Whether it is note-taking or organizing an event, mind mapping has always been a top priority for marketers and students. They are pretty essential to think clearly about an idea and implement it in day-to-day life. But this is not the art everyone can execute without proper strategy.
Nothing better than visual assistance like EdrawMind and LucidChart can serve you better. Its easily accessible toolkit and intuitive interface make EdrawMind best suited for newbies.
Here is a detailed guide on why one should start mind mapping and how to create one that engages the audience better.
Importance of Mind Mapping
Mind maps offer the simplest explanation of complex ideas and concepts. This diagram offers a visual illustration of your thoughts in a properly-aligned way. It has a core concept with secondary ideas connecting each other for the audience to get a broader picture.
Unlike outline, it has data displayed as a spider web that improves memory retention and concentration, helping your brain develop a better understanding. Here is why most students, marketers, and businessmen like using these diagrams.
- Organize information into easy-to-understand fragments
- Gives a broader picture of a concept
- Organize a wide range of data in the simplest manner
- Helps your mind reduce clutter about a specific topic
- Improves memory retention, focus, and concentration
How to Create Mind Maps Using EdrawMind: A Simple Guide
Creating a mind map is pretty easy with EdrawMind, given its detailed set of tools and intuitive UI. In a nutshell, it is a 4-step process that can transform any concept into a fully-fledged mind map. And here is how you can make a mind map.
Before you start plotting mind maps, download EdrawMind or open it in the browser and enter your login information. Also, sign up for a new account free of cost if you haven’t already and start the journey.
1. Start off With the Main Idea
EdrawMind has a New Map function on the main menu, and clicking this can take you directly to the editing panel. Here, you will see a blank template with the main idea in the middle and some branches connecting this main idea. Use this box to add the core concept of your mind map.
Note: If you have not yet created a rough draft on paper, use the New Outline function from the main menu and add or subtract ideas. Later on, you can change this outline into a map by pressing the button above the diagram.
2. Expand the Map
Now, start adding topics to your mind map according to the draft. You can either utilize the top menu on the editing panel or the direct floating button with each shape for this task. Similarly, add sub-topics and expand your diagram.
Next, use the same top bar menu to add hyperlinks or attachment files for references. These come quite handy during intense and nerve-wracking presentations.
Just a Quick Tip: Don’t overcrowd the topics and subtopics. Also, limit your words as much as possible. A simpler map always appeals to the audience.
3. Make It Appealing Like a Pro
You are mostly done, and it is time to make it visually-appealing. Use the right-side Information Panel on the editing panel and change the colors and theme of your mind map. You can also change its orientation and layout according to your mind map structure.
Another Quick Tip: Mark your topics and subtopics as priorities based on the structure of the presentation.
4. Export Your Mind Map
Voila, your mind map is ready. The last stage is to save your mind map in the device. All you need to do is go to the top left corner and click File > Download > Preferred Option. The good thing about this tool is that it supports multiple download options like PPT, Word, and PDF.
Create Clutter-Free and Attractive Mind Maps: Useful Tips and Tricks
Although mind maps are a great way to represent an idea graphically, they can be really tricky to master. There are some pretty common mistakes people make while making these diagrams. And here is how you can solve them and create your mind maps like a professional.
Keep it Simple
There is only one rule to mind mapping; simplicity. What I mean by this is keeping the structure of the map basic and general. Unaligned boxes and heavy text or imagery can often make it overwhelming to look at any diagram, let alone mind maps.
So, numbering your categories and marking the subject areas based on priorities is always going to help. It is equally important to align the text perfectly and use the layout that suits the structure of your map.
Short Phrases is the Key
There is no way you can create a mind map other than using short phrases. This is because using the entire text can easily clutter the map, which means no one would like to look at it. Add branches but keep them concise.
Use Imagery
There is no doubt that using visual aid can make anything look exciting, and mind maps are no exception. The Indian Journal of Community Medicine did a study on the effectiveness of mind-mapping techniques; it was found that images were an effective tool for mind-mapping. The best part of using EdrawMind is that it has an entire collection of custom-based images.
Always Use Colors
Similarly, you have to be brave while making mind maps and using colors is definitely one of the daring steps to take. Highlighting subject areas, using multiple colors for different topics, and adding relevant symbols can always make the map stand out.
Stay Flexible
Last but not least, I would say flexibility is the key. You have to have a broad mind when it comes to such diagrams. This is because the creator is in a state of thinking, which means he/ she is adding and subtracting new ideas at all times.
Sitting in front of a blank paper and hesitating whether you should add a specific topic will never do this job. It is all about brainstorming and implementing it at the moment. So, let your creativity flow and add as many relevant topics as you can.
Conclusion
There is no other way than mind mapping to help you explain a topic in a simpler manner. And doing so will help improve your concentration level and memory retention. Hence, if you have not yet started mind mapping, definitely give it a try. And don’t get into it with no knowledge.
My final tip for you is to always be open-minded about the topics to include in a diagram yet overcrowd it with the text. It will save you time and effort.
