There is a lot written about the "Rules" of Mind Mapping, and whilst understanding the theories certainly helps you get the most from your Mind Mapping, it should be noted that Mind Mapping is about your thinking processes and what works for you and your colleagues.
Research over the years has shown that black and white, left to right text is not at all brain friendly, and what the human mind loves most is colour, shape, keywords, and things that allow it to build instant associations.
We all have associations tucked away in our minds, some date back to our early childhood, but when we see, smell, feel or taste something associated with a memorable moment, our brain is triggered to recall the memory from deep within you. It is a powerful human ability and one that mind mapping draws upon, a visual trigger to recall information.
If you are just starting out with mind mapping then let's take a look at the basic guidelines to help you get the most of your mind maps.
✔ Use a landscape page
✔ Think beyond A4
✔ Start with the main thought in the centre
✔ Use an Image for the Central Thought
✔ Make important keywords stand out
✔ Show relationships
✔ Use colour
✔ Use visual associations
✔ Use easy to read fonts - avoid script fonts
✔ Use lowercase, your brain prefers it
✔ Liberate your thoughts, take risks and don't judge
✔ If you hit a mental block, move to a different branch
✔ Go with the flow, set your creativity loose
✔ Relax and enjoy!
So having given you a list to read, let's see that at as a MyThoughts for Mac Mind Map
