The Key to Creative Thinking: Mind Mapping and Image Exploration

Unlike Powerpoint, A mind map is an easy way to brainstorm thoughts organically without worrying about order and structure. It allows you to visually structure your ideas to help with analysis and recall.

There are eight common mind maps:

• ​Circle Maps - Defining in Context

• ​Bubble Maps - Describing Qualities

• ​Double Bubble Maps - Comparing and Contrasting

• ​Tree Map - Classifying

• ​Flow Maps - Sequencing

• ​Multi Flow Maps - Cause and Effect

• ​Brace Maps - Part-Whole

• ​Bridge Maps - Seeing Analogies

Here are three mind mapping apps you might wanna check out to improve your academic performance in college.

COGGLE (free)

Coggle is a Chrome-based extension that’s focused on collaboration, so if you need to build a mind map with other people, this is the first option you should consider. The app also allows you make note, chat, and view editing history, making it a top-ranked collaboration tool if you’re working with a medium-sized team. It is also compatible with Google Drive and Google contacts, making it an easy choice for those deeply invested in Google’s ecosystem.

XMind ($27.99 for 6 month or $129.00 one-time purchase)

XMind brags about itself as “the most popular mind mapping tool on the planet.” Their website lists several large corporations where XMind is used. It's ideal for those who trust authorities.

MindMeister

MindMeister is a web-based mind mapping app that aims to facilitate collaborative mind mapping. It has a really cool “Opinions” feature that allows collaborators to vote “yay” or “nay” to individual nodes in your shared mind map.

Regardless of the mind map types, the basic steps are as follows:

1. Draw the theme in the CENTRE of a blank page turned sideways

Use images or pictures whenever you feel like to. Otherwises, keywords should express key concepts in the most concise way. Finding keywords also requires the ability to generalize or grasp the essence of things. Ideally, only single keywords are used. A single word per association gives more freedom, creativity and clarity.

2. Consider ASSOCIATIONS, which are extensions of the previous topics.

The brain thinks by imagination and association. When associations are created, connections are made. These connections are essential for remembering and thinking. Keep in mind, although a mind map can have many first level associations, the mind can only grasp about a maximum of 7.

I began my mind map journey with a ‘mood board’ along these lines: a collection overlaying images, materials and text. This example has nails and other items connecting different parts. This could then be photographed and annotated further.

3. Use CURVED lines rather than straight lines.

Why? Because your brain grew bored and tired easily when there isn’t enough freedom.

3. Sorting out the thinking process

Each association level has its own color. Moreover, if possible, use images to express a keyword as much as possible, which can greatly enhance the memory. If you can’t think of any icons or graphics, think twice.

Even though they are quite useful, mind maps are just tools, and the key to clearness is whether your own logical thinking is clear. Fortunately, mind maps can exercise your brain for better thinking skills. The advantage of using software is that it is flexible enough to be reorganized time after time.

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Weekly Challenge

1. Pick an app mentioned above

2. Note-taking is an art. Show us how you do it to enter this Creativity Challenge.

3. Leave a comment below with the mind map you made.