How to Make Mind Maps

Each sub-group creates a mind-map to develop the keyword that they have received (e.g. Warwick Group 1 makes mind map for keyword proposed by Amsterdam Group 1). The mind map should demonstrate in a systematic manner the range of associations, questions and concepts that the keyword generates or can be related to.

Requirements:

A3 or A4 sheet of unruled paper.

Coloured pens/markers

Scanner to upload images as PDF/JPG to blog.

Mind Maps

The mind map is a tool that helps you chart out the scope of a topic and to organize ideas in a non-linear way.

• It contains a central image and/or key words that represents the topic you want to mind map.
• Connected to the central topic are organic branches that radiate out from the centre. The branches start out thick and end up thinner at the ends. These branches can be seen as headings for your topic.  Connected to these branches are thinner organic branches. These branches can be seen as sub headings. This is followed by thinner organic branches containing details.

Principles

1. Start in the centre of a blank page, using an image or keyword for your central idea.
2. Use colours throughout as well as synaesthetic effects (spacing, dynamic fonts, visual presentations that evoke all senses).
3. Connect main branches to the central image and secondary and tertiary branches to the main branches.
4. Different types of lines may mark different types of relationships (for e.g. red line for relationship of antagonism or green line for relationship of mutual exclusion)

(Adapted from: Buzan, Tony/Buzan, Barry: The mind map book. Harlow: Pearson Education, 2006)

Examples of Mind Maps: 

Source: http://www.mind-mapping.co.uk