Mind Mapping

Challenge & Selection   Mind maps are my favorite tool for visualizing thoughts and ideas, structuring them, and creating a plan  of action. It is enough difficult to keep a large amount of information in your head at the same time.  Because some of the necessary information is forgotten. And the mind map will help you organize your  data and improve your intelligence. Or even to simplify the generation of new ideas and be able to  remember a large amount of information in a short time. I use this approach when I need to come up with  an approach to automating testing of new telecom-products. This is really a very useful tool for  discovering new features.

Application   I usually enter data on paper by hand. But more and more often I use an online mind map. And in this  case you will need to download an application or use of the sites. If I use the classic method, then proceed  as follows:

  I take a sheet of at least A4 size and place it horizontally. You need to have colored pencils or  markers at hand.

  I place the main images or words in the center. I use bright colors. Because the action stimulates  thinking.

  I draw several branches coming from the base. It is better if they are crooked and twisting. I  recommend highlighting branches in a separate color. I select words for each line.

  I Consider branches and begin to create the Association. Don't limit yourself. Let the mind work  freely.

  Separate branches may run from auxiliary lines. And they are also provided with keywords. I use  additional images. Because they will make the map interesting and memorable. And, in addition,  images generate more associations.

  When the initial stage of work is finished, I start asking myself additional questions. And I continue  to improve mind map.

I enter keywords in block letters. It is better to use black because the information must be clear and  precise. And I place it directly on the lines that show the relationship. Don't make the keywords in the  frame.

The line should be identical to the length of the word, and not exceed it. And don't place the information  too tightly. Only one word can be present on a single line. Additional information will be forgotten. You  will be able to remember the information if you select bright, characteristic, and catchy data as your  keywords.

Insight & Approach  When performing mind mapping, you don't need to overload yourself. Because work shouldn't be a  burden. And you need to try to have fun. Then the effectiveness of the final result will increase.

So you need to be creative. Let the scheme be bright. Because it's useful to remember. You need to use  all available information, group information, and highlight important data.

The use of computer programs will allow you to save time. But the scheme, made with your own hands,  will allow you to better understand the information. And if the final result is too large, you can redraw the  map. For example, by removing secondary data. When all the information is needed, first create a draft.  And this action will reveal important thoughts.

As with any other technique for generating ideas, mind maps focus on the goal. Next time, I'll be more  clear about what I want to achieve. Then I will fix specific goals for different areas.

