IMD 2.0

If your note-taking style tends to branch into or include visual and pictorial elements; or when brainstorming, you use a lot of diagrams, you may find mind-mapping is suited to the way you work. (If you are not familiar with mind-mapping, you can read about it at Wikipedia.)

There’s lots of software available for mind mapping using your computer. While some of it is expensive, one of the better products available is free FreeMind  is a powerful mind mapping application. To run FreeMind, you need to have the Java Runtime Environment installed on your computer.

British psychology author Tony Buzan popularized the concepts of mind maps. In the Mind Map Book he makes these suggestions for creating mind maps,

These are the foundation structures of a Mind Map, although these are open to free interpretation by the individual:

1. Start in the centre with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colours.
2. Use images, symbols, codes and dimensions throughout your Mind Map.
3. Select key words and print using upper or lower case letters.
4. Each word/image must be alone and sitting on its own line.
5. The lines must be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, organic and flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate out from the centre.
6. Make the lines the same length as the word/image.
7. Use colours your own code throughout the Mind Map.
8. Develop your own personal style of Mind Mapping.
9. Use emphasis and show associations in your Mind Map.
10. Keep the Mind Map clear by using radial hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches.