The Mind Map Laws.

I have been asked by a few people if I can explain what the Mind Map laws are, so here is a brief outline.

• Always use a central image to start with

An image automatically focuses the eye and brain. It triggers numerous associations and is very effective as a memory aid.

• Use images throughout your Mind Map

Use images wherever possible instead of words as your brain remembers colours and images better .

• Use three or more colours per central image

Colours stimulate memory and creativity.

1. Use dimension in images and around words

Dimension makes things ’stand out’ and whatever stands out is more easily remembered and communicated. Thus the most important elements in your Mind Map can be emphasised by being drawn or written in three dimensions.

1. Use synaesthesia

Wherever possible use all your senses, sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.

• Use variations of size of printing, line and image

Variation in size is the best way of indicating the relative importance of items in a hierarchy. Expanded size adds emphasis, thereby increasing the probability of recall.

• Use organised spacing

Organised spacing increases the clarity of the image, helps in the use of hierarchy and categorisation, leaves the Mind Map ‘open’ to additions, and is aesthetically pleasing.

• Use arrows when you want to make connections within and across the branch pattern.

• Use colours

Colour is one of the most powerful tools for enhancing memory and creativity.

• Use only one key word per line.

• Make line length equal to word length.

• Make the central lines thicker and organic

Through emphasis, thicker lines immediately signal to your brain the importance of your central ideas.

• Make your images as clear as possible

External clarity encourages internal clarity of thought. A clear Mind Map will also be more elegant, graceful and attractive.

• Keep your paper placed horizontally in front of you
  

The horizontal (landscape) format gives you more freedom and space to draw your Mind Map.

I have tried to keep it as simple as possible if you are not sure let me know, but also take a look at the Mind Maps that I published early on in the website and also search under Google for more Mind Map images,

Good luck.

Mind Maps

I was first introduced to Mind Maps about 3 years ago by a friend at work, and decided to read more about them and found a book by Tony Buzan, after that I was hooked. Mind Maps are a brilliant way to gather your thoughts or if you study you can use Mind Maps to get the most import material down on paper, infact you can just about Mind Map anything. For example I Mind Map my to do list for the coming day, my work list and any other reading material I might want or need to retain information from. When I started I used a notepad but I find PC software the best as it is more versitile. In my opinion (and I have tried and tested many Mind Mapping programs)the 2 best software programs are Mindmapper and the one I use the most is Imindmap this one has not been out very long but is by far the best I have used as it is more true to the laws of Mind Mapping. Both programs have a free trial and worth trying.I have attached some screen shots for you to have a look at:

Mindmapper

ImindMap

Give MindMapping a go (there is lots of info on the internet and many books on the subject, try Amazon) and let me know how you get on.