source, DKS 1/2010) | ||
* A simpler SVG tool is available to your left in the toolbox. | * A simpler SVG tool is available to your left in the toolbox. | ||
; Introductions | ; Introductions | ||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map Mind map - Wikipedia] | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map Mind map - Wikipedia] or [http://wapedia.mobi/en/Mind_map Wapedia]. This is a nice introduction. | ||
* [http://psychology.wikia.com/wiki/Mind_map Mind map] (Wikia education, similar to above but includes pointers to software). | |||
* [http://blog.iqmatrix.com/mind-map/how-to-mind-map-a-beginners-guide How to Mind Map: A Beginner’s Guide], by Adam Sicinski, IQ Matrix, March 7, 2009. | |||
* [http://www.informationtamers.com/WikIT/index.php?title=Buzan%27s_mind_map_guidelines_in_practical_use Buzan's mind map guidelines in practical use] and [http://www.informationtamers.com/WikIT/index.php?title=How_to_make_a_mind_map How to Make a Mind Map], WikIT, | |||
* [http://www.mindmapinspiration.com/drawing-a-mind-map-from-start-to-finish/ Drawing a Mind Map from Start to Finish] | |||
* [http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_01.htm Learn How to Draw Mind Maps] | |||
* [http://www.buzanworld.com/Mind_Maps.htm Mind Maps] authorized by Tony Buzan (himself ....) | |||
* [http://www.peterrussell.com/MindMaps/HowTo.php How to Mind Map], a short list by Peter Russel | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
* | * Buzan, T. (1991). The Mind Map Book. New York: Penguin. Chapter "Mind Mapping Guidelines" | ||
* | * Buzan, T. (1991). The Mind Map Book. New York: Penguin | ||
* Farrand, P.; Hussain, F.; Hennessy, E. (2002). "The efficacy of | * Farrand, P.; Hussain, F.; Hennessy, E. (2002). "The efficacy of the mind map study technique". Medical Education 36 (5): 426-431. Retrieved on 2005-05-05. | ||
* Pressley, M., VanEtten, S., Yokoi, L., Freebern, G., & VanMeter, P. (1998). "The metacognition of college studentship: A grounded theory approach". In: D. J. Hacker, J. Dunlosky, & A. C. Graesser (Eds.), Metacognition in Theory and Practice (pp. 347-367). Mahwah NJ: Erlbaum | |||
* Watson, Katherine, A French Exception: Mind Mapping à la française in the cyberspatial dimension, TCC 2009 Proceedings, [http://etec.hawaii.edu/proceedings/2009/Watson1.pdf PDF] | |||
[[Category: Cognitive tools]] | [[Category: Cognitive tools]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category: Knowledge representation]] | ||
[[Category: Visualization]] | |||
[[Category: Knowledge and idea management]] | |||
[[fr:carte conceptuelle]] |
Latest revision as of 21:56, 11 October 2011
Definition
A Mind map is a kind of concept map or more generally speaking a visualization that arranges items around a central idea.
- “A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks or other items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea. It is used to generate, visualize, structure and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.” (Wikipedia, retrieved 13:28, 18 August 2007 (MEST)
According to Mindmapping.com, retrieved 09:09, 15 January 2010 (UTC), a typical mind map has the the following characteristics:
- The main idea, subject or focus is crystallized in a central image.
- The main themes radiate from the central image as 'branches'.
- The branches comprise a key image or key word drawn or printed on its associated line.
- Topics of lesser importance are represented as 'twigs' of the relevant branch.
- The branches form a connected nodal structure.
Mind maps were made popular by Tony Buzan, who was the first to publish extensive guidelines. There exist other simple hierarchical concept maps, however the term "mind map" is used loosely by many people for naming any kind of more hierarchical diagram that connects sub-elements to elements. WikIT has a discussion about the various types of mind map as well as describing what to consider when choosing between mind maps and concept maps.
Design guidelines
According to Wikipedia (, retrieved 13:28, 18 August 2007 (MEST)), Buzan (1991) suggests the following desing guidelines for structuring a Mind Map:
- Start in the center with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colors.
- Use images, symbols, codes, and dimensions throughout your Mind Map.
- Select key words and print using upper or lower case letters.
- Each word/image must be alone and sitting on its own line.
- The lines must be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, organic and flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate out from the centre.
- Make the lines the same length as the word/image.
- Use colors – your own code – throughout the Mind Map.
- Develop your own personal style of Mind Mapping.
- Use emphasis and show associations in your Mind Map.
- Keep the Mind Map clear by using radial hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches.
Danny Stevens made this mind map of the mind map guidelines:
![](/mediawiki/images/0/0a/MindMapGuidlines.jpg)
Uses and usefulness
According to Peter Russel, mind maps can be used for:
- Note taking
- Improving recall, since it connects somewhat ideas
- Creativity, since it favors non-linear thinking and each node could be expanded as a new mind map
- Problem solving, because one can quickly produce all the issues in order to get a hierarchical overview and also how issues relate to each other (although the later statement could be challenged)
- Planning (including task analysis), since one can nail down all relevant information in one place.
- Presentations
Some claims made by the map mind community are very controversail, in particular the ones that relate cognition. As far as we know, serious studies only show that mind mapping vs. "no method" can provide some little gains, e.g. Farrand (2002). Use of mind maps as cognitive tool to support certain tasks on the other hand seems to be well accepted, e.g. to brainstorm, to decompose a concept or problem situation or to plan certain activities like (writing, smaller projects).
In education
(needs to be written)
Mind maps are popular in class-room teaching at all levels. Some popular use cases are:
- note taking
- brain storming (to detect dimensions of a problem/concept)
- planning (for little papers, class projects, etc.)
Software
There are loads of mind mapping and concept mapping software and I don't have time to sort them out. Rather check out Wikipedia's good list of mind mapping software or mindmapping.org. See also the concept map article, since many mind map systems also allow to create concept maps (e.g. labeled arcs)
Desktop
- Commercial including some that have a basic free version.
- MindManger from MindJet (between $80 and $300)
- MindView 3 and 3 Business
- PersonalBrain (multi platform, limited free edition, includes a presentation mode)
- Edraw Mindmap (Basic version is free).
- Free (open source or not) software
- FreeMind, multiplaform (Java based). Good XHTML export. There also is an embedding extension for MediaWikis (we should try this sometimes) plus a browser application (in flash).
- FreePlane, a fork of FreeMind with excellent extra features.
- SciPlore MindMapping is another FreeMind fork (and compatible). It “is the first mind mapping tool focusing on researchers’ needs by integrating mind mapping with reference and pdf management.” (retrieved 1/2010).
- VYM (View Your Mind). Free (Linux, MacOS) as of 1/2010.
Mobile
- Commercial iPad Apps
- iThoughtsHD ($10) is a fully featured mindmapping software (good price/performance ratio). Can import/export from most popular applications including freeware like Freemind and Freeplane.
- Free iPad/iPhone
- Mindjet (free) is an iPad/iPhone version of the popular "MindManager" application and online service. Can synchronize with the online app.
- Free Android
- ThinkingSpace. Can read Freemind maps. Commercial version has extra features
- Mind Map Memo. Includes advertisements. There is also a cheap commercial version.
Web based
- (Somewhat or totally) free Web-based applications
You might find more in our incomplete list of web 2.0 applications. These service usually allow you draw a limited amount of mind maps for free. Best to try these, before you install something on your computer.
- Mindmeister
- bubbl.us
- Mindomo
- Tex2Mindmap (automatic generation from text input)
- Wise Mapping
- DropMind (exists both as free web application and desktop application)
- Commercial web applications
Links
- Mind map Web sites and Software indexes
(check these for more links than we have here)
- Mind-mapping.org Software for mindmapping and information organisation.
- 50 Useful Mind-Mapping Tools for College Students Jul/2009.
- List of mind mapping software (Wikipedia)
- 11 Free Mind Mapping Applications & Web Services, Lifehack, Sept. 2008.
- Mind Map Software by Peter Russel (author of the "The Brain book").
- Mind Map inspiration by Paul Foreman offer example Mind Maps for inspiration and motivation, plus mindmapping tips, drawing tips, techniques for enhancing your creativity and improving idea generation.
- 15 Great Mindmapping Tools and Apps at spyrestudios, 2011.
- (somewhat and totally) free mind maps
- Freemind Gallery Free maps that work with Freemind and Freeplane)
- Mindmaps directory from Topicscape (includes also different kinds of concept maps)
- Mappio Mind Map Library. 1000s of...
- Biggerplate (MindManager only, but a free viewer is available in principle)
- Online map applications
- Wikimindmap.org allows to visualize relationships between wikipedia pages. (This tool is now open source, DKS 1/2010)
- A simpler SVG tool is available to your left in the toolbox.
- Introductions
- Mind map - Wikipedia or Wapedia. This is a nice introduction.
- Mind map (Wikia education, similar to above but includes pointers to software).
- How to Mind Map: A Beginner’s Guide, by Adam Sicinski, IQ Matrix, March 7, 2009.
- Buzan's mind map guidelines in practical use and How to Make a Mind Map, WikIT,
- Drawing a Mind Map from Start to Finish
- Learn How to Draw Mind Maps
- Mind Maps authorized by Tony Buzan (himself ....)
- How to Mind Map, a short list by Peter Russel
References
- Buzan, T. (1991). The Mind Map Book. New York: Penguin. Chapter "Mind Mapping Guidelines"
- Buzan, T. (1991). The Mind Map Book. New York: Penguin
- Farrand, P.; Hussain, F.; Hennessy, E. (2002). "The efficacy of the mind map study technique". Medical Education 36 (5): 426-431. Retrieved on 2005-05-05.
- Pressley, M., VanEtten, S., Yokoi, L., Freebern, G., & VanMeter, P. (1998). "The metacognition of college studentship: A grounded theory approach". In: D. J. Hacker, J. Dunlosky, & A. C. Graesser (Eds.), Metacognition in Theory and Practice (pp. 347-367). Mahwah NJ: Erlbaum
- Watson, Katherine, A French Exception: Mind Mapping à la française in the cyberspatial dimension, TCC 2009 Proceedings, PDF