The mind map as a creative thinking mechanism

The mind map is perfectly suited to innovative thinking as it consumes all the skills commonly found with creativity, especially imagination, idea association, and flexibility. Psychological research has identified several fundamental elements in creative thinking including: the use of colors, shapes, dimensions, unusual elements, the adjustment of conceptual positions and the response to emotionally attractive objects, etc.

The principles of mind maps are a peripheral manifesto of all these defined categories: it is a peripheral manifesto of the entire thought process. The almost identical nature of creative thinking and mnemonic principles (memory) confirms the Mind Map as the essential and natural tool for these thought forms.

Correct application of the creative thinking mind mapping technique can make it easier for individual mind mappers to create at least twice as many innovative ideas as a large traditional brainstorming group in the same time frame. Tony Buzan (the father of mind maps) states that there are 5 stages in the creative thinking process:

1) The rapid-fire mind map explosion

Begin by drawing a stimulating central image that represents the topic of general interest. Your image should be placed in the center of a large blank page, and from it you should radiate every idea that occurs to you on that subject. For about 20 minutes, you should let the ideas flow as quickly as possible. Having to work at high speed triggers your brain from habitual thought patterns and encourages new ideas. Many of these new ideas may seem absurd at first, however, don’t ignore them, as they often contain the keys to new perspectives and to breaking old habits.

2) First reconstruction and revision-

Take a short break, allowing your brain to rest and begin to integrate the ideas generated thus far. Then make a new mind map, in which you identify the main branches, categorize, build hierarchies, and find new associations between your preliminary ideas. It may be apparent that similar or identical concepts are present in several different places on your mind map. These should not be dismissed as unnecessary repetitions, as they are fundamentally “different” in the sense that they are attached to different branches. These peripheral repetitions reflect the underlying importance of ideas that are deeply buried in your store of knowledge, but that actually influence all aspects of your thinking. Following the flow of your brain, the mind map explores your current thinking in this new center to replace the old one. In due time, this new center will be positioned by a new and even more advanced concept. Therefore, the mind map helps and reflects exploration and intellectual growth.

3) Incubation –

Sudden creative achievements often occur when the brain is relaxed, i.e. sleeping, daydreaming, running, etc. This is because such mental states allow the radiant thought process to extend to the farthest reaches of the Parabrain, increasing the likelihood of mental breakthroughs.

4) Second reconstruction and revision-

After incubation, your brain will have new insight into your first and second mind maps, so doing another quick blast of mind maps will be helpful. During this rebuilding stage, you will need to consider all the information collected and integrated in stages 1, 2, and 3 to make a complete final Mind Map.

5) The final stage

Now you need to search for the solution, decision, or realization that was your original creative goal. Often times this involves linking items on your mind map, leading to important new insights and breakthroughs.

With the introduction of traveler-based mind maps in recent years, mind maps have become even easier. Mind mapping software, like Tony Buzan’s iMindMap, uses true mind map principles and duplicates the brain’s non-linear thinking process, creating an explosion in creativity, innovation, and knowledge sharing. Computer-based mind maps can be as effective as traditional mind maps as a creative thinking tool, if not more!

Summary of the benefits of the creative thinking mind map:

o Automatically use all creative thinking skills.

o They generate increasing mental energy as the mind mapper moves towards its goal.

o They allow the Mind Mapper to see a large number of elements at once, thus increasing the likelihood of creative association and integration.

o They allow people’s brains to track ideas that are normally found in the dark at the edge of their thinking.

o Increase the probability of getting new ideas.

o They foster playfulness, humor, and innovation, thus increasing the likelihood that the Mind Mapper will deviate from the norm and produce a truly creative idea.

o Try mind mapping software like Tony Buzan’s iMindMap and see how it helps further enhance your creativity.

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