Any knowledge conveyed visually is knowledge well-remembered for a long time. The human brain processes visuals 60,000 quicker than text. So, seeing a diagram about a specific topic will help you grasp it faster than reading about it in books, articles, etc.
And that visual representation of information is known as a mind map. It is a diagram that contains a central idea and branches it into topics and subtopics. Every mind map has some essential parts, like a central topic, lines, associations, etc.
Drawing a mind map is pretty simple if you use a feature-rich application. That is why we will use EdrawMind to make a powerful diagram in this guide. Without any further ado, let’s see how to make a mind map and some critical tips you need to know!
5 Key Benefits Of Mind Mapping
Why do you need to learn mind mapping? Here are some of its key benefits to convince you.
- It enables better memorization and retention of a specific subject and its associations.
- A mind map makes learning fun because it includes colors, images, icons, and graphical elements.
- Even complex and compounded topics become simple with a mind map’s visual presentation.
- Mind maps improve your productivity and creativity by boosting your brainstorming power.
- This diagram allows you to asses prior knowledge on a subject while learning new concepts simultaneously.
5 Steps on How to Make a Mind Map with EdrawMind
EdrawMind is one of the most capable applications for drawing a mind map. It comes with a wide assortment of powerful features that suit beginners and experienced individuals alike. Moreover, it is super easy to use due to its clean interface that enhances the experience.
You can download and install the EdrawMind application on Mac, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS. Alternatively, you can use EdrawMind online with its web application. Either way, the first step is to log in or create a new account. After that, here’s how to make a mind map with EdrawMind:
- Go to New from the left toolbar and select a blank template from the available options. For this guide, let’s go with the simple Mind Map.
- Now, click the Main Idea, go to More (the three horizontal dot-icon), and select Topic from the drop-down menu. It will add a new main topic to your main idea.
- Click a Main Topic, go to More, and select Sub Topic. This step repeats the same process as the previous one to insert a new sub-topic.
- Now customize the diagram. Double-click a component to change its name. Afterward, go to the right toolbar and change its properties, like color, font, branch, style, etc. You can also customize a component from the hovering menu that appears when you click it. Continue customizing the main topics and subtopics to finalize your diagram.
- Lastly, go to File at the top-left corner and save the project by selecting Save As or Export.
The EdrawMind application offers a wide range of formats to save your mind map drawing. That includes Excel, Word, PDF, TXT, SVG, PPT, HTML, and Graphics. It also enables you to set the directory, file name, export range, picture zoom, size, export quality, and background before saving.
If you are a beginner, you can learn by modifying the editable example templates in EdrawMind. They are available in the MindMap Gallery and under Local Examples. You can quickly edit them according to your needs and save them as your drawings.
5 Tips To Make Perfect Mind Maps
1. Keep it Simple and Flexible
A good mind map has simplicity and flexibility. Its components should be well-defined and easy to understand. Moreover, the diagram should be organized so that even a layman can understand its meaning.
Another thing to consider is to keep your diagram flexible. It should have room to integrate topics and sub-topics in the future. This way, you can never lack creativity in your diagrams.
2. Integrate Images and Icons
One rule for making a mind map is to replace text with images and icons. They look more appealing and can identify each component better. Additionally, visual elements make drawing and presenting your mind map more exciting.
3. Make it Colorful
Colors play a vital role in any mind map diagram. They breathe life into your drawing and make it vibrant. Furthermore, colors can also differentiate between different components. Using symbols is another practice to make each component unique.
4. Use Short Phrases and Keywords
The primary part of a mind map is conveying information. While visuals do a wonderful job, sometimes you will need to add words. You can add keywords and short phrases to each component. They help in explaining a main topic, sub-topic, and other associations. Also, they are effective for memorization and retention of the conveyed information.
5. Focus On The Big Picture
The big picture in a mind map refers to the central idea. It is the main part of any diagram that branches into topics and sub-topics. Sometimes, an idea is so compounded that it can spawn tons of associations. In that case, your diagram can get messy and might not present what you want. That is why focusing on the central theme is better than getting lost between topics and sub-topics.
Conclusion
Mind mapping is a fruitful skill that comes in handy in various fields of life. You might have seen these diagrams for teaching students specific topics. At the same time, they are helpful in the business sector.
You can start learning mind mapping today with more straightforward diagrams. Due to its endless benefits, this skill will always be a plus point for you. But always remember to make flexible mind maps with room for future updation.
