Dmitriy N. Full-Stack Developer

Why should you use Mind Maps?

A Mind Map is a visual thinking tool used to gather information and ideas.

It is a diagram that holds tasks, ideas, pictures, words, and other elements related to a central concept or subject. All of the components are arranged around a center using a non-linear graphic layout that allows the user to construct an intuitive structure. The maps reflect existing thoughts, but they also act as a catalyst that draws out new ideas.

What do Mind Maps consist of?

All mind maps have things in common. They have a natural organizational structure that comes from the center and uses lines, symbols, words, colors and images. Mind Maps transform a long list of monotonous information into a memorable and well-organized diagram that works much like the human brain.

Principles of building classic Mind Maps

Determine the purpose of the map: the size and detail will depend on its size.

Highlight the main idea or object: this element is located in the center. Secondary branches and additional information diverge from it.

There should be only one idea on a branch: it's better to try to highlight the essence and reduce everything to one main word, so as not to overload the picture.

The principle of circularity should be followed: it should be possible to look at the whole picture at once.

Use pictures, colorful branches (determine the meaning of colors in advance), highlighting key words: It is necessary to avoid monotony as much as possible, the map should attract attention and focus on yourself.

Who needs mental maps

Here are some of the most popular uses for them:

- brainstorming and idea generation;

- project planning;

- presenting information;

- note-taking;

- searching for solutions;

- studying large amounts of information.

Mind Maps can be useful to anyone. Whether you're writing an essay or planning an event, mind maps can be used by a variety of people for a variety of purposes.

- Marketing teams brainstorm, plan advertising campaigns.

- Executives manage projects by improving them.

- Educators create lessons and use mind maps as a fun teaching tool.

- Students take notes and remember information better.

How Mind Maps are used in business analysis

Business analysts use this tool to deeply understand the customer's project without spending a huge amount of time studying their niche. With Mind Mapping, theses from the analysis and more detailed solution requirements are described. This helps the entire team better understand the project, including the developers. During the business analysis process, Mind Mapping maps out the basic requirements for the product first, and then the detailed requirements. This becomes the foundation for the architecture of the future application or other web-based system. Mind maps are also a handy tool for remembering, capturing and analyzing information, which allows you to use them in meetings. Playing back information from mind maps is much easier and more comfortable than fragmented notes, the sequence and relationship of which is difficult to remember after a few hours.

Thus, visualization of materials with the help of Mind Maps reduces the time for writing a linear text and becomes a key to improving perception, concentration and activation of thinking.