Turn Your Ideas Into Reality With Mind Maps!

At BYJU’S, we believe that innovation is the key to success. Keeping this in mind, this month’s mantra is to turn your ideas into reality using Mind Maps. The ultimate aim is to help BYJUites unlock their creativity and become their best innovative selves. 

What are Mind Maps really?

A Mind Map is a visual thinking tool that is used to capture ideas and information with a unique combination of keywords and images. This technique involves writing down each idea and then linking the idea to other related pieces by lines or curves. This can help you understand a concept or brainstorm, and you won’t have to scramble your head over a lot of information.

What makes Mind Maps so amazing?

• The structure of a Mind Map allows you to grasp the big picture of your idea
• It helps you remember and recall information
• It makes complex ideas easier to understand
• Lastly, but most importantly, it’s a fun way of brainstorming

Also read: It’s time to start taking fun seriously!

Make your own Mind Maps!

Wondering how to get started? Follow the step-by-step instructions given below:

1. Begin with the main concept

Take a blank sheet of paper, and write down the topic you’ve been thinking about: a problem, a decision you need to make, an idea you want to develop, or a project you want to clarify. Word it in a clear and concise manner. It can be a single word or even a central image.

Source: lifehack.org

2. Add branches to the main concept

What is the first idea that comes to mind when you think of the subject for your Mind Map? Draw a line (straight or curved) from the central topic, and write down that idea.

Source: lifehack.org

3. Add sub-branches for more relevant ideas

What does that idea make you think of? What is it related to? List it out nearby by connecting it with shorter lines or a line of a different colour. Ensure that it remains organised.

Source: lifehack.org

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3

Repeat steps 2 and 3 as many times as you need to flush out all of your ideas around the topic that you chose.

Source: lifehack.org

Also read: Become a healthier, happier YOU in 2022 with these small actions!

You can go about creating a mind map in various ways:

1. Branch by Branch: Adding whole branches (with all of their sub-branches), one by one.
2. Level by Level: Adding elements to the map, one level at a time. That means that firstly, you add elements around the central topic (main branches). Then, you add sub-branches to those main branches.
3. Free-Flow: Adding elements to your mind map as they come to you, in no particular order.

Follow these basic rules to create effective mind maps:

• Use a picture for your central idea
• Use colours throughout
• Connect your main branches to the central image and connect your second-level branches to the first and so on
• Make your branches curved rather than straight-lined, the central lines being thicker, organic and flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate from the center
• Use one keyword per line
• Use images throughout
• Develop your own personal style of mind maps
• Use emphasis and show associations in your mindmap
• Keep the mind map clear by using hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches

Have you ever tried making mind maps before? If not, give them a try and tell us about your experience in the comments below!