I'm a big fan of mind mapping and use mind maps a lot when I take notes. It was probably because I was a doodler and still am to a degree but now I do a lot of mind maps online.
Some would argue that this defeats the object of creating the mind map and the time and care it can take but there are so many great tools out there that help mind mapping become easy to create and looking fab. Especially now that some tools are cloud based it means you can use your phone, tablet or laptop and once complete you can share them quickly and easily with others.
Here is a quality list of 18 of the best mind mapping tools out there
Do you use mind maps to help you remember things and take notes? If you do fantastic I hope these tools can help you get even better at them.
If you don't use mind maps then why not give them a whirl in your next workshop or during your next meeting. Tony Buzan is a leading thinker on memory techniques and cites mind maps as one of the most effective ways in which to aid memory.
You can see what I mean here in a video with Tony himself
Maximise the power of your memory
Let me know how you get on or even better why not share your next mind map in comments
Mike
Replies
Hi Mike,
do you know of any free/low cost apps for Ipad that will create visually appealing mind maps?
Hi Howard
I think the tool that Joss mentions and I've linked to above is a free app - Simple Mind
The other one though that I know people talk highly of is Mindjet
Give us a look at one of your master pieces when you're done :)
Thanks Mike/Joss,
Just downloaded 'Simpleminds' and I don't mean "Belfast child" either!!
Hi Mike
I love mind maps too - I discovered them years ago when studying for CIPD postgrad exams and managed to capture all my revision notes onto one page per topic; having a photographic memory made it really easy to recall the information in that format and make mental connections between ideas. I've got my son using them to help with schoolwork too - Tony Buzan's Mind Map Book has really helped.
Another tool to add to the list is for Mac users is a great free app called SimpleMind which I've started to use for electronic mind maps - it's nice and straightforward and worth a look.
Thanks Duncan appreciate the share, I'm going to add a couple of images from mind maps I've done online.
Thanks Joss just checked out SimpleMind looks like a great tool although I'm Android so can't play :(
Anyone else got any mind maps that you've done that you're willing to share?
Hi Mike Still use mind maps extensively to organise notes, producing a one page session plan, and when I'm taking in new materials. Sometimes electronic versions work well for me, other times it's just plain old paper, and multi-coloured pens that do the trick.
Sometimes images help, other times I just use colour-coding to remind me
Have attached a scan of a session plan for a day form the Cert L and D L5 Diploma delivered last month if this helps