[ 8 ] Mind Mapping

Do everyone know what actually mind mapping means?
Do you know how useful they are?

A mind map is a diagram used to visually outline information. A mind map is often created around a single word or text, placed in the center, to which associated ideas, words and concepts are added. Major categories radiate from a central node, and lesser categories are sub-branches of larger branches. Categories can represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items related to a central key word or idea.

Mindmaps can be drawn by hand, either as "rough notes" during a lecture or meeting, for example, or as higher quality pictures when more time is available. An example of a rough mind map is illustrated.

Other terms for this diagramming style are: "spider diagrams," "spidergrams," "spidergraphs," "webs", "mind webs", or "webbing", and "idea sun bursting".^] (A "spider diagram" used in mathematics and logic is different.)

Mind Map can be used for :--

==> Problem solving

==> Outline / framework design

==> Structure / relationship representations

==> Anonymous collaboration

==> Marriage of words and visuals

==> Individual expression of creativity

==> Condensing material into a concise and memorable format

==> Team building or synergy creating activity

==> Enhancing work morale

Concept maps :-- mind maps differ from concept maps in that mind maps focus on only one word or idea, 

whereas concept maps connect multiple words or ideas. Also, concept maps typically have text labels on their connecting lines / arms. Mind maps are based on radial hierarchies and tree structures denoting relationships with a central governing concept, whereas concept maps are based on connections between concepts in more diverse patterns. However, either can be part of a larger personal knowledge base system.

Modelling graphs :-- There is no rigorous right or wrong with mind maps, relying on the arbitrariness of 

mnemonic systems. A UML diagram or a semantic network has structured elements modelling relationships, with lines connecting objects to indicate relationship. This is generally done in black and white with a clear and agreed iconography. Mind maps serve a different purpose: they help with memory and organization. Mind maps are collections of words structured by the mental context of the author with visual mnemonics, and through the use of colour, icons and visual links, are informal and necessary to the proper functioning of the mind map.