Drawing up a mind map. A smart card is the best assistant in any business. Choosing a graphic model

Mind maps are not as simple as they seem. They contain enormous possibilities, but they reveal them only when they are created taking into account important rules. The author of the technique, Tony Buzan, in the book “Mind Maps” described the entire process step by step. Remember a problem or topic that you’ve been wanting to figure out for a long time, take out paper and markers. Let's draw a mind map for science.

Step 1. Preparation

To ensure there is enough space for the mind map, use a large piece of paper. Keep it completely clean so that lines or anything else doesn't distract you from the creative process. Lay it horizontally - this will give more freedom and space. In addition, information on a horizontal mind map is better perceived, since the entire page can be viewed non-linearly - from the center in a circle.


Mind maps

Place the sheet in front of you. You can sit comfortably on the floor. The artist Paula Regu specially painted her paintings sitting on the floor, since this “childish” manner allows you to get rid of conventions and think freely and creatively. Give it a try.

Step 2: Choose a central image

Once you have decided on the topic of the mind map, start drawing a picture in the center of the sheet. Use at least three different colors and try to make the image three-dimensional and expressive.

Get creative - think about how to symbolically express your theme. If it is impossible to do without a keyword, write it, but make it colorful and voluminous. This will help start the associative process.

Step 3. Identify the main ideas

The main categories, which diverge from the central image in the form of main branches, form the structure of the mind map. It is important to choose them correctly: they give a creative impulse and help you see the whole picture more clearly.

The following questions will help you decide on the main branches.

What information or knowledge do you need?

If this were a book, what would the chapter titles be? What lessons or topics would it contain?

What issues do you need clarification? (Questions such as “What?”, “Where?”, “Who?”, “How?”, “Which?”, “When?” can become very useful branches in a mind map.)

What subtopics can the main topic be divided into?

To start, you can write down the first ten words or images that come to mind, and then group them under general headings to form main branches.

Step 4: Add Branches

The branches closest to the center should be thicker to emphasize their importance. Above each such branch, write one of the organizing ideas. Additional branches branching off from the main one will contain information related to the main idea.

Give branches natural curves to make them more visually appealing. If each branch looks unique, the information will be remembered better.

Step 5: Express ideas through images

To achieve maximum visual impact and make the process fun, use as many images as possible. As with words, each of the pictures should occupy a separate branch. Don’t worry if your artistic talent hasn’t awakened in you - pictures don’t have to be masterpieces. Quick sketches, symbols, will do just fine.

Using your imagination to create a mind map has another benefit: it helps improve your visual perception skills. Research has shown that when it comes to image recognition, people have an almost photographic memory. The average person, if shown 10,000 photographs, will be able to remember more than 98% of them.

When you make your first 100 mind maps, you will probably remember 100 out of 100.

Try to keep your images as clear as possible. The clearer the mind map, the more attractive it is. A clear image stimulates a clear response. It is clarity that will help you see the world around you through the eyes of a child or an artist. Your ability to perceive will improve.

Step 6. Play with words

To maintain clarity, impact, and freedom, don't use more than one keyword per branch. It is much easier to remember a word than a phrase. By limiting yourself to one word, you will choose it more carefully and use your analysis skill more actively.

The length of the branch must match the length of the keyword. This will allow you to place the words close enough to each other and place as many associations as possible on the mind map.

Write keywords in block letters to make them easier to visualize. Given the hierarchy of ideas, you can label branches with lowercase and uppercase letters to show their importance.

Step 7: Develop Synesthesia

Synesthesia is a perceptual phenomenon in which stimulation of one sense organ leads to an automatic response from another. For example, a person with synesthesia might associate each day of the week with a different color and texture: Tuesday might be blue or like a deep-pile carpet, while Sunday might be yellow and have the texture of soap bubbles.

A mind map can be considered an organized synesthetic tool. Use all five senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch. Think about the power of movement that can be visualized in the natural shape of branches and how else it can be expressed in a mind map.

Step 8: Create your own codes

We have already seen that color is one of the most powerful tools for improving memory and creativity. To increase the impact of color, create your own color code: relate specific colors to your main ideas. A carefully thought out color code will help you quickly absorb the information presented on the mind map, improve its memorization and increase the number of creative ideas.

Step 9: Label the Relationships

Similar to a code system, branches and arrows can be used to indicate connections between different areas of a mind map, showing how different concepts relate. Connecting branches can take the form of curves, loops, chains or any other shape that appeals to you.

The arrows automatically direct your gaze so that it moves from one part of the mind map to another. They encourage the brain to follow the gaze and give spatial direction to thoughts, stimulating the process of creative thinking. Like connecting branches, arrows can vary in size, shape, and volume. Sometimes they are multidirectional and connect several branches at once.

Step 10: Use Borders and Chunking Techniques

The mnemonic technique "chunking" was invented by American psychologist George Armitage Miller in 1956. Chunk (from the English chunk - piece, fragment) is an organizational unit of memory. When pieces of information enter memory, they can be organized so that the concepts associated with them are grouped into one unit. This process is called chunking.

When creating mind maps, chunking and boundaries can be useful. They give form, group information, stimulating short-term memory. They are especially useful when creating complex mind maps that cover different topics with different levels of information.

Step 11: Don't forget about white space

The empty space between the elements of a mind map performs no less important a function than the elements of the map themselves. The right amount of white space around each element will give your mind map clarity and structure, and make it more attractive. This means that the information will be easier to remember.

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Mind map(thought map, mind map) is a graphic structured display of key information.

Mind map example

A unique method of organizing not only your consciousness, but also your everyday life.

Moreover, the information can be of absolutely any spectrum - from a chapter of a textbook to things planned in business for the week.

TWO HEMISPHERES

What distinguishes a mind map from a simple outline?

It's simple - the high efficiency of using a thought map. In the process of creating it, the brain uses two hemispheres at once - the left one is responsible for the logical structure of the map, and the right one is responsible for the clarity of its presentation.

Thanks to this “exploitation” of the brain, not only operational memory is formed, but also associative, which allows you to remember more of the information presented.

And if you do forget something, the mind map allows you to correct it as quickly as possible: the construction logic will quickly lead you to the required information block and lead you to what needs to be remembered.

Construction Rules

You can build a mind map on an intuitive level, but we are here to figure it out. Therefore, next I will tell you about the main stages of construction.

1. Decide on a goal

Before you start mind mapping, you need to determine the purpose of building a mind map.

This is the most important stage, because the graphic component and perception of the thought map varies depending on the goal.

Possible targets from different areas:

1. Organize the release of a new product;
2. by 20%;
3. Create a new system for sellers;
4. Identify the reasons why the site crashed;
5. Move to another country for permanent residence.

Interesting…

2. Collect information and filter

In order not to turn your mind map into a “dump,” you need to carefully analyze what information your map needs.

To do this, we ask ourselves questions:

1. How will the perception of the map change if I omit this information?
2. How will the absence of this information affect the work with the mind map?
3. What could the lack of this information on the map lead to?

If such a “test drive” showed that your mind map will calmly survive the absence of any information block, feel free to refuse it.

Need to think…

2. Select a graphic model

I will tell you three main points that you should pay attention to when choosing a graphic card model.

2.1 Interconnected model

If a mind map is being built for educational purposes, it is better to choose a systematic presentation of information, use numerous relationships, and build subelements, as in the example below.

Interconnected Model

2.2 Block model

If a mind map is intended to retain a large number of tasks in memory, it is better to give preference to block and list forms. In this case, it is clearer and will allow you to complete tasks step by step.

Block model

2.3 Hierarchical model

If a mind map is a path to achieving a goal, then it would be more rational to use a hierarchy of elements, at the head of which is your goal, and the subelements are tasks aimed at achieving it.

Hierarchical model

3. We build

Well, that’s the main process – construction. I won’t describe step by step what needs to be done, but I will tell you the basic rules.

3.1. Start from the center

Moreover, now we are not talking about the physical center, but about the mental one. The center is the key idea, the most important idea of ​​your map.

It is from the center that the graphical branches of information blocks will come, which will ideologically depend on the key idea.

3.2 Use graphic images

The more creatively you approach the design of your mind map, the more active the right hemisphere of your brain works.

Thanks to this, memorizing information and comprehending it occurs many times faster.

3.3 Use colors

Color can make your mind map easier to visualize. Moreover, according to psychologists, the optimal number is 3-5 different colors for each card.

So, you can highlight the most important information or upcoming deadlines in red. Green - what is already familiar or things that can be postponed for a while, and so on.

3.4 Structure information and keep distance

Distribute the information on the mind map evenly and do not get carried away by “sticking” information blocks on top of each other.

Otherwise, you risk creating a map that is incomprehensible to you, which will look more like a work by Salvador Dali.

3.5 Use different fonts, letter sizes and writing styles

This point is also aimed at creating a high-quality visual of your mind map.

By playing with fonts and writing, you can build a certain logic of information blocks and the map as a whole.

3.6 Reflect the connections of elements and their influence on each other

You can show connections between information blocks using lines, arrows and mathematical symbols (>,<,=,=>etc.).

A visual representation of the relationship will allow you to logically connect the blocks and the information hidden in them.

3.7 Use the One Keyword Principle

Information blocks should be titled with one keyword. For example, if a block reflects information about the preconditions for a crisis, and the mind map is dedicated specifically to it, then it is logical to title this block “Prerequisites”.

It is worth paying attention to this process because it will simplify the perception of the map and speed up finding the necessary information.

3.8 Keep your writing legible

Avoid using fonts that are too small and place text horizontally.

Otherwise, the mind map will become more of a burden, requiring time to constantly look at the text and “decipher it.”

3.9 Limit information blocks visually

The logic of the presentation of the mind map is also ensured by the limitation of information blocks.

This can be done with frames, corners or underlining lines - choose to your liking.

3.10. Simplify drawings and graphics

While graphic elements are an important creative component, it is important not to overdo it.

Otherwise, there is a risk of diverting attention to the drawings rather than focusing on the semantic content of the mind map.

Cool!

Mind maps in business

The use of mind maps to visualize business processes is becoming quite popular.

There are three reasons for this:

1. Ease of perception;
2. Structured information;
3. Simplification of control over the work of project blocks and departments.

However, there are some peculiarities of use here too. I’ll tell you how to properly create a thought map for business in the next section.

Principles for business

It is enough to create a map step by step, adhering to the general rules and following the following principles:

1. Create a mind map of your entire enterprise

This will make it easier to determine the role and place of individual executive groups or employees in its work.

2. Label internal and external elements

Internal (financial and departments) and external (state of the external environment) factors will allow you to better assess the current situation and make the right management decisions.

3. Use principle

Set the main, strategic goal towards which your company is moving, and branch it into smaller goals. Due to this, you will definitely not turn the company’s development vector in the wrong direction.

4. Keep it readable and simple

Make the map available to all employees. This will unite the team and define a common team goal.

Programs

We have prepared for you a selection of the 20 best mind-dapping services.

1. Shareware

If you have just begun your acquaintance with mind maps, we recommend that you first test free programs for creating maps. There are as many as 12 of them in our selection, and everyone can choose something to their liking.

1. MindMeister

MindMeister

Description: MindMeister is a classic online mind mapping tool with wide functionality and the possibility of team work.

Application Features: The mapping software is a pleasure to use, and the platform's interface is simple and intuitive. The functionality is quite high, and for personal use it will be more than enough.

Area of ​​use: Project planning, meeting management, brainstorming, note taking, knowledge management.

2. MindMup

MindMup

Description: The Mind Map contains all the standard features for creating mind maps, as well as free export to PDF and synchronization of maps in your account from different devices via Google Drive.

Application Features: A very comfortable platform for any user. Simple management, you can customize the design to your liking, free export and synchronization with Google cloud.

Area of ​​use: Individual note-taking, collaborative planning, collaboration, classroom management.

3. Coggle

Coggle

Description : Multi-user platform for creating branched and multi-center mind maps. A non-conservative and stylish mind mapping tool.

Application Features: Limited but comfortable functionality designed for convenient and fast online collaboration. Therefore, this service is most suitable for team work.

Area of ​​use: Note-taking, brainstorming, team project work.

4. Simplemind

Simplemind

Description: A powerful service with wide functionality and the possibility of free use, which is great for both individual and corporate use.

Application Features: The application is filled with various tools for creating unique and convenient mind maps. Also, when downloading, you can set the Russian language for the application, which will greatly simplify working with it.

Area of ​​use: Project management, knowledge structuring, brainstorming, task list.

5. The Brain

The Brain

Description: A completely free application for creating mind maps with a large number of necessary options and the ability to create a unique design.

Application Features: A pleasant and easy-to-use service that allows you to work both individually and collaboratively thanks to synchronization via Google cloud. In addition, the service provides comprehensive job training.

Area of ​​use: Associative mapping, calendar of events and reminders, project management, teamwork, business process management.

6. Mind42

Mind42

Description : Classic design and strict design are perfect for use by companies with a formal internal organization.

Application Features: A classic application with standard tools for creating mind maps.

Area of ​​use: Creating task lists, brainstorming, organizing events.

7. Bubble

Bubble

Description: A visual thinking tool for structuring information, helping to better understand, remember and generate new ideas.

Application Features: The service is extremely easy to use, but the best part is that you can use it in test mode without downloading or registering, which allows you to evaluate how suitable this tool is for you.

Area of ​​use: Knowledge management, brainstorming, idea generation, team work on a project.

8.Comapping

Comapping

Description: Comapping is online mapping and information management software. Simple and convenient software, which, by the way, is Russified and will be easy to use for Russian-speaking users.

Application Features: A classic mind-dapping application in its presentation, the main feature of which is the ability to simultaneously work with a huge number of users (up to a hundred people).

Area of ​​use: Educational management, note-taking and day organization, corporate meetings, business process management.

9. WiseMapping

WiseMapping

Description : Service for creating mind maps in vector graphics with completely free use. The application is focused on managing training or business processes.

Application Features: Quite wide functionality and ease of use. There is no need to download the application, and the whole team can work online.

Area of ​​use: Knowledge and education management, brainstorming, task list creation, schedule management, business and project management.

10. Mapul

Mapul

Description: One of the few original and non-standard services for creating mind maps. Mapul invites you to use a creative approach in your work and provides an arsenal of tools to create a unique design.

Application Features: Unusual design of the generated mind maps. The tool allows you to create “organic” mind maps, and the visualization variations are amazing.

Area of ​​use: Brainstorming, idea generation, teamwork, creating business presentations.

11. Draw

Draw

Description : Online utility for creating mind maps and working with them. The service has a simple interface, a wide range of functions and a sufficient number of tools for personal use.

Application Features: The service does not require installation or registration, and is completely free, which makes it incredibly convenient. However, it is hardly suitable for multi-user and - moreover - corporate use.

Area of ​​use: Mind Mapping, To Do List Creation, Knowledge Management, Task Management, Goal Achievement, Project Management.

12. Loopy

Loopy

Description : Creative program for creating original thought maps. The application allows you to create unique designs for your mind maps, providing numerous variations in the use of text, graphic and color elements.

Application Features: The service is unique in its ability to add animations, as well as creative elements for creating a mind map.

Area of ​​use: Information organization, knowledge management.

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2. Paid

If you are an advanced user of services for creating mind maps, and the functionality of free applications is not enough for you, then catch a selection of paid services.

1. MindGenius

MindGenius

Description: A tool that allows you to create and prioritize ideas, as well as develop projects, task lists and monitor them.

Application Features: In addition to the application, the service provides the opportunity for full training in project management and finding optimal solutions. This is an important addition for corporate mind mapping.

Area of ​​use: Strategy development, project planning, achieving personal goals, project management, financial and business process management.

2.XMind

XMind

Description: XMind is a full-featured mind mapping and brainstorming tool. The service is quite popular and is supported by various platforms, but the interface is in English.

Application Features: Comfortable to use and undemanding tool. The interface is not overloaded and intuitive, and will be useful for both personal and corporate use. There are not enough options.

Area of ​​use: and construction of Gantt charts, business diagrams, presentations.

3.MindJet

MindJet

Description: An application completely Russified by developers for creating mind maps designed for information management, business process planning and other purposes.

Application Features: The functionality of the service is amazing, and the application will become a serious assistant for managers. The tool is absolutely not suitable for personal use; many options are intended for team work.

Area of ​​use: Creative problem solving, productivity, information and knowledge management, task and project management, business planning, purchasing.

4. iMindMap

iMindMap

Description: An English-language application that focuses on creativity and the visual component, which allows you to create beautiful mind maps.

Application Features: The main advantage of iMindMap is its incredible element design. It is this platform that allows you to unleash the creative potential of mind maps at 100%.

Area of ​​use: Visualization of tasks, project planning, brainstorming

5. ConceptDraw

ConceptDraw

Description: The service is a powerful software package designed specifically for business managers of all types, as well as for a comprehensive solution to any business problems.

Application Features: The service integrates three products: DIAGRAM v12 – for any business; MINDMAP v10 – for strategic planning, knowledge and team management; PROJECT v9 – a professional approach to project management.

Area of ​​use: Business analytics, building infographics, data modeling, control and CRM analytics, decision making, process flow diagrams, etc.

6. Mindmanager

Mindmanager

Description: Russian-language professional tool for business process management, which provides all the tools necessary for business monitoring when creating a mind map.

Application Features: MindManadger is a service designed for corporate use and operation by professional managers.

Area of ​​use: Brainstorming, data visualization, flowcharts, project management.

7.PersonalBrain

PersonalBrain

Description : Utility for creating mind maps and idea management concepts. Great for project management as it allows you to create timelines and resource lists based on your mind map.

Application Features: PersonalBrain has a simple and intuitive interface, and also allows you to define time intervals for the implementation of “branches” of the map and determine the necessary resources for each branch.

Area of ​​use: Integrating all sources of information into one visual environment (suitable for teachers), building key relationships and analyzing them (suitable for business).

8.NovaMind

NovaMind

Description: A stylish service for planning, mapping thoughts and managing your schedule with a wide graphic arsenal and the ability to create original design solutions.

Application Features: The tool has an extremely nice design and comfortable interface. The service is convenient to use due to hints at each stage of mind-dapping.

Area of ​​use: Event planning, organizing thoughts, knowledge and information management.

BASIC ERRORS

Most often, when starting to work with mind maps, 5 typical errors arise:

• Information overload. If too much information is added to a mind map, it means that the information has not been analyzed.
• Simple hierarchical forms. If the mind map form is a simple hierarchy, you're probably missing a lot of important things.
• Excessive severity. If your map is too strict, it will resemble textbook graphics and will be harder to comprehend.
• Graphic oversaturation. It is important not to overdo it with a variety of fonts, sizes, designs, etc.
• Rare interaction. Mind maps are only effective if they are constantly available to you.

So, if you want to get the most out of this tool, be sure to check the final map for errors.

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Briefly about the main thing

If your head is spinning, know that mind maps will be a good help for you.

Mindapping not only allows you to unload emotionally, but at the same time it will help you process the information efficiently and sort it out.

Make mind maps a part of your life and become more effective!

Good afternoon, dear readers and guests of the blog!
Today I want to talk to you about one interesting technique that will help you analyze any information better and more efficiently: a mental map - you will learn examples of some of them from this article.

This technique is not so complicated, and its applicability knows no bounds. After all, we all sometimes find ourselves in a situation where we urgently need to understand some matter, material, or maybe even our own lives? In this case, you should definitely get acquainted with mind mapping!

A short outline of the article:

• What is a mind map?
• How are mind maps created?
• What to pay attention to when mind mapping
• Types of programs for creating mental maps
• Application of mental maps in life.

What kind of animal is this?

Mental maps (mind mapping, maindmapping) are a convenient way to structure information, where the main topic is in the center of the sheet, and related concepts are arranged around it in the form tree diagram.

Psychology, mnemonics and neurolinguistics are successfully combined here. In this article you will see examples of such cards.

One of my cards, monthly plan:

This technique was first proposed by Tony Buzan, a British psychologist. He explains the high effectiveness of mental maps by the peculiarity of human psychology to perceive information entirely and nonlinearly, as if scanning.

That’s why the usual kilometers of text in ordinary notes become tiresome and boring so quickly, you yourself know.

How it's done?

As stated above, a mental map is a three-dimensional tree-like system. At the very beginning of use, you need to decide topic- a word or a small definition that will set the direction for all the ensuing data.

“Following” is said for a reason: you need to set different flows of subsequent information, drawing new and new branches.

A huge advantage of using mental maps is that, in fact, there cannot be any unnecessary information! All the details that would be omitted in a regular table or outline will find their place on the smaller branches of our system, and the details of these details will find their place on even smaller branches!

In this regard, the use of mental maps is very convenient when you need to understand your own thoughts and desires.

You can record anything, all associations and emerging thoughts, without any problems structuring the information into main and secondary ones: the whole picture will form by itself.

A few details to pay attention to:

1. Bright colors

Human psychology is structured in such a way that first we perceive colors, lines, general structure, and then we delve into the symbols, which are the letters that make up the text. Therefore, it is useful to highlight outstanding moments with bright pens, markers, pencils, etc.

2. Special styles

Based on the same principle of psychology, it would be nice if, when using a map, each branch is designed in some special style, different from other branches. In this case, there will be less chance of confusing information, since the data will not be associated with each other on subconscious level.

3. Notation system

A chain of thoughts in the mind can arise very quickly, and just as quickly be replaced by another. Therefore, in order to eliminate the risk of incompletely filling out the mental map, I recommend that you come up with and put into use your own symbol system in advance: to save time.

4. Illustrations and images

Don't limit yourself to text alone. Additional visual materials will make the information included in the map even easier to understand.

5. Additional notes

The whole effect can be lost if you go overboard with the text. To deepen the material, you can use footnotes on special small pieces of paper-bookmarks, where the mentioned topic will be explained in a little more detail than the map allows.

6. Unambiguity

Clearly present the material at the map levels, otherwise the mental map will not fulfill its main task: it will not help you analyze information more successfully.

Computer programs

You don't have to draw up the entire map by hand, because there are special programs that help you do mind mapping digitally.

Here are some of them:

iMindMap - this is the program I used before, it’s very easy to use, it produces beautiful and impressive maps. I am familiar with it, and will tell you more about it in the future.

But it has a significant disadvantage - it’s more expensive, it’s worth buying if you’re going to use it all the time, I switched to paper ones, and in the examples are my old cards...

Coggle – simple interface and plenty of functions. Allows you to create high-quality mental maps in a short time. You can upload files by simply dragging and dropping from your desktop.

Allows collaboration on one map. There is an undo function, as well as a detailed history of changes.

Xmind is a popular cross-platform program that comes in paid and free versions. In addition to mind mapping, it supports Ishikawa diagrams. Quite useful for time management.

Mapul is a paid program that operates on a monthly subscription basis. Excellent for its original design. Good for creating handwritten maps, the settings include Russian.

MindMeister is a simple program without a confusing interface. There is an application for Android and iOS. Generally paid, but there is a free trial version. Allows collaboration in real time.

WiseMapping is a program that allows you to work on maps online, without downloading to your computer. Supports both collaborative and personal work. Allows you to export the finished product to another format, insert it into websites, presentations, etc.

Application of mind maps

Mental maps can be useful in a variety of areas of our lives:

1. Learning new material

Both in schools, universities and various courses, and during self-education. It makes sense to abandon the usual linear notes and switch to mental maps.

With mind maps, it becomes easier to perceive new information. This happens due to accentuated cause-and-effect relationships, so the process of mastering the material goes faster.

In addition, this can save time, since when writing long notes, you spend time both writing and then re-reading not very important material.

And since in the information sections you arrange all the topics and subtopics as a multi-level system, you will not have to spend a long time searching and deciphering the material.

Therefore, mind mapping is a worthy alternative.

2. Analysis of life situations

When it is difficult to understand what to do, what choices to make and what actions to take, mind mapping also comes to the rescue.

By sequentially arranging information along the shelves-branches, you can unexpectedly see the situation with new sides, sort out the details and discover exits and opportunities that are invisible at first glance.

3. Self-knowledge

It is difficult to decide on a profession, study profile, and generally live in the modern world if you yourself do not know what you can do and what you want.

Mind maps allow you to carefully analyze your emotions, feelings and tastes, helping to identify sometimes unexpected reasons for the current state of affairs.

4. Self-development

With the help of mental maps it is quite convenient to monitor your own progress and progress towards your goals. It also helps you organize your time and distribution of efforts, not allowing little things to escape your attention, ignoring which often leads to losses.

5. Planning

I quite often draw up a plan in the form of a map, for example, almost every article on a blog begins with drawing up an outline for the article; you can learn more about this.

Well, you can see the drawn up plan for the month in the example above, the plan for December is shown there, albeit in 2014...

But we strive for success, right? Never give up, and let intelligence cards be your faithful assistants even in the most confusing situations!

I think it's time to end here, all the best!

Developing brain activity in the era of technology is very easy. For this purpose, there is a special program for creating mind maps, with the help of which it becomes even easier to remember moments.

Having used such tactics once, in the future this method will become the only one for planning affairs and other purposes.

A mind map is a graphic representation of thoughts on a sheet of paper of any format. On such a diagram you can indicate the main and secondary thoughts and problems that require solutions. In images, all objects are interconnected. Can be built in the form of a hierarchy. The mind map has a foreign origin, a lot of names: mind-map, mental map, linking diagram.

The English expression “mind” is translated as mind. The user, when drawing up a diagram, cleans out the “garbage” in his head.

The main advantages and disadvantages of the scheme

Any information that is provided to a person in the form of a diagram or image is perceived better than text.

Advantages:

• simplification of the material;
• saving time on memorization and orientation in the text;
• organizing thoughts;
• indication of the area of ​​responsibility for the project;
• the connection of blocks and ideas with each other is visually visible.

If you create mind maps in programs, it is better not to use too bright a design. It can distract your thoughts and confuse you when performing specific actions.

Disadvantages of this construction method:

• difficulty choosing a thought or constructing a series of events;
• not suitable for people with inability to think logically;
• when drawing up a diagram, you need to write down all the ideas and then sort them;
• indicating the consequences of all decisions.

As a result, the creator of the mental scheme will be able to see a complete and clear picture of the events that will occur if they are implemented.

Using smart cards

Cards for emergency brainstorming help you quickly grasp the train of thought and adequately perceive information.

This approach is necessary in many situations:

1. For celebrations and other types of events. This will allow for a clear sequence between actions and events.
2. Will help in creating a business plan and its active directions.
3. The map is drawn to perform general cleaning. Include in your plan every place where you need to dust or clean under a cabinet. Creating a diagram will not let you forget about important places.
4. When planning daily tasks. Write down a plan for several days in advance, this will create an individual regime.
5. Creating a wardrobe. The map will help you understand what things are needed and what you should get rid of.
6. Preparation for exams. The diagram shows blocks in which important topics for each day are written. Preparation is divided into stages.

The constructed intelligence circuit can be used at business meetings and children's parties

Mind mapping is performed based on existing ideas, which are recorded immediately in a clean format

The smart poster maker allows you to build in an interesting way of design. The capabilities of the online service include:

• team and individual work on a project;
• editing in management;
• creating unusual presentations;
• convenient visualization of thoughts.

The utility is offered on a paid and free basis, and is available for registration and authorization through social networks. Several tariff plans are offered for using the Internet service:

• base;
• personal (suitable for individual purposes, costs $5 per month);
• PRO (price 8.5 dollars, suitable for single and collective use);
• business ($12.5, more than 10 people can work).

Xmind

Convenient editor with a classic design. Available on PC as a third-party application option.

The software helps you organize your thoughts and is suitable for working from a mobile device.

• captures fleeting thoughts;
• helps make work productive;
• ease of structuring;
• allows the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships;
• You can combine different map structures with each other.

The user is offered a free and paid version of the software. The latter includes the following tariffs:

• for desktop ($4.58/mo);
• mobile + computer ($4.99/month);
• mobile ($1.24/month).

This utility provides a convenient menu position and a clear and simple interface.

Main features of the program:

• convenient creation of notes and nodes of important matters;
• auto saving of each edition;
• joint work on the map from different PCs;
• many starting points.

There are three tariff packages that include limited features:

• Free (free version);
• Awesome ($5/month);
• Organization ($8/month).

A program in which you can effectively carry out teamwork and complete new tasks.

Thanks to a clear menu, navigation in the program is organized faster

Main features of the program:

• updating smart maps in real time;
• there is a built-in architect;
• publication of maps on various social networks is allowed;
• monitoring the completion of tasks.

A one-time purchase of the program on the official website is $160 or 10,550 rubles. Further use without subscription fee.

The program creates documents and illustrations in which there is a relationship between objects and important sub-items.

Pros and cons of PersonalBrain

Main functions:

• development of maps and their concepts;
• visualization of thoughtful ideas;
• unlimited addition of blocks and items;
• attachment of special files.

The free license is valid for 30 days; in the future, to activate limited functions, you must register in the system.

Creating 3D Images in PersonalBrain

The tool is offered with a free license and an activation key for it. Helps track the development of team thinking.

Main features of the program:

• fixation of blocks and sub-items;
• brainstorming registration;
• structuring complex information;
• time map for implementing the workflow.

The free version of the program is valid for 30 days from the date of download. Further use requires entering the activation key that comes with the application.

Mind map created in iMindMap

Bubbl.us

The creation of mind maps in this program is carried out in the same style.

It has simple but accessible functions:

There are two tariff plans:

• Free (with registration required);
• Premium ($4.91/month + trial period).

Watch the video: an example of working in the Bubbl.us service.

Convenient online service that requires registration. This tool is convenient for corporate purposes when creating and executing instructions.

Interface of the main page of the Comapping website

The service provides convenient tools, and the English-language interface can be easily changed to Russian:

• convenient drawing, availability of additional tools;
• there are icons for design;
• working with focusing and magnifying objects;
• printing the finished layout.

Working in the program is available in free mode.

The program helps you visually plan many tasks, create blocks of events and important tasks. The tool integrates with the Microsoft application suite.

It is necessary to activate the test period on the program installed on the PC

Main features of the program:

• group work;
• convenient, unobtrusive design;
• clear menu and utilities;
• creating different hierarchies.

The free version of the application for the computer is valid for 14 days from the moment of first launch, a further extension for a year will cost $160, and the one-time cost of the program will be about $256.

Comparison of the price of MindGenius with prices of other programs

A popular tool for organizing thoughts when running a business or for personal purposes.

Suitable for different computer settings. The first installation is performed in English.

Main functions:

• creation of network smart maps;
• the ability to share with friends on social networks;
• no additional installation of plugins required;
• Convenient import and export of files.

The program is provided completely free of charge, regardless of the purpose for installing it on your computer.

Mapul

The service allows you to create handwritten maps with interesting designs.

Different themes and separate structures are available for creating mind maps

Notes, images, pictures can be included in the layout.

Main features of the program:

• convenient mechanism for operation;
• style setting;
• elementary toolbar;
• remote synchronization.

Resource for free use on Windows and Android operating systems. To obtain an accessible version of the application, you must download it from the official website.

ConceptDraw

A system that allows working with data. The program captures the user's main thoughts and ideas.

With the help of appropriate tools, you can organize any information to correctly create a hierarchy

The utility provides:

• support for HTML, PowerPoint, Outbox, Excel, Word formats;
• installer for installation on a PC;
• customizable menu;
• convenient arrangement of tools.

The manager is available for download for free. Used only as a third-party application that is not updated.

Popplet

A mind visualization tool for MacOS and Windows versions of computers. Versions are available for downloading and for online operation.

Suitable for schoolchildren and adults

Main features of the program:

• nice interface;
• convenient control panel;
• advanced functionality;
• basic setup.

Online access version is free for users of any device. For downloading to a smartphone, a portable version is provided, without a special tariff.

LOOPY

Service for drawing up live instant mental maps. Positive and negative qualities can be included in the layout.

Map design is done using the tools that are on the working panel

Main features of the program:

• acceptable color;
• visually clear interface;
• the ability to edit immediately after registration;
• preservation of materials.

Since the application is offered on the site, it can be used unlimitedly, without a subscription fee or registration requirement.

The leading mind mapping tool.

Provided for every operating system version, including mobile devices

iThoughts

Designed for constructing a mental map. There is a free and paid version of the software.

The service runs in the browser.

Multi-item mind map allowed

Free mind map software is available for any computer.

NovaMind

A program for quickly implementing ideas and thoughts.

Has different styles. The cost for monthly use is $6.

NovaMind pricing policy compared to other programs

Draw.io

Suitable for a series of operating systems including MacOS and Windows. There is a free trial period.

Watch the video: working in the Draw.io program.

A service for correctly creating mind map diagrams.

The software is available for registered users and in trial mode.

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