Mental map as a way of visualization of thinking

Now almost everyone knows the expression "business training". They are used everywhere in large companies and small firms. As a rule, they try to organize the work of all the staff as efficiently as possible. They came up with them not so long ago, but it was with the help of the visualization method that the trainings became much more effective. A mental map is the best way to identify a goal and means. It greatly facilitates the detailing and organization of all elements.

History of creation

A well-known psychologist and writer, Tony Buzan, came up with a system of popular mental maps today. He has already published several hundred articles and books on intellectual development, psychology and problems of human thinking. Of course, he did not become a pioneer in visualizing the goals and techniques for achieving them. With the help of special diagrams and graphic drawings, Japan in the 1970s was able to practically implement a revolution in the economy. But it was precisely Bysen who presented the entire learned world in 1974 with his own advanced theory of radiant thinking. The mental map became a hit on the turn of the millennia.

Tony was able to effectively combine psychology, neurolinguistics, mnemonics and ability to speed-reading, as well as many scientific theories and methods for developing and improving creative thinking. For example, when writing notes, he only entered two colors into the graphics, and it became much easier to remember them, and also more interesting. Together with his brother, Bugen was able to collect pieces and build a harmonious theory of all scientific developments. So there were modern intelligence cards.

Spheres of using the developed program

The method of mental maps has found its practical application in the most diverse spheres of human activity. Mindmapping will be useful to the manager, employees of any company, teachers, journalists, etc. In addition, it can be used in everyday life to solve various domestic and organizational problems.

This method will be most suitable for the development of one's own creative abilities and self-analysis. This will allow to detect and overcome all the shortcomings, as well as to allocate directions for further development and improvement.

Mental cards will be especially convenient in such areas:

• Memorization (preparation for all kinds of exams, memorizing lists, tables, etc.);
• Training (optimization of abstracts, writing of creative assignments and better mastering of textbooks);
• Brainstorming (teamwork, new ideas);
• Presentation (highlighting the main and effective transfer of a common goal and thought);
• Planning (developing their own projects and strategies for behavior, as well as the ability to plan their own time qualitatively);
• Decision-making (in-depth analysis, weighted and substantiated conclusions).

The effectiveness of intelligence cards

Using this technique allows you to see many hidden things and nuances. This opens up new creative possibilities, associative thinking is used. All this helps solve insoluble problems and find an elegant way out of the most intricate situations.

Ready-made mental maps allow you to store and constantly return to important information and goals, structure and improve your own "I". In this case, the information presented in a radiant way is easily perceived and quickly remembered. The main work is in the process of creating intelligence cards. Subsequently, one glance is enough to recall all the necessary details. This can be useful in the fulfillment of global tasks, and in everyday concerns, when it is difficult to focus on the goal.

Of special interest is the fact that any person has a mental map that is very special. It is like a reflection of individual thinking, an imprint of the work of a particular brain.

Basic rules for creating mental maps

Each method has its own principles of functioning and the order of work. So the compilation of mental maps has its own rules, which Tony Buzan himself defined:

1. You should start with a colorful color picture in the center.
2. All words must be written in capital letters.
3. Structurally, all proposals must be visually related.
4. Do not use keywords too often. Optimal use of one key per line.
5. Pictures and familiar symbols will only give visibility to the map.
6. It is better to use several bright colors in the project.
7. Do not try to limit your own thinking. It is required to fix absolutely everything that comes to mind on a given topic.

Some Features of Building Effective Mental Maps

Also, in the process of creating and using an intelligent card, there are several other features that require sound and highlighting:

• To visualize goals and tasks you need a sheet of standard A4 format. Then the mental map will be well received and will contain all the information of interest.
• The keys should be located directly above the lines. This contributes to the visibility.
• Use printed letters.
• The length of the drawn branch should correspond to the key.

Mental map: how to compose

It's quite easy to create a mind card. After all, this is a kind of tree-like diagram, where the central branch represents the main idea.

To begin with, the main idea must be determined. Then you need a blank sheet of A4 paper. It is easy to fit the entire mental map. How to compose a tree, tells the subconscious. In the middle there should be a basic idea, and from it there are logically interconnected branches. To draw a map correctly, it's enough to follow the simple rules set by Tony Buzen himself. In addition, the mental map can be supplemented by numerous notes, so as not to miss anything important.

Mental maps in education

As you know, most of our life we learn something: in school, in a profile institute, at work and even at home. But not all can remember and, most importantly, practically apply the knowledge gained. Too large volumes of information and limited time do not allow you to learn and remember information in full. One of the solutions to such problems can be called mental maps in education. This method was used even at the beginning of the development of Tony Buzen's theory and showed astonishing results.

First of all, the method is useful in creating simple and memorable synopses, visualizing lectures, writing course papers and essays, etc. Cisco CCNA Exploration is recognized as one of the brightest examples of the use of intelligence cards in international education. The essence of this program is that the academy divided all the work into several parts, chapters and sub-chapters. In this case, each element of learning is presented in the form of a mental map, highlighted in a certain color. This greatly simplified the filing and storage of information, and also halved the time for teaching theory. Easy and understandable courses are very popular among students and teachers.

Programs for creating different mental maps

We still live in an age of high and advanced technology. Now you can use not only your own creativity and creativity, but also special templates and computer utilities. There are also special programs for creating mental maps. They can be easily found on the Internet, while the programs are paid and free, complex and simple. This gives you the right to choose an assistant yourself. The most popular of them are:

1. "Mindomo". Available as a free or a more extended paid version. It is executed in the style of Microsoft Office.
2. "Maomyself". The main feature and disadvantage - there is no possibility of simultaneous operation of several users.
3. "Mindmeister". You can create three cards for free. The interface is simple and straightforward.
4. "Mind42". A fairly simplified version. There is no possibility to link cards and attach additional files.
5. "Xmind". The most popular utility, in addition, allows you to work with Grant charts.
6. "Freemind". Free application, fully adapted to any platform. The drawback is the outdated design.
7. "BubblUs". Free online program. Creates beautiful and understandable intelligence cards.

Errors when building a mind card

When you do something yourself for the first time, small blots and miscalculations are possible. The same statement applies to the construction of a visualized project. To avoid them, you need to study the most common errors that occur during work:

• Too complex and multi-level mental map (it is best to use original notes, and leave the cards as simple as possible and understandable).
• Same patterns, colors and fonts for different levels and branches (each level and key must be appropriately highlighted to visually differ).
• Absence of pictures and icons (these elements provide the functionality of the map, but you need to choose them in advance).
• Ambiguity and confusion (all elements must be logically linked, otherwise this is just a list).