Today visual-thinking techniques similar enough to be called mind mapping include: webs, mind webs, webbing, diagramming, spider diagrams, tree diagrams, brain chains, or just plain doodling. In addition, a constant stream of mind mapping software continues to appear, the process is taught extensively, and most creative professionals have been introduced to it at some point in their careers.

How to Mind Map: Mind mapping is essentially a non-linear form of outlining. The idea is to make an organically associated diagram of words, concepts, ideas, tasks, decisions, or other information, and to link individual items as their associations demand. Mind maps can be used to generate ideas, represent complex ideas and relationships, classify related items, and to assist one's thinking, study, writing, and decision making.

The power of mind maps lies in the way they more accurately represent the way humans think. They allow people to arrange elements intuitively, according their importance and as they arise. Items can be classified and grouped instantly and easily. Meanwhile the mind mapper and others can keep an overview of the entire map constantly in sight.

A very basic outline of how to create and use mind maps follows.

• Start by writing or drawing a main idea or the subject of the problem at hand in the center of a writing surface, the larger the better.
• As related ideas occur, represent them at points around the main idea and connect them to the main idea with lines.
• Continue to add ideas as they occur and connect them to each other appropriately.

There are many variations of this simplified outline...

Where to Learn Mind Mapping

• Tony Buzan World
• Tony Buzan Mind Mapping Video
• The Mind Mapping Site
• Wikipedia

Mind Mapping Software:For the most complete and ever-growing list and ranking of mind mapping software, visit Innovation Software.