The 7 Laws of Mind Mapping (or how I break them)
Eventhough I was aware about mind maps for a while, it has not been until recently that I have started to take a look a them thoroughly.
I’m still a beginner and I have yet to master that beast, but I can say that so far it has been only beneficial to me.
Mind maps can be used for a variety of things such as writing, note taking, problem solving, brainstorming, project planning, task lists and so forth.
At its core are The 7 laws of mindmapping:
1. Start in the center of a landscape page.
2. Use an image or picture for your central idea.
3. Use colours throughout.
4. Connect main branches to the center image… … and second-level branches from ends of the main branches or so forth.
5. Make branches curve and flow.
6. Use just one keyword per line.
7. Use image throughout
All the rules make a lot of sense and are the key ingredients to good mind mapping.
Having the memory retention of a peanut, I use mind maps for brainstorming and taking notes.
One keyword per line is definitely not working for me. I don’t use full sentences, but having more than one word helps me remember a lot more.
So that being said, Am I a bad mind mapper? I think not. If something works for you go ahead and break rules (they are meant to be broken anyway).
