Creating mind maps isn’t an alien concept to marketers and academicians. It’s their routine to make these maps for different reasons. Yet, most consider it a hard nut to crack. The key to creating mind maps is simple yet effective organization, and learning this art can be tough.
But not with intelligent software like EdrawMind. Its extensive toolkit and large template community make it easy for you to plot a mind map that gets everyone’s attention. Wondering how to create mind maps like a pro using this tool? Follow this guide.
What is a Mind Map?
Mind maps are the illustration of any basic or complex idea. This has a main topic sentence in the middle connected to all other relevant secondary text. The secondary and tertiary topics in this diagram go out like branches or a spider web.
This organization of information makes it easy for human brains to develop an understanding of the concept. This is why it is a common practice for marketers, students, and business people to start any project with a mind map.
Why Should I Use Mind Maps?
- It builds meaningful connections between topics, making them easy to recognize and understand.
- These maps offer a visual illustration of a complex idea, which is compatible with how the human mind thinks.
- You can fit a wide range of data in a small diagram.
- These are great for organizing and planning an event.
- Mind maps are commonly used among academics for their flexible structures and convenient data interpretation.
How to Create a Mind Map Using EdrawMind in 4 Simple Steps?
Creating a mind map on EdrawMind is a no-brainer, as it has a detailed toolkit, and every tool is easily accessible. Here is how you can make a mind map using this software.
Log Into Your Account
- Start the process by opening EdrawMind in your browser. Next, enter your login information or sign up if you don’t have an account.
Create a Mind Map From Scratch
If you have already drafted a concept on paper, you can directly start plotting it on the editing panel. All you need to do is click the New Mind Map button on the main menu and start adding subject, topic, and subtopics to the diagram.
Use the top-menu toolbar to expand your diagram. Make sure to keep it away from clutter and keep it as simple as possible.
Or, you can use the New Outline function to brainstorm on EdrawMind. This allows you to add or discard topics that appeal to you at that moment.
You can easily change this outline into a fully-fledged mind map by pressing the mind map icon above the diagram.
Use the Available Template
- For anyone who has a presentation coming up and no time to spend on building a mind map from scratch, the EdrawMind template library is a savior. It has a number of model examples, from book analysis to resumes, sales promotions, and project plans.
- Scroll down the main menu and skim a little to find the perfect match for your task. Next, click it, and this will export all its components on the editing panel.
- You can start adding and removing topics as per the suitability of your project.
Customize your Mind Map
There are multiple options on EdrawMind for you to customize the mind maps and improve their visualization properties. And here is how you can do this.
- Use the Floating button to expand the topics. This keeps the lines straight and the layout intact.
- EdrawMind comes with custom shapes and images for things like animals, household things, food, and vehicles. You can use these items to personalize your diagram.
- It has an automatic alignment function that improves the presentation.
- You can choose ready-made templates and edit the data, so there is no need to do all this customization. You can also publish your own work there.
Export and Share the Diagram
- Congratulations, you have a visually appealing and simple mind map ready. Now, it is time to download it. Click the File > Download > Preferred Option from the top left corner of the editing panel to save the diagram.
- You can also share it with other colleagues for immediate feedback. All you need to do is click the Share button on the top right corner and give access to people you want to view or edit the diagram.
How to Use Proper Visualization Techniques: Tips for Effective Mind Mapping
Mind maps are not just diagrams with connecting text; there is much more, such as text, organization, layout, colors, and images. Here is how you can use a proper visual aid to grab the audience’s attention.
Keep it Simple
The first step to articulating your mind maps in a better way is to keep everything simple. And the key to this is organization. Hence, you need to have a map that has all the icons aligned in the simplest possible layout. Never ever clutter your mind maps with endless topics and unaligned text.
Use Short Phrases and Keywords
Bigger sentences can easily clutter your mind map, yet most people tend to forget it. Hence, according to professionals, it is always a better practice to use images and short phrases in the basic layout.
Use Colors
There is no doubt that colors can make anything pop. And mind maps are not exception to this. Using different colors for topics and subtopics can not only make it visually appealing but helps you in getting a basic idea of what the creator is trying to convey.
Use Images and Icons
A study conducted by ScienceDaily suggested that images is an effective way to enhance memory. So, it is pretty evident that having some sort of pictures or icons in your mind map can help others understand and comprehend it better. And EdrawMind has all the custom shapes to make your mind maps personalized.
Stay Flexible
The key to a better mind map is flexibility. What I mean by this is that you have to keep your mind open while drafting an outline. You should let the creativity flow and include loosely-attached yet relevant topics. And you can always add or subtract topics at the end.
Conclusion
Mind maps are the best visual tool to explain a complex idea in the simplest manner. It allows your brain to develop and comprehend information ten times faster than usual. If you are stuck between assignments and event planning, definitely try out mind mapping. But make sure to keep it simple and attractive.