(CONFIRM your email address to receive the FREE Cheat Sheet and lessons on smart self studying)

10 Really Cool Mind Mapping Examples

Let’s have a look at mind mapping examples together. I love to look at the mind maps other people make. The many examples that can be found online are amazing, boring, interesting, fun, educational, and sometimes inspirational.

Above all, they are maps that can teach us to become better mind mappers and visual thinkers.

The Cool Mind Mapping Examples, In Random Order

Mind Map Example 1: Global Warming Map

This first map is from S. Genovese from learningfundamentals.com.au. She created this map on Global Warming.

mind map example 1

I really love the colors and the images she uses. One thing that people tell me when I show them this map is: it is kind of overwhelming.

And that is probably because of the many branches that this map uses, she uses 9.

When you combine a number of them you can reduce the overwhelm and make it an even better map. The way I would combine branches is by taking the EAT LESS MEAT and USE LESS  and combining those. Also, the ENERGY AUDIT and the GREEN POWER branches can be joined together. Perhaps you can even combine HOME and PLANT TREES. This reduces the number of branches to 6. Remember that fewer branches are less overwhelming.

What I always take away from this map is the realization that you can use small and simple drawings to create a nice-looking image easily.

Mind Map Example 2: Time Management Map

Map number 2 is the map from MindTools.com on time management.

mind map example 2

Again a map with many branches and now with a lot of text. I think that the main focus of this map is on the images, not on the words. When I look at it, the words usually blur into the background. I get too much distracted by the center image and don’t look at the rest of the map.

What do you see when you look at the map?

When the words would be used differently (more emphasis on important ones and different font sizes) would improve the usability of the map I think.

The main takeaway from this map is that words do matter, especially the way you write them. Make sure you don’t get distracted by creating a map with too many or too impressive images.

studying made easy

Training: Studying Made Easy

A practical approach to studying more in less time.

No fluff, just practical tactics!

 

Mind Map Example 3: How To Mind Map

This map is created by Paul Foreman, a highly skilled mind mapper, and mind map trainer.

mind map example 3

This is a mind map that is a near-perfect Buzan-style mind map. It explains how you create mind maps.

The only thing I would change about this map is probably the use of different colors for the branches. All the lower level branches (under the first level) are all thin lines and they are grey.

Have a look at Paul Foreman using Google to learn more about him and his methods and ideas.

Mind Map Example 4: How To Mind Map (2)

This is an example by Adam Sicinski from iqmatrix.com.

mind map example 4

Although this map is also on how to mind map, you immediately see the different setup and look.

I have absolutely no idea how Adam creates these fine maps. He has a collection of over 200 maps that he did.

In the last mind map, all the branches were the same color and that was not in line with the original Buzan style of mapping.

This map does almost the same thing but highlights the background color of the words and groups them that way. Really cool and very clear. Something you can take away from this map and use in your own maps as well.

Mind Map Example 5: Hand-Drawn Map

Here is a hand-drawn map by Sarah Grant.

mind map example 5

The reason I added this map to the list is that it shows you the clear difference between maps with images and colors and maps with words only.

As you can see the map is clear enough to be used. Note that this kind of mind map is better for just organizing your thoughts, work, projects, etc.

Normally you would not use this map for studying history or anything like that. It is just not something that sticks in your mind (because of the lack of colors and images).

The takeaway from this map: don’t waste time on maps that will only serve to clear your thoughts or ideas. Keep it as simple as possible.

Mind Map Example 6: Future Trends v. Present Status

A map from Dilip Singapore we just have to add to our list of maps so it can help us improve our mapping techniques.

mind map example 6

What I like about this map is that there are not too many images and it uses a lot of colors.

It should be easier to read when the branches would be in the same color. Another thing you could do is use the same colors for the same ideas. So blue for everything related to the future. Red for travel, etc. This means that you can group not just in branches but also see in one view what related topics are.

Mind Map Example 7: World Domination

Something that looks like a mind map (by Kendal Peiguss), but kind of isn’t but is (can you still follow it? ? )

mind map example 7

This is more of an info chart probably. Still, it has a central topic and image and it connects the topics.

I included this map to make sure you know that mind mapping in the traditional sense is done differently, but you should not be bound by the rules of traditional mind mapping only.

Make your own rules and work on your skills to improve the clarity of your information. Your brain may like this or other mind mapping styles, that’s fine. Find your own style and move forward.

Mind Map Example 8: A Cinderella Story

Evelyn Lim from AbundanceTapestry.com created this map.

mind map example 8

Your biggest takeaway is that you should know that mind maps are wonderful tools to tell stories. It doesn’t matter if you create stories for children or capture presentations for business professionals. They are all stored in maps that tell a story.

In fact, every map tells a story. It is up to you to capture it and make is as clear and inviting as possible for yourself and to your audience.

Mind Map Example 9: Art Tips From Sketch Book

Jennifer Frith created this map.

mind map example 9

What I really, really like about it is its simplicity.

All the other maps before are big, have lots of information and show you many different things.

This map is simple.

This is what your life, mind, work, and maps should look like I think. Don’t make it any harder than it is. Simplicity is key.

Mind Map Example 10: 60 Second Map

I love this! Don’t know who created it, but I like the title of the file when I found it. It is a 60-second map.

mind map example 10

In my practical mind mapping training, I tell people to spend as little time working on their map as possible. Don’t make creating a mind map a goal itself.

Simply create a map that does what it needs to do and be done with it. Spending too much time on mind maps is a waste of time.

Your takeaway… the next mind map you create must be ready in 60 seconds (MAX)!

Let’s Do A Mind Map Comparison

There are many different maps that we had a look at. Some are very colorful. Others only use words. There are some maps that were done in less than a minute. Others took probably many hours to create.

I believe that there is not a perfect mind map. A map can be good right now, and useless tomorrow. This is just because of changing circumstances and new information and thoughts.

A mind mapping comparison is hard to do because of this.

No matter what you do with a mind map, always understand what your goal is and how the map will benefit you in that process.

What We Can Learn From These Mind Mapping Examples

(or what you can take away from this article and apply in your own work)

The biggest takeaways I think should be that you

  • don’t spend too much time on your maps
  • use colors and images when appropriate
  • follow the mind mapping rules but let them help you and not restrict you

When you do that, you are ready to create a real overview and clarity in your thoughts, ideas, work, and life.

BONUS MIND MAP: Using mind maps for Memory Palaces

Here is a mind map created by Dr. Anthony Metivier. He is an experienced memory expert, author, and professor.

mind map example 11

I really like the simplicity of this map. Think about what he did with this map. He outlined different methods for creating memory palaces. Did he create a very formal mind map? No! He created a very practical mind map.

And this practical map is helping us in seconds pick the basis for our next memory palace.

If you are interested in learning more about memory palaces in combination with mind maps, I suggest you listen to his podcast.

Enjoy your next mind map with this in mind. Be sure to show me your mind maps and let’s see if we can showcase them here or work on them together.

After all, we need to study other mind mapping examples to improve our own mind mapping techniques.

The Productive

Study Session Cheat Sheet

Start using your limited study time productively.

Simply follow the outline and learn more in your next 30 minutes than before!

(CONFIRM your email address to receive the FREE Cheat Sheet)

3 thoughts on “10 Really Cool Mind Mapping Examples”

  1. Very impressed. I’m retired i”m in my mid 6o’s. I heard about mindmaps about 25 years ago. Have just gone back to writing up a few ie. one for a sea Kayak trip. Your ideas / concepts are real good. I also intend introducing Mindmaps to my Grand kids.

    Thanks Neville Sail


    • Hi Neville,

      Thank you for your message. Wonderful to read that you will be introducing your grand children to mind mapping. Please make sure that you let them figure mind mapping out themselves. I noticed that children know a lot about this way of working already. Don’t push, let them explore it.

      If you have any questions, please let me know.


Comments are closed.