![\"Finbarr](\"https:\/\/leansigma.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mindmap.gif\")
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A mind map is a diagram used to represent words<\/span>, ideas, tasks or other items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea. It is used to generate, visualize, structure and classify<\/span> ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.<\/p>\n It is an image-centered diagram that represents semantic<\/span> or other connections between portions of information. By presenting these connections in a radial, non-linear graphical manner, it encourages a brainstorming approach to any given organizational task, eliminating the hurdle of initially establishing an intrinsically appropriate or relevant conceptual framework to work within.<\/p>\n A mind map is similar to a semantic network or cognitive map but there are no formal restrictions on the kinds of links used.<\/p>\n The elements are arranged intuitively according to the importance of the concepts and they are organized into groupings, branches, or areas. The uniform graphic formulation of the semantic structure of information on the method of gathering knowledge, may aid recall of existing memories.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mind maps have many applications in personal, family, educational, and business situations, including notetaking, brainstorming (wherein ideas are inserted into the map radially around the center node, without the implicit prioritization that comes from hierarchy or sequential arrangements, and wherein grouping and organizing is reserved for later stages), summarizing, revising and general clarifying of thoughts. For example, one could listen to a lecture and take down notes using mind maps for the most important points or keywords. One can also use mind maps as a mnemonic technique<\/span> or to sort out a complicated idea. Mind maps are also promoted as a way to collaborate in colour pen creativity sessions.<\/p>\n Mindmaps can be drawn by hand, either as \u2018rough notes\u2019, for example, during a lecture or meeting, or can be more sophisticated in quality. Examples of both are illustrated. There are also a number ofsoftware<\/span> packages available for producing mind maps (see below).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\u00a0Applications<\/span>
![\"Finbarr](\"https:\/\/leansigma.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/shevgul.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n<\/div>\nThe best-selling fiction paperback (August 2007) in the UK , \u201cThe Naming of the Dead\u201d by Ian Rankin, features a detective, Inspector Rebus who uses mind maps to solve crimes.<\/div>\nThe best software application for developing mind maps is Xmind. Log on to xmind.net to download a free copy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\nTo see many examples of mind maps, just type mind map into Google and search the \u2018Images\u2019 rather that the \u2018websites\u2019<\/div>\n