Several years back (1993 to be specific), Tony and Barry Buzan wrote a landmark book regarding the concept of mind mapping, which is a graphical technique for boosting creativity, decision-making and other “thinking” activities. Although somewhat dated, the book has become relevant again because of several mind mapping software applications that have recently been developed (and reviewed elsewhere on this site).
The Mind Map Book complements these software packages by explaining the scientific basis for mind mapping. It also explains the philosophical approach to mind maps in general, along with specific approaches to different situations where mind mapping could be applied (e.g., note taking, problem solving, memorization).
The book starts out by describing the “amazing brain” and how our normal linear approach to thinking stifles our creative capacity. The book proposes that “randiant thinking” is the natural approach to thinking. After all, the brain’s synaptic connections don’t proceed in a linear fashion, but rather connect in a web-like or randiant fashion whereby a central thought conjures multiple associations and connections, which in turn conjure multiple associations that continue to branch out.
Mind mapping techniques reflect the randiant thinking concept. The mind mapper places the central idea at the center of a map and “radiates” ideas graphically as a series of branches that emanate from the central idea. More detailed thoughts for each of the main branches can then be addressed by adding branches that are attached to the first-level branches. As many levels of detail can be added to the mind map simply by connecting new, lower-level branches to higher-level branches.
