How To Make a Mind Map®

The 'Laws of Mind Mapping' were originally devised by Tony Buzan when he codified
the use of imagery, colour and association and coined the phrase 'Mind Mapping'. In
the intervening 30 plus years, there have been many variations on the original 'Mind
Map® ' and the widespread usage of mapping software of various sorts, has
dramatically changed what is possible.

The summary below is based on Buzan's structure (details available in his many
books) but we believe that whilst this structure is great for establishing well
structured maps that can be used in many different ways, variations on these rules
or 'laws' are often sensible and appropriate - as long as they are based on an
understanding of why the laws exist and what they are trying to help the mind
mapper to achieve.
 Blank paper allows 360º of freedom to express the full range of your cortical skills,
1. Take a blank piece of paper, A4 or larger
whereas pre-drawn lines restrict the natural flow of your thoughts
Words and images have more space in the direction we write, so they don’t bump
2. Use the paper in landscape orientation
into margins as quickly
Thoughts start in the centre of our mental world. The Mind Map® page reflects
3. Start in the center
this
A picture is worth a thousand words. It opens up associations, focuses the
4. Make a central image that represents the topic about
thoughts, is
which you are writing /thinking
fun and results in better recall:
 use at least three colours
 colours stimulate the right cortical activity of imagination as well as
 keep the height and width of the central image to
capturing and holding attention
approx. 2’’ or 5 cm (proportionately larger for
 this size gives plenty of space for the rest of your Mind Map®, while
bigger paper)
making it large enough to be the clear focus of the topic
 allow the image to create its own shape (do not use
 the unique shape makes it more memorable and enjoyable. A frame makes
a frame)
the centre a monotony of shape and disconnects the branches

5. The main themes around the central image are like the The main themes, connected to the central image on the main branches, allow
chapter headings of a book their relative importance to be seen. These are the Basic Ordering Ideas (BOIs) and
aggregate and focus the rest of the Mind Map®
 print this word in CAPITALS or draw an image
 place on a line of the same length  printing (versus cursive) allows the brain to photograph the image thus
 the central lines are thick, curved and organic i.e. giving easier reading and more immediate recall
like your arm joining your body, or the branch of a  word length equals line length. An extra line disconnects thoughts, length
tree to the trunk accentuates the connection
 curved lines give visual rhythm and variety and so are easier to remember,
more pleasant to draw and less boring to look at. Thicker central lines
 show relative importance
 connect directly to the central image  Connected to the image because the brain works by association not
separated, disconnected lines

Your initial words and images stimulate associations. Attach whatever word or
7. Start to add a second level of thought. These words or image is triggered. Allow the 'random movement of your thought; you do not
images are linked to the main branch that triggered them. have to ‘finish’ one branch before moving on
Remember:
 connected lines create relationships and a structure. They also
 lines connect are thinner demonstrate the level of importance, as from a branch to a twig
 words are still printed but may be lower case  the size and style of the letters provide additional data about the
importance and meaning of the word/image

Add a third or fourth level of data as thoughts come to you

 Use images as much as you can, instead of, or in

addition to the words Your brain is like a multi-handed thought-ball catcher. The Mind Map® allows you
 Allow your thoughts to come freely, meaning you to catch and keep whatever ‘thought ball’ is thrown by your brain
‘jump about’ the Mind Map® as the links and
associations occur to you

9. Add a new dimension to your Mind Map® . Boxes add

To make some important points stand out
depth around the word or image
10. Sometimes enclose branches of a Mind Map® with The outlines will create unique shapes as you find in clouds and will aid your
outlines in colour memory

 enclose the shape of the branch. Hug the shape  these provide immediate visual linking. They can also encourage follow-up
 and remind you of action you need to take
tightly
 they can also show connection between branches by using the same colour
 use different colours and styles
outline

11. Make each Mind Map® a little more:

Your eyes and brain will be attracted to your Mind Map®
 BEAUTIFUL
 ARTISTIC
It will be easier to remember
 COLOURFUL
 IMAGINATIVE
It will be more attractive to you
and
(and to others as well)
 DIMENSIONAL

12. Have fun!

Your brain will delight in getting the maximum use and enjoyment from this
process and will therefore learn faster, recall more effectively and think more
Add a little humour, exaggeration or absurdity wherever
clearly
you can

Mind Map® is a registered trademark of the Buzan organisation. Illumine has worked closely with the Buzan organisation throughout its
existence. We are an independent training company and are committed to promoting Buzan's work and ideals. We use many highly
experienced Buzan licensed instructors as well as our own Illumine licensed Mind Mapping experts.

http://www.mind-mapping.co.uk/make-mind-map.htm