Book Review: The Mind Map Book
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.
One of the primary benefits of this approach – as opposed to a linear approach – is that individual or group mind map users can skip around from branch to branch, even if they are presumably unassociated. This encourages users to generate new connections and associations, and to register ideas as they occur rather than when they fit into the normal “linear flow.”
Mind maps are then enhanced by adding colors, pictures, codes and links between branches. These elements excite the senses, and stimulate further creativity (and with mind mapping software, you can link to pictures, sound files and even videos!!). People prefer to think and learn in different manners (using words, logic, pictures, sound, etc.) and mind mapping taps into all of these senses and styles.
The Mind Map Book is a great companion to the software because it explains the techniques, approaches and guiding principles of mind mapping. In “mind map” fashion, the book lays out the high-level laws, then discusses how to implement those laws, then provides more detailed information and examples to illustrate how to implement the laws.
In fact, the authors used mind mapping to lay out the entire book. At the top level, the book is broken into 5 “divisions”: Natural Architecture, Foundations, Structure, Synthesis and Uses. The first two divisions describe the reasoning behind mind mapping, while the Structure division discusses the guiding principles that apply to every mind map.
For the business person, however, the real benefit of reading the book is provided during the last two divisions. In the synthesis section, the book discusses the specific approaches (including examples, some of which are true works of art) and benefits of using mind mapping for making choices, organizing your own ideas, organizing other people’s ideas, memorization, creative thinking and group mind mapping. The book points out that mind maps can be used for multiple purposes. For example, mind maps can be used to organize your thoughts for a speech, then used as a visual mnemonic for memorizing what you’re going to say.
Finally, the book closes with several sections on the specific uses of mind mapping. The book devotes a chapter each to 11 different applications including self-analysis, problem-solving, teaching, meetings and presentations.
I read the entire 300 page book cover to cover. Although I had heard of mind mapping before, I had never really understood all of its elements and why mind mapping stimulates creative thinking and matches the natural human approach to thinking better than the usual linear approach. More than that, the book armed me with practical mind mapping techniques and approaches that, together with mind mapping software, have equipped me to mind map quickly and effectively.
I now use mind mapping nearly every time I want to brainstorm an issue, outline an article or presentation, or design a solution for a customer. It’s also a great tool that I’ve used for project planning, note taking and group brainstorming sessions. It’s one of those tools that has substantially increased both my productivity as well as my creativity.
Highly recommended!!