MIND MAPS PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE way to organize and record information by providing a radiating structure that presents opportunities to develop associations between thoughts or ideas. The design of a mind map closely mimics how pathways are established when new or existing information is passed between brain cells. The more these pathways are used, the easier and faster it becomes to recall information and build new connections. As a result, mind maps are great for brainstorming, note taking, studying and problem solving.

In order for information to be recalled it must be activated and the level of activation depends upon the associative strength of the memory paths. The stronger the associative properties, the greater chance for the activation of the information being sought. The structures of mind maps are built upon this general principle of creating strong connections between ideas. According to Buzan (1993), mind maps accomplish this by providing a structure built upon four essential elements:

• A Central Idea that identifies the subject
• Main Themes radiating off the central idea
• Key Words/Images branching off the main themes
• A Nodal Structure develops as the map radiates outward from central idea, to main themes to key images/words
  

In addition to these elements, mind maps often contain color and images. Although not part of the four essential elements, images and color actually play an important role in making mind maps an effective tool for the recall of information.

Radiant Thinking

The essential elements above establish a pattern of radiant thinking. This design resembles the natural process the mind goes through as it processes and recalls information. For instance, think back to a time when a song triggered a flow of thoughts. 

The song becomes the central idea and triggers memories associated with that song. These memories are the main themes. These main themes then trigger additional thoughts, which represent key images/words, each sparking hundreds or thousands of additional associations. Before you know it, you find yourself thinking about aunt Matilda’s special cookies and wondering how that happened! Your brain just followed a path of associated connections that lead from the song to those wonderful cookies.

When these types of associative connections are made, existing pathways are strengthened and new ones created. These associations then help to organize and recall information. So, as new data is gathered and learned using an integrated, radiating, organized process such as mind mapping, the easier it becomes to learn new and recall existing information (Buzan, 1993).

Basic Ordering Ideas

Although mind maps are radiating structures, the main themes provide a hierarchal structure known as Basic Ordering Ideas. As such, they are responsible for “shaping and steering the creative process of association” (Buzan, 1993, p. 85).

Whenever possible it is best to use generic main themes when mind mapping, this provides for a wider range of associations. For instance, if the central idea is garden, flower might be a better main theme than rose.

Color and Images

Although hierarchal structures are important in mind mapping, the use of color and images may be just as important. Research has show that the use of color and images enhances the brain’s capacity to recall information. There are two reasons for this; first, color is known to stimulate the brain (Goldberg, 2004) and secondly, our ability to remember images is better than our memory for words (picture superiority effect) (Anglin, Hossein & Cunningham, 2004). 

Buzan (1993) highlights 3 studies where subjects were shown between 600 and 10,000 images under various circumstances. They were then asked to identify the images they had previously been shown. Identification of the original image ranged between 85% to 98% accuracy.

In adding images and colors to mind maps, wide ranges of cortical skills are utilized. These skills include color, form, line dimension, visual patterning, imagination, logic and spatial awareness. Using such a wide range of cortical skills provides multiple reference points to be drawn upon, resulting in better recall of information. In comparison, standard linear notes only utilizes three basic skills: linear patterning, symbols and analysis (Buzan, 1993). 

Overall, the structure and inclusion of color and images into mind maps enhances the brain’s ability to recall information.

Tony Buzan’s Mind Map Site
Mind Map Gallary

For information about conducting a mind mapping activity, see the EET article entitled Mindmap your way to success. 

Buzan, T., & Buzan, B. (1993). The mind map book: How to use radiant thinking to maximize your brains untapped potential. New York: The Penguin Group. 
Goldberg, C. (2004). Brain friendly techniques: Mind mapping®. School Library Media Activities Monthly, 21(3) 22-24. Retrieved November 1, 2005 from ProQuest database. 
Anglin, G.J., Hossein, H., & Cunningham, K.L. (2004). Visual representations and learning: The role of static and animated graphics. In D. Jonassen, (Ed.), Handbook of research on educational communications and technology (2nd ed., pp. 865-916). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers. 
Michelle Ouellette, Graduate Student ，SDSU Educational Technology
Ouellette, M. (2005). About mind maps: What and why. In B. Hoffman (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Educational Technology.