As you probably know, the traditional mindmap should be created using lots of colors. Use at least 3 to 5 different colors.
The centre of the mindmap is especially important. Tony Buzan writes in his books that the centre needs special attention. You should at least:
- create an image of your topic
- use 3 to 5 colors to draw the image in the centre
A question
My question for you is: Do you do this as well?
For the moment, let’s move away from traditional paper mindmaps. We focus on computer mindmaps and other visual maps.
The software tools I use create (by default) a small box with a word in it as the starting point of the mindmaps. The maps are then filled with information.
Near the end of the mindmap proces, people add images and more color to the branches and to the centre.
Another question
My question for you is: Do you add an image to the centre of your computer map?
Of course you don’t! Most people create mindmaps which are nice to look at but don’t show you lots and lots (or any) pictures. It is just too much work to find the right images.
The other thing is: we create most maps for ourselves. We are only interested in the information it stores and shows. There is no need to present it to other people. So why use many images?
My thoughts on this are clear. I already wrote that for me the centre of a map is not that important. In fact… I would probably not even use a picture anyway! Here’s why:
For me, the maps are usually showing me an overview of information on a certain topic. Most of the time (almost all the time) the topic is not important at all. I only want to organize my thoughts and information in the mindmap. The map should in return give me a good overview of the data.
As you know, the centre of the map normally is an abstract concept. The real information is located in the branches which originate from the centre. This is where the details and knowledge are located.
For me, it is almost unnatural to create maps which put too much emphasis on the centre. My attention should not be drawn over and over again to the centre of the map. I want to understand, investigate or overview the details and concepts shown by the map itself.
The controversy
So here’s my take on the centre of most of the mindmaps you will create:
- Don’t use an image
- Only use one word with a small box or circle around it
- Use one color for the centre
- Make the centre small
- Put it right there in the middle of the map (in case you lose it, to find it back
)
This is of course not the case with mindmaps that need to stimulate your brain. Take for instance the mindmaps created by Adam Sicinski (http://blog.iqmatrix.com/). His mindmaps are very powerful and colorful images. These entire images make you want to look at them and investigate the content.
He is a master mind mapper who creates amazing mindmaps. For us, people who just want overview, we probably create good overviews using words, structure and colors and an occasional image. When we need something special, we might as well ask Adam to assist us
As with everything I write for you, I want you to take what you read right now and test it.
See what happens when you create a map with hardly a recognizable centre.
You never know… you might like it!
Arjen
P.S.: Your thoughts on this article can be written in the comments box below. I look forward to reading your thoughts.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I absolutely agree with your thoughts on this subject Arjen.
When I produce the Mind Maps on my website I am designing them in a way that will draw people’s attention. I sell them as posters, and I therefore want the Mind Maps to be as eye-catching as possible. However, when I brainstorm ideas, set goals or collect information, I don’t even bother creating a central image. It’s all about content and information for me. These kinds of Mind Maps are self explanatory, and I am not attempting to transfer the information to memory. As such I don’t use any images at all even throughout the Mind Map itself. Symbols and colors are an exception.
I think there’s too much of an emphasis put on people to be creative artists and place a meaningful image or symbol in their mind maps.
Your suggestions to use a single keyword and color are a great way for people new to mind mapping to take those first steps. This is important for people new to mind mapping to them build their confidence in mind mapping.
I agree. We don’t have to use mindmaps as means to be more creative. I would say: first do what you have to do, then see what’s next
.
Yes and No.
You can use mind maps for manythings and we are not all born equal in the way we think and create. Image associations help memorizing – if we have the right set of images. And colors plus imaglp to rember new associations and post new ideas.
On the other hand, I always try to not use a central idea, rahter a starting point that should be less important than the rest and soon will be discarded with de development of the ideas or thoughts, Moreover, there are situations where the hierarquised graphical content is inverted, as the most important thouthts are in the outside branches and not in the midlle.
True, it all depends on the purpose of the map.
What I usually find is that near the middle I think more in concepts, whereas to the outside I have my details/actions.