As we discussed before, information is available in abundance. There is even an infinite amount of raw data all around us. Do we have to control all that data? Should we manage most of the information around us? I don’t think so.
Now what does my mindmap have to do with this. Let’s dive into this.
A mindmap is a tool to collect and present information. Since there is so much information, I believe we have to be very careful when adding information to our mindmap.
I often receive mindmaps from people who tell me they can’t use the mindmap. That’s true… the maps show me so much information I can’t read them on my computer screen (100% show map) or on paper. These people are just like you and me, with normal screen sizes and A4 printers. Only when they would use a projector or a super sized sheet of paper, they would be able to read what is in their mindmap.
This is of course not what you and I want.
Here is my goal for my mindmaps
A mindmap MUST give me a good overview in information and allow me to distill the right actions that bring me closer to my goals.
This means that the mindmap must be clear and readable on one sheet of paper. Of course this usually doesn’t happen in one session.
Here’s what I do to create a condensed and clear map.
Step 1: Add information to the map, as much as you can
Huh? Wasn’t the goal to create a clear map? Isn’t this step creating a over-sized map that is not readable?
You are absolutely correct. The maps you create this way are filled with lots of information. Chances are there is 70 to 90% excess information! First we create abundance from chaos. Secondly we create clarity from abundance.
The only thing you have to do now is move information from your head, the Internet, papers, people, etc. into your mindmap or on your mindmaps sheet (disconnected from any map structure). It doesn’t even matter where you put it right now.
Here is an example: 
The reason we do this is because we first need to have all the ‘relevant’ information there. From that point, we can proceed to step 2.
Step 2: Organizing the content
This is where you begin to create a map-like structure. What you do is you drag the information to the appropriate location in the map. Group everything to create a coherent overview. Yes, I know this may result in some parts being not 100% true or relative. No worries, you are only organizing the material based on your perception.
Since your perception may change, so may your map later on.
You now have a big mindmap with lots of information. It may look like this:
Let’s reduce the content to the ‘bare’ minimum.
Step 3: Reducing the map
This is important. Look closely at your map.
- What information is mentioned twice or more?
- Can you group parts of the map?
- Is it possible to move information closer near each other to make it more powerful or relevant?
- Can you reduce sentences into keywords or a keyword/image? – you probably can!!!
- Is there a chance you can add relationship lines between different parts to improve clarity?
Be very thorough in this step. Reducing the number of words is vital.
The end result is probably a map that has 3 to 6 branches with ‘only’ 2, maybe 3 level of information. It may look like this:
Most of the time, you are reducing the map by about 75 to 90%!
Important:
This is not a linear process where you start with step one and go in a straight line to step three, showing you a ‘perfect’ mindmap.
First of all, there is no such thing as a perfect mindmap. The mindmap can be perfect for you (or your audience) at that moment in time. It is a matter of perception. The end result may not even be a traditional mindmap. That doesn’t matter at all. Your goal is to get a map that works for you.
Even if the map is perfect that moment, it may change because of the mere action of you looking at it and understanding a situation or a piece of information. This will help you change the map.
Also, it it is not a linear process because you can go from step one to step two to step one, to step two, to step three, to step two, etc.
After a number of sessions, you created the right overview for the end-user of the map. Just have a look at the image below to see what happens.
This little system for creating high information dense maps is of course only part of the entire process. The goal now is to create a map that is showing you what you need, without the excess data. You can make the map as nice looking as you like after you are satisfied with the reduced step 3 map.
Let me know how using this system of different steps improved the clarity of your maps.
Make sure you don’t create maps that are too big. This vital ingredient of a productive map is usually overlooked. This powerful little system can probably be used on any map, even master maps. Once the map grows too big, you create new maps and you hyperlink to those other maps. This was explained before when talking about master mindmaps.
Enjoy this little system to improve clarity in your mindmaps!
P.S.: Remember, I don’t write articles to give you a fix-all solution to manage your information needs. What you and I are good at is stimulating each other. You read the article, I show you a different way to handle your information. You can take action. When you do, you will move towards more control over your information. You become better in managing your information.
The circle is closed when you let me know what you experienced and how this helped you.
Understand that the more aware you are of what you do, the more capable you become handling it!
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