I recently solved a problem using the incredible power of mind mapping technique, demonstrating how any problem can be solved so powerfully and clearly. Very quickly, it became very clear as the mind map started to develop, the visual coloured diagram began showing solutions to my problem.
This article aims to explore the benefits and the power of the mind mapping technique.
We all solve problems in our everyday lives. Problems and perhaps barriers come from nowhere, and we must overcome them. Often, we solve problems without recognising that they have arisen and been solved. Being able to do so helps us succeed in making our days efficient.
Solving problems helps us work logically and creatively, perhaps “thinking outside of the box”.
Employers encourage problem-solving skills because they demonstrate drive and a logical problem-solving approach. Working logically will benefit everyone, as more complicated problems may not be solved so quickly. Using the mind mapping technique may help identify potential solutions sooner.
”Mind-mapping is a note-taking organisational technique that allows individuals to ‘organise facts and thoughts in a map format containing a central image, main themes radiating from the central image, branches with key images and keywords, plus branches forming a connected network structure.’
Tony Buzan, Buzan’s Study Skills: (United Kingdom, 2011)
What is a Mind Map?
Mind mapping (also known as spider diagrams) is an effective method for generating ideas by association. It starts in the middle of a page with the central theme or main idea and radiates to create a growing diagram composed of keywords, phrases, facts, and figures.
Mind mapping can be used for problem-solving, project planning, project progress management, and assignment planning, either at work or academically.
The power of mind mapping is based on our natural way of thinking and processing information. Our brains are wired to make connections and associations, organise ideas, thoughts, and information, and use knowledge visually. Mind mapping is a simple way to complete work more efficiently using both sides of the brain. We use the left side of the brain (left hemisphere) when we read, talk, and write, but our thoughts come from our intuitive, comprehensive right side of the brain (right hemisphere)—stimulating a strong visual memory and the ability to see the connection of information.
The well-known phrase, ‘ A picture is worth a thousand words,’ comes to mind.
Images can be much clearer than words, triggering various associations, improving creative thinking, and increasing memory use. The Mind Map is an appropriate tool because it uses images—it is an image.
A straightforward way to understand a Mind Map is by comparing it to a map of a city. The city centre represents the main idea; the major roads leading from the centre represent the key thoughts in the thinking process; the minor roads or branches represent your secondary thoughts, and so on. Images or shapes can represent landmarks of interest or particularly relevant ideas.
An excellent example is developing a website’s content. Many technical requirements must be met to ensure the website is Google-friendly, and implementing these will improve the website’s rankings. Mat Crowshaw, the owner of simplicity websites (https://simplicitywdm.co.uk/), suggested using the mind mapping technique to prepare what and how I wanted the website to look. Mat has given me some initial advice, “keep it simple’ remember white space is a friend. I duly created a mind map, and after several discussions and changes, it was broadly used to develop my website. I am familiar with the technique (I just had not thought about using it) as I use it in my training courses, including food safety and HACCP. A mind map helps break down the required layout, creating and linking all the different pages, resulting in the website (www.workforcetraining.uk).
How to Create Different Formats of an Effective Mind Map
There are two different ways to create a mind map.
The Traditional Approach
The Traditional Approach of creating mind maps is on paper, giving the creator a tactile approach. However, this can be time-absorbing as the mind map is constantly reviewed and changes made will result in crossing out or perhaps starting again. A progression of this tactile approach is to use a white board, perhaps in the landscape position. This enables changes to be made as the mind map is created. An alternative is using a clear perspex screen that can be changed as required. Post-it notes can be used to organise these in a family tree as another alternative.
Computer Software
On the other hand, different computer software including mapping packages are available. These packages can be connected to a large screen and used between locations worldwide. The computer also enables ease of editing and a wide range of formatting, making it efficient while maintaining the basic principles of the mind mapping technique.
How to Create a Mind Map
The mind map diagram starts with identifying the central aim or topic to be explored. This central theme is drawn in the middle with a circle around it using one or two words.
Adding Branches
From here, branches are drawn radiating outwards as a tramline, with the names of the suggestions written inside the tramline, using a strong word to describe the idea. Initially, these are the main branches or subtopics, usually the most important ideas. These are drawn as a tramline with the descriptive word within the tramline. The writing on the mind map must be clear using colour and capital letters on the main branches, with lower case as the map radiates.
Radiating Outwards
As further suggestions are made, the main branches are added, too, which break down the main topics into subtopics. These are either drawn as a main tramline or branch from the mainline when they become a single line, with the descriptive word written along the branch.
When the branches are drawn, it is vital to use different colours to make an instant impact. Words on the branches should be written clearly and could include abbreviations commonly used that everyone should know. Logos are another way of naming the branch. In addition, logos or symbols can be used to emphasise important points or highlight connections.
Making Connections Between the Sub Topics
As the mind map develops, the actual visual impact of the connections between the different branches and sub-branches. Making these connections is where the incredible power of mindmapping technique is demonstrated. Connections are made to different branches of ideas, which encourages those involved to use their skill, knowledge and experience, perhaps having to think outside the box.
Reviewing and Refining
The mind map is reviewed as an ongoing process, but once it’s complete, it’s essential to step back and review the whole visual diagram, identifying the overall structure again. This review will clarify and confirm that the mind map accurately represents the information provided.
How Mind Mapping Can be Used for Solving Problems
As we now know, mind mapping is a great way to organise and store information.
Forming a team of experienced and knowledgeable members and establishing a clear, structured, colourful mind map will influence and encourage problem-solving, particularly when brainstorming topics and subtopics, contributing to potential solutions.
Evaluating possible solutions and creating a clear action plan with specific steps, timelines, and responsibilities. The problem-solving technique of Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) maintains a structured approach when implementing the proposed solution. Should the solution not work or only work as a temporary solution, the team can return to the mind map, perhaps changing ideas or moving them around onto different branches (making connections) to change how the problem looks. To solve the problem, the five whys technique could be introduced using the questions following the diagram. Another suggestion is to add a fishbone to the mind map and then reevaluate the information to find a solution.
Once the mind map is complete and the problem(s) solved, the diagram displaying the agreed solution can be photographed and stored to be used as a possible solution for similar problems in the future.
Using Mind Mapping as a Training Activity.
Encouraging a group of learners to interact using a mind map is good practice. The white board is used in the landscape position, and the theme ‘contamination’ is encircled in the middle. Four branches are drawn to identify the contaminants: allergens, microbiological, physical, and chemical. The group are then asked for their ideas of how these contaminants contaminate food being produced.
- Helps individuals and teams to remember and recall information.
- Encourages learning new ideas and may identify new ways of doing things…
- It is ideal for encouraging interactive brainstorming, adding a bit of fun when solving problems. …
- It’s an interactive and fun way of learning. …
- A flexible method that can continuously be added to or changed when new ideas are given.
- It increases creativity and productivity when brainstorming.
In conclusion…
Mind mapping is a powerful tool for generating new ideas, improving information organisation, retaining and recalling information, and solving problems.
It combines visual elements and encourages recognition and the association of different information.
Whether using the simplicity of the traditional hand-drawn mind map or the modern computer-generated mind map, the incredible power of the mind mapping technique shines through so brightly that it is undeniable.