What exactly is a mind map?

MindMap (English name: Mindmap), also called mind map or brain map due to different translations, is an effective divergent thinking tool. Mind mapping is essentially a visual chart, which can restore the process of thinking and generating ideas in the brain. By capturing and expressing divergent thinking, the internal processes of the brain can be presented externally.

Divergent mind mapping, its characteristics can be simply summarized as the following three points:

1. The central theme is used to record the main content. For example, to depict an object with a mind map, we should put the image of the object in the center.

2. Branches extend and diverge from this image. First, it will be divided into secondary themes, which are directly connected with the central theme, and then the tertiary themes and more sub-themes will be displayed in the form of branches and attached to the parent theme.

3. A branch consists of an image or a word, connected by a line, and * * * together form a mind map.

Development of mind mapping

In recent years, with the development and progress of society, work efficiency has become an important skill index. As an excellent efficiency tool, mind mapping has attracted much attention. Searching for the word "mind map" in Baidu index, the demand for mind map is increasing year by year, so it can be predicted that in the next few years, mind map will gradually become the mainstream tool and be accepted by the public.

In order to meet the needs of the rapid development of society, the drawing methods of mind map also present diversified forms. The earliest mind map needs to be drawn with pen and drawing paper; Because this method is extremely inefficient, more and more efficient drawing methods appear. For example, the popular computer mind map mainly uses computer tools to assist drawing. Its representative computer drawing tools include MindMaster, Baidu Brain Map, Edraw Max, etc.

The progress of science and technology will inevitably further promote the efficiency of mind mapping. With the development of speech recognition technology, mind map can be drawn by voice control, and you can operate freely by voice input directly without hand drawing or keyboard input. In addition, with the maturity of mobile Internet, many drawing software can be installed on mobile electronic products, which greatly facilitates users to draw, and it is possible to create and share mind maps anytime and anywhere.

Common tools of mind mapping

The hand-drawn drawing of mind map is the most primitive drawing method, which pays more attention to inheritance and art; But in order to be practical, using computer software to draw mind maps is the most efficient method. Nowadays, many software manufacturers have developed mindmanager to meet the drawing needs of the public, among which the well-known softwares are MindMaster, Edraw Max, FreeMind, Baidu Brain Map and so on. Due to different software development methods and user objects, there are certain differences between different softwares. MindMaster is the most suitable choice from the convenience of operation and platform (online version, computer, mobile phone).

How to draw with software

Before using software to draw pictures, you need to install drawing software in advance in addition to the online mind mapping tool on the webpage. For beginners, the online version is more convenient. You can try to use the web link of MindMaster online.

For details, please visit MindMaster official website's detailed tutorial.

Skills of drawing mind map

If you want to know more about the mystery of mind mapping, you must know ten tips, which will lead you to have a deeper understanding of mind mapping.

1. Use appropriate drawing tools.

Whether it's paper and pencil or software, make sure that the tools can help you get the best practical results. In different situations, everyone has different needs for mind mapping. If we emphasize the storage and sharing of documents, manual drawing is not an appropriate way, but drawing with computer software can solve this problem.

2. Add branches to the central theme with the brain.

The central theme will cause more associations in the brain. In the process of painting, we must follow the level given by the brain. Generally speaking, as long as you follow the free association of the brain, you can naturally form a good mind map structure.

Step 3 pay attention to the difference

The main branch will contain your basic classification criteria, so you need to pay special attention. Themes at all levels need to be distinguished by different font sizes.

Step 4 Use keywords and images

Facts have proved that using keywords or images in branches is more conducive to the cooperative work of left and right brains. Special attention should be paid to treating all branches, words and pictures as an organic whole.

Step 5 make contact

Using the functions of relationship line, summary, annotation and attachment to connect different contents will help the brain to understand the internal relations between things and make them easy to understand.

6. Have fun

In the process of creating mind maps, we should let go of the pressure and troubles and devote ourselves to the fun brought by creation. Because relaxing a positive attitude is more conducive to managing information and drawing excellent mind maps.

7. Copy the surrounding images

Learn to copy or imitate the beautiful image works around you, so that the brain can constantly accept new knowledge and ideas. When you are creating, your brain will automatically retrieve information that can improve your mind mapping skills.

8. Be an absurd self.

In the process of creation, no matter how absurd content is produced in the brain, it should be recorded. Maybe these flashes will bring about a major breakthrough.

9. Prepare a suitable office environment

There is no doubt that the working environment will affect a person's working state. When creating mind maps, please make sure the environment is comfortable, such as enough fresh air, comfortable lighting and quiet atmosphere.

10, make it unforgettable.

The brain has a natural tendency to be beautiful. Therefore, the more striking the colors attached to the mind map, the more things the brain can remember. When creating, you might as well add some layers and decorations to the whole work.

The Application of Mind Mapping in Various Fields

The ultimate goal of learning mind mapping is to master skills and apply them, so that the skill of mind mapping can really play its value. Facing different fields and clearly understanding its function and drawing method, the gap is not far from the master level of mind mapping.

The application scope of mind mapping can be divided into three scenes: life, study and work. In our daily life, we can use mind maps to make plans, lists and travel plans.

Mind mapping is also often used in learning. Teachers can use MindMaster as a course handout to help students memorize knowledge points quickly. In actual performance, maps can indeed bring unexpected gains.

In terms of work, MindMaster mind map is also very useful. Generate Gantt Chart with one click from the map, which can be used in project management and other aspects.