Mind map

A mind map is basically a diagram that connects information around a central subject. It likes a tree, although it has more of a radial structure. In any case, at the center is your main idea, say, poetry, and the branches are subtopics or related ideas, such as types of poetry, famous poets, and poetry publications. Greater levels of detail branch out from there and branches can be linked together.

Mind maps can be more effective than other brainstorming and linear note-taking methods for a number of reasons:

It’s a graphical tool that can incorporate words, images, numbers, and color, so it can be more memorable and enjoyable to create and review.

Mind maps link and group concepts together through natural associations. This helps generate more ideas, find deeper meaning in your subject, and also prompt you to fill in more or find what you’re missing.

A mind map can at once give you an overview of a large subject while also holding large amounts of information.

It’s also a very intuitive way to organize your thoughts, since mind maps mimic the way our brains think—bouncing ideas off of each other, rather than thinking linearly.

You can generate ideas very quickly with this technique and are encouraged to explore different creative pathways.

You can create a mind map on paper, in a drawing app on your tablet, or one of many popular mind mapping software tools, such as XMind, Lifehacker readers’ favorite mind mapping software.

Pen and paper may be better because you can get your thoughts out more quickly and the act of drawing the branches out can aid recall. On the other hand, using the computer can make your mind maps searchable and include attachments. If you’re having trouble deciding from among the tons of digital tools to choose from, the Mind Mapping Software blog suggests you look for these five features: the ability to add links and attachments, add notes, filter content, export to other programs or formats, and use keyboard shortcuts.

Once you’ve chosen your tool, follow these seven steps and tips for