Mind map encodes values as radial branches around a central topic. Popularised by Tony Buzan from the 1970s; older radial notes exist.
In reports, ads and assignments it fits brainstorming, revision notes, early structure. Skip it when you must prove a claim with evidence in order.
Principles
- Encoding — Mind map encodes radial branches around a central topic.
- History — Popularised by Tony Buzan from the 1970s; older radial notes exist
- Fit — brainstorming, revision notes, early structure
- Shared baseline — The eye compares length and position more accurately than area.
- Audience — PowerPoint, Excel or Google Sheets and Meta, Google and retail print share the same geometry.
Misconceptions
- Pretty equals true — Decoration rarely persuades; it slows reading.
- 3-D helps — Perspective distortion wrecks comparison. Keep it flat.
- More series is richer — Do not stack stories. One Mind map, one claim.
- Default palette is fine — Rainbow defaults fail color-blind viewers and grey print. Change Excel or Google Sheets defaults.
Why it matters
- Work — Work: brainstorming, revision notes, early structure. Readable in four minutes in PowerPoint.
- Ads — Ads: one number and one shape speak first in Meta, Google and retail print.
- School — School: for lab reports and poster boards, pick the form that answers the rubric.
- Craft — Craft: honour radial branches around a central topic and decoration falls away.
Mind map: honour radial branches around a central topic, and switch when you must prove a claim with evidence in order.