Mind Maps; A Creatives’ Tool

A mind map organises information into a visual two-dimensional structure, with the title/main idea always located in the centre of the map for visibility. Branches radiate from the main topic containing a text or image that will reference associations, connections, themes and concepts to be explored.

Research has shown that this is how the brain likes to consider concepts, in a radiant rather than linear structure. The brain collates a mass of synaptic stimuli between experience and possibilities to produce possible scenarios in order to resolve problems, interrogate concepts or stimulate further ideas. Mind maps can present information as relating stimuli in the form of a territory of possibilities and make it easier to extract, structure and collate ideas. The research shows that the brain likes to work on the basis of association, and it will connect every idea, memory or piece of information to tens, hundreds and even thousands of other ideas and concepts.

One of the earliest evidence of the use of mind mapping can be traced back to philosopher Porphyry of Tyros in the 3rd century BCE, who used it to organize the works of the great thinker, Aristotle. His invention, the Porphyrian Tree, didn’t include illustrations, but other thinkers added those later. In the 13th Century.

Benefits of a Mind Map

This method of presenting information in an ordered hierarchy has been utilised by many famous thinkers and innovators throughout history. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Thomas Edison and Mark Twain are all noted for organic, curving notes, often including drawings and doodles.

Other terms for mind maps are radial trees, idea maps and spray diagrams.