Mind Maps CSCI102 - Systems ITCS905 - Systems MCS Systems

2 Overview - The Human Can be viewed as an information processing system, for example, card, Moran and Newell's model human processor : –Information received and responses given via input-output channels –Information stored in memory –Information processed and applied in various ways

3 Human Model Processor The model can be divided into three interacting subsystems: 1.The perceptual system 2.The cognitive system 3.The motor system Each with its own set of memories and processors

4 Human Model Processor The memories and processors are described by a few parameters: –The storage capacity in items –The decay time of an item –The main code type (physical, acoustic, visual, semantic) –The cycle time

5 The Human Brain However, the human brain is very different from a computer –A computer works in a linear fashion –The brain works associatively as well as linearly - comparing, integrating and synthesising as it goes Association plays a dominant role in nearly every mental function, and words themselves are no exception Every single word, and idea has numerous links attaching it to other ideas and concepts.

6 Disadvantages of Traditional Linear Notes: Energy and time wasted writing down superfluous words. Other information may be missed while noting down one idea. Take longer to read and review. Associations and connections between key words and ideas not readily apparent. Attention wanders easily. Lack of color and other visual qualities handicap memory. Traditional notes aid forgetting not memory.

7 Mind Maps Mind maps, developed by Tony Buzan are an effective method of note-taking and useful for the generation of ideas by associations To make a mind map, one starts in the centre of the page with the main idea, and works outward in all directions, producing a growing and organised structure composed of key words and key images

8 Key Features Key features are: –Organisation –Key words –Association –Clustering –Visual memory - print the key words, use color, symbols, icons, 3d-effects,arrows and outlining groups of words –Outstandingness - every mind map needs a unique centre –Conscious involvement

9 Mind Maps Mind maps work the way the brain works -- which is not in nice neat lines –Memory is naturally associative, not linear –Any idea probably has thousands of links in your mind –Mind maps allow associations and links to be recorded and reinforced

10 Mind Maps The mind remembers key words and images, not sentences –Try recalling just one sentence from memory –Mind maps use just key words and key images, allowing a lot more information to be put on a page

11 Mind Maps Because mind maps are more visual and depict associations between key words, they are much easier to recall than linear notes Starting from the centre of the page rather than top-left corner allows you to work out in all directions

12 Mind Maps The organization of a mind map reflects the way your own brain organizes ideas Mind maps are easy to review –Regular review reinforces memory –Best is to try reviewing in your imagination first, then go back and check on those areas that were hazy

13 Mind Maps We remember what stands out (where were you when john Lennon was shot?). Visual quality of mind maps allows you to make key points stand out easily

14 How to Mind Map Turn a large A4 (11.7" x 8.3") or preferably A3 (16.7" x 11.7"), white sheet of paper on it's side (landscape), or use a mind map pad Gather a selection of coloured pens, ranging from fine nib to medium and highlighters Select the topic, problem or subject to be mind mapped

15 How to Mind Map Gather any materials or research or additional information Start in the centre with an unframed image – approximately 6cm high and wide for an A4 and 10cm for an A3 Use dimension, expression and at least three colours in the central image in order to attract attention and aid memory

16 How to Mind Map Make the branches closest to the centre thicker, attached to the image and ‘wavy’ (organic). Place the basic ordering ideas (bois) or the 'chapter heading' equivalents on the branches Branch thinner lines off the end of the appropriate bois to hold supporting data (most important closest) Use images wherever possible

17 How to Mind Map The image or word should always sit on a line of the same length Use colours as your own special code to show people, topics, themes or dates and to make the mind map more beautiful Capture all ideas (your own or others’), then edit, re-organise, make more beautiful, elaborate or clarify as a second stage of thinking

18 Mind Map Laws 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

19 Mind Map Laws 4.Each word 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

20 Mind Map Laws 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 radiant hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches

21 Example

22 Example Animal Breathes Moves

23 Example Dog Barks Has four legs Has Tail Animal Breathes Moves Is a

24 Example Dog Barks Has four legs Has Tail Animal Breathes Moves Is a Sheepdog Works Sheep Collie Size: medium Colour: [brown/white black/white merle Is a

25 Example Dog Barks Has four legs Has Tail Animal Breathes Moves Is a Sheepdog Works Sheep Collie Size: medium Colour: [brown/white black/white merle Is a Lassie Instance of Film Character Colour: brown/white Is a

26 Uses of Mind Maps Mindmaps approach the same structure as memory itself Mind maps help organise information –Because of the large amount of association involved, they can be very creative, tending to generate new ideas and associations that have not been thought of before –Every item in a map is in effect, a centre of another map

27 Uses of Mind Maps Whenever information is being taken in, mind maps help organize it into a form that is easily assimilated by the brain and easily remembered –They can be used for noting anything Books, lectures,meetings, interviews, phone conversations

28 Uses of Mind Maps The creative potential of a mind map is useful in brainstorming sessions –Start with the basic problem as the centre, and generate associations and ideas from it in order to arrive at a large number of different possible approaches –By presenting your thoughts and perceptions in a spatial manner and by using colour and pictures, a better overview is gained and new connections can be made visible

29 Uses of Mind Maps Recall –Whenever information is being retrieved from memory, mind maps allow ideas to be quickly noted as they occur, in an organized manner. There's no need to form sentences and write them out in full –They serve as quick and efficient means of review and so keep recall at a high level

30 Uses of Mind Maps Creativity –Whenever you want to encourage creativity, mind maps liberate the mind from linear thinking, allowing new ideas to flow more rapidly. Think of every item in a mind map as the centre of another mind map

31 Uses of Mind Maps Problem solving –Whenever you are confronted by a problem -- professional or personal -- mind maps help you see all the issues and how they relate to each other. They also help others quickly get an overview of how you see different aspects of the situation, and their relative importance

32 Uses of Mind Maps Planning –Whenever you are planning something, mind maps help you get all the relevant information down in one place and organize it easily –They can be used for planning any piece of writing from a letter to a screenplay to a book or for planning a meeting, a day or a vacation Presentations –Prepare a mind map of the topic and its flow –This not only helps organize the ideas coherently; The visual nature of the map means the whole thing can be read in your head as you talk, without ever having to look at a sheet of paper

33 References Creative/Mindmap/ berlin.de/evti/students/Mindmap/Index.htm