MIND MAPPING
101 Creative Problem Solving Techniques by James Higgens

Mind mapping was originated by Tony Buzan of the Learning Methods Group in England. This technique is based on research findings showing that the brain works primarily with key concepts in an interrelated and integrated manner. Whereas traditional thinking opts for columns and rows/ Buzan feels that "working out" from a core idea suits the brain's thinking patterns better. The brain also needs a way to "slot in" ideas that are relevant to the core idea. To achieve these ends, Buzan developed mind mapping.

Mind mapping is an individual brainstorming process. In brainstorming, you are interested in generating as many ideas as possible, even wild and crazy ones. Just write or otherwise record whatever comes into your head as it occurs. Quantity, not quality, is what you are after. No criticism is allowed during the brainstorming itself. Later you can go back and critique your inputs (or those of others in a group situation).You can also generate new ideas by looking at what you have already written—that is/ "piggyback" on what has already been done.

1. write the name or description of the object or problem in the center of a piece of paper and draw a circle around it.

2. Then brainstorm each major facet of that object or problem by drawing lines out- ward from the circle like roads leaving a city. You can draw branches from those "roads" as you brainstorm them in more detail.

3. You can brainstorm all the main lines at once and then the branches for each, or brainstorm a line and its branches, or jump place toplace as thoughts occur. or jump from place to place as thoughts occur.

4. To make the mind map more useful you might draw each major branch extending from your central thought in a different color.

5. As you branch out, you may notice related topics appearing on different branches. These relationships can be emphasized by circling the items in question, or drawing lines under or between them.

6. Finally, study your mind map and look for interrelationships and terms appearing more than once.

Mind mapping can also be done using a variety of mind mapping software, some free. Experiment with manual mind mapping as well as software based mind mapping.