Draw mindmaps

- One of my favorite tools when I've got a complicated problem to solve is a mind map. There's something about them that just feels natural, and it helps me to think. They work much better than a list. So here is what a mind map looks like. They were invented by Tony Buzan in 1974, and the good thing about them is that they really do reflect how we think. They make a problem visual. They use both your creative side and your structured thinking side. They're quick to draw, and you can add extra items in any order just as you think of them. Also, because it starts in the middle, as you spread out, there is always space for more subsections. These are his and my top tips for making them work extra well. Firstly, use paper in landscape mode rather than portrait. I don't know how Tony Buzan decided this, but I'm pretty sure he's right. It does just feel better somehow. Next, use color and, ideally, pictures and cartoons, as well, to bring your mind map to life. Then, consider using a whiteboard if you're at work. They have loads of space, rubbing out is easy, and a whole group can contribute to mapping out the problem and the possible solutions. Then, you can photograph it with your phone once it's finished. Next, perhaps surprisingly, iPads or tablets are great for drawing mind maps because you can move the branches around with your fingers if one area gets a bit crowded. In fact, with some versions, the branches automatically space themselves out as you add more. A couple of other uses for mind maps, while I'm on the subject, are, number one, note-taking. It's been shown that retention of a subject is greater if you draw out a mind map rather than just writing notes. And number two, explaining something to other people. A mind map can be better than bullet points, and all you need is a sheet of paper with a mind map sketched on it or a graphic on the screen to point to. The one limitation of mind maps is that if you have multiple causes and multiple solutions, say solution A will help with causes one and two, the mind map isn't great for showing how they all link up. You would ideally need a table for this, and I'll come to that later. But overall, I would strongly recommend a mind map for approaching any problem, either when you're on your own thinking through it or working with a group who all need to see it. If you've never used a mind map, then you should definitely give them a try. Maybe after this video, you could try drawing one out for a problem that you have in mind.