The mind map as a mechanism for creative thinking

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 colours, shapes, dimensions, unusual elements, the adjustment of conceptual positions and the response to emotionally attractive objects, etc.

The principles of mind mapping is 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 (memory) principles confirm that the Mind Map is the essential and natural tool for these thought forms.

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

1) The Quick-Fire Mind Map Explosion-

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

2) First Reconstruction and Review-

Take a short break, allowing your brain to rest and begin to integrate the ideas generated so 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. You may notice that similar or identical concepts are present in several different places on your mind map. These should not be dismissed as unnecessary repetitions, since 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 buried deep within your store of knowledge but 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 located in a new and even more advanced concept. Therefore, the mind map helps and reflects exploration and intellectual growth.

3) Incubation –

Sudden creative realizations often arise when the brain is relaxed, i.e. sleeping, daydreaming, running, etc. this is because such mental states allow the Radiant thought process to spread to the farthest reaches of the Parabrain, increasing the likelihood of mental breakthroughs.

4) Second Reconstruction and revision-

After incubation, your brain will have a new insight into your first and second mind maps, so it will be helpful to do another quick mind map burst. 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 and final mind map.

5) The final stage-

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

With the introduction of scroll-based mind mapping in recent years, mind mapping has become even easier. Mind mapping software like Tony Buzan’s iMindMap uses true mind mapping principles and duplicates the brain’s non-linear thought process, creating an explosion of creativity, innovation and knowledge sharing. Computer-based mind mapping can be just as effective as traditional mind mapping 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 his goal.

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

o They allow people’s brains to detect ideas that normally lie in the dark on the edge of their thinking.

o Increase the probability of acquiring new ideas.

o They encourage play, humor and innovation, thus increasing the likelihood that the Mind Mapper will stray from the norm and come up with a truly creative idea.

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