How to mindmap and why we should: A step by step guide
Discovering mindmapping in the mid-1990s was a life changer for me.
In the mid 1990s, I found myself drowning in a sea of information. Thankfully I found a perfect solution with mind maps.
Do you mind map? If not may I suggest you take a look and give it a go?
Mind mapping was developed by Tony Buzan, a genius. Learning how to mind map in the early 1990s completely changed my life and approach to learning, note-making, not taking and pretty much everything else. Meeting Tony Buzan was an eye-opening and mind-altering event.
Finally, I had been given the keys to my brain and could produce on paper what was going on inside my head and get to clearly see the big picture and all the detail. I could get stuff out of my head quickly, and efficiently and then work with it. I think nothing is faster and more accurate for learning and mastering information than mind mapping.
I would encourage you to start with paper-drawn maps. Combining them with computer mapping is a very powerful mix. Each type of mind mapping has its place, and I am still very fond of hand-drawn maps.
I recommend you master the basics first – do at least 100 sticking to the basics, and then develop your own style.
Resources:
How to Mindmap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5Y4pIsXTV0&t=3s
Youtube search for Tony Buzan: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tony+buzan
Books – Tony Buzan has written many books on the Subject such as:
Mind Map Mastery: https://amzn.to/3nnq9HP
The Mind Map Book: https://amzn.to/4ctPpaa
Mind Maps for Kids: https://amzn.to/3sbDWF9
Hint: You can find copies as pdfs should you want to try before you buy. 😊
You don’t have to be even a little artistic. You may find your drawing and other skills improve as you mind map, mine certainly did. As you use more of your brain all things improve.
These are to give you ideas and inspiration (like I said maps can be fast and rough, although these are far from that): https://mindmapinspiration.com/
SOFTWARE I use:
Since it was first released I have really enjoyed iThoughts HD. However, in January 2024 the developer shut down the business.
Once iThoughts stops working, and if I am just starting into digital mind mapping, my personal choice will SimpleMind: https://simplemind.eu/ . Aside from liking the way the maps are drawn, I also appreciate it is a single-purchase model and not the usual software-as-a-service rental model. It is also very reasonably priced.
I have used Ayoa which is great for collaborating on mindmaps and in the early days I used their task boards for planning videos https://www.ayoa.com/
Linux: View your mind: https://www.insilmaril.de/vym/
Supplies I use for hand drawn maps:
PENS AND PENCILS:
Staedtler 334 Triplus Fineliner Superfine Point Pens, 0.3 mm, Assorted Colours, Pack of 20: https://amzn.to/3nhSn6M
Staedtler 323 Triplus Colour Fibre-Tip Pens, 1.0 mm, Assorted Colours, Pack of 20: https://amzn.to/35hIEai
KOH-I-NOOR 5311 5.6mm Diameter Mechanical Clutch Lead Holder Pencil – Black: https://amzn.to/35jzlqC
KOH-I-NOOR 5900 2mm Diameter Mechanical Clutch Lead Holder Pencil- Black: https://amzn.to/3nnAkfm
KOH-I-NOOR 2B Grade Graphite Lead for 2mm Diameter 120mm Mechanical Pencil: https://amzn.to/3osjD3G
Faber-Castell TK-FINE 2315 0.5 mm Mechanical Pencil – Black
https://amzn.to/2MD5iDv
Pilot Hi -Techpoint V7 Cartridge System Pen Black Ink: https://amzn.to/3pZnZzE
Pilot BXC-V5 / V7 Black Refill Replacment Spare Liquid Ink Cartridges For Hi-Tecpoint V5 & V7 Cartridge System Rollerball Pen (Pack Of 3 – 9 Cartridges): https://amzn.to/3bjhCTG
LAMY 2000 Medium Nib Fountain Pen (NOT cheap!) I use oblique medium: https://amzn.to/38lLWeA
PAPER:
My preference is ClaireFontain: https://amzn.to/43j5OKm that I cut down to A6 and A6 for use in my Filofaxes. Yep, I’ve gone back to those masterpieces of paper storage.
ALSO very useful to have 100 gsm A3 paper on hand
and some files to keep things in.
Oxford Black n’ Red, A4 Notebook Hardcover, Casebound, Plain Notebook, 192 Page, 1 Notebook: https://amzn.to/38k3fga
