Mind-Mapping Visual brain storming for creative clarity
Mind-Mapping Visual brain storming for creative clarity
What the heck is mind-mapping?
Mind-mapping is a technique based upon the principle that free flowing radial thinking falls in line with the way our brains naturally follow thought and make connections
“A mind map is a diagram used to visually outline information. A mind map is often created around a single word or text, placed in the center, to which associated ideas, words and concepts are added. Major categories radiate from a central node, and lesser categories are sub-branches of larger branches.[1] Categories can represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items related to a central key word or idea.” 1
1. Mind Map wikipedia entry, retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map, January 26, 2014
The next slide shows an example of a mind-map I made for one of my creative projects- the Dioramapod series.
Traditional Outline vs. Mind-map
Outline
Dioramampod Outside
Ceramic Pods
paperclay
Eggs
paperclay
Boxes
paperclay
Other Materials
Mindmap-detail
Ways mind-mapping may allow for more creative brainstorming
Traditional Outline
Linear
Text
Difficult to make connections between separate headings and topics
Mind Map
Non-linear/ radial
Contains text and images
Allows for connections between multiple topics and headings
So what are the rules for mind-mapping?
There are no rules! (but here are some suggestions) Start with a central theme, this can be as general as
Senior Project or as detailed as an ending for my film Now, without pausing too long, write down several finer
categories radially branching from your center:Film, Performance, Game or surprising, happy, tragic
Continue refining by radiating outwards as ideas come to you. Don’t edit. Some of the spurs or branches may continue for several “generations” while others might remain branchless
Doodling; you’re doodling ideas using text and imagery while not thinking about it too hard
Color can be fun; Play with letting the imagery become the main force behind your decisions
Mind-mapping Examples
How to Mind Map, unkown, retrieved from http://iqmatrix.com/academic-genius/ January 26, 2014
Hand Drawn Shakespeare, unknown author, retrieved from http://www.mind-mapping.co.uk/mind-maps-examples.htm January 26, 2014
De-clutter Mind Map, Paul Foreman, 2008, retrieved from http://www.mindmapinspiration.com/de-clutter-mind-map-paul-foreman/ January 26, 2014
Summer Mind Map, 2013, Trixy Sweetvittles
ITWV Mind Map, 2010, Trixy Sweetvittles
Homework due 02/06
Create three mind maps that relate to your senior project
The maps can be broad and general or fine and detailed or both
Create the maps by hand-paper, pens, markers, pencils, paint
Scan or digitally photograph your maps and upload to your class Wiki by 2pm 02/06. Please capture a high quality image so we can see it well. The down-shooters in SCB 204 should work well for this.