5 Tips & Tricks For Using Mind Mapping Tools

When it comes to unleashing creativity and making you a better free thinker, there isn’t a better way to do it than to use a mind mapping tool.

Mind mapping is becoming a hot subject recently. With this technique, you can visually present information in an easily digestive way. While we know that visually present information helps, mind mapping is all about the mind.

So, here are a few tips and tricks on how to use these tools.

1.  Start From the Center

There isn’t a more helpful tool to give you than this one. The whole point of these tools is to give you a means to visually present information. Since the whole purpose of the technique is to start from somewhere and branch out, starting from the center is the best possible thing to do.

When compared to similar techniques such as a to-do list, mind mapping isn’t effective when writing or drawing things linearly. Instead, start from the center and branch out into different directions.

2.  Use Pictures

Everyone loves looking at pictures. When we compare pictures to other forms of media such as videos or text, they are one of the best ways to visually present information.

That’s why the right tool should allow you to add pictures, symbols, and abstract shapes. The use of color is also important as different colors can serve different purposes.

But probably the best reason why you should always use pictures and similar media to train your mind is the simple reason that they stimulate your brain to process information much faster.

3.  Use Colors

We did touch on the use of colors, but let’s elaborate further on the subject. Mind mapping tools must allow the use of colors. Colors are so important when distinguishing information. Not only that, but you can use color in these tools to group multiple elements into one, categorize ideas, and even add subcategories. Simply said, mind mapping tools must allow the use of color.

4.  Fewer Words, the Better

To reinforce the idea that our brain processes information differently, mind mapping as a technique doesn’t tend to use too many words.

While text is a great medium for stimulating the brain, it isn’t as effective as images or pictures. The whole purpose of presenting information visually is for you to see. That’s why the technique teaches you to draw your “mind”.

Using too many words will turn it into an essay. So try to minimize the use of words and instead look to draw or capture ideas with the use of images.

A particularly helpful idea is to draw or add images but also write what they mean underneath.

5.  Connect With the Starting Point

Once you start branching from the center, you have to connect these ideas back to the original start. But the way you connect also plays a part. Namely, don’t use straight lines as that makes it quite boring. Your mind will not respond the same way as it would if you use curved lines.

Mind maps can get quite big and complicated at times. It’s not uncommon for new branches to sprawl from the original ones. Second and third-level branches have to connect with the appropriate branch. Since our brain likes to associate things, it will make it easier to do just that if you show a clear link.

Choose A Great Tool

At the end of the day, these tips and tricks are worthless if you’re not using the best mind mapping tools. Because of that, spend more time researching what tools to go for. This will help you easily train your mind like a pro.

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