Questions and Observations:- A case for Mind Maps as a bone fide form of Drawing .
The 'Laws of Mind Mapping' were originally devised by Tony Buzan [originally from Vancouver!] when he codified the use of imagery, colour and association and coined the phrase 'Mind Mapping'. In the intervening 30 plus years, there have been many variations on the original 'Mind Map ' and the widespread usage of mapping software of various sorts, has dramatically changed what is possible. The summary below is based on Buzan's structure.
- Mind Mapping: [ compare these descriptions to the many attributes of Drawing as have been referred to by many many artists]
Mind maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify
ideas, and as an aid to studying
and organizing
information, solving
problems, making
decisions, and writing. Mind maps may also aid recall of existing memories.
By presenting ideas in a radial, graphical, non-linear
manner, mind maps encourage a brainstorming approach to
planning and organizational tasks. Though the branches of a mindmap represent
hierarchical tree structures, their radial arrangement disrupts the
prioritizing of concepts typically associated with hierarchies presented with
more linear visual cues. This orientation towards brainstorming encourages
users to enumerate and connect concepts without a tendency to begin within a
particular conceptual framework.
The mind map can be contrasted with the similar idea of concept mapping. The
former is based on radial hierarchies and tree structures denoting
relationships with a central governing concept, whereas concept maps are based
on connections between concepts in more diverse patterns. However, either can
be part of a larger personal knowledge
base system. A key distinction between mind maps and modelling graphs is
that there is no rigorous right or wrong with mind maps, relying on the
arbitrariness of mnemonic
systems. A UML Diagram
or a Semantic network
has structured elements modelling relationships, with lines connecting objects
to indicate relationship. This is generally done in black and white with a
clear and agreed iconography. Mind maps serve a different purpose: they help
with memory and organization. Mind maps are collections of words structured by
the mental context of the author with visual mnemonics,and, through the use of
colour, icons and visual links are informal and necessary to the proper
functioning of the mind map. Pictorial methods for recording
knowledge and modelling systems have been used for centuries in learning, brainstorming, memory, visual thinking, and problem solving
Buzan also uses popular assumptions about the cerebral hemispheres
in order to promote the exclusive use of mind mapping over other forms of note
making
Mind maps can be used for:
▪
problem solving
▪
outline/framework design
▪
structure/relationship representations
▪
anonymous collaboration
▪
marriage of words and visuals
▪
individual expression of creativity
▪
condensing material into a concise and memorable
format
▪
team building or synergy creating activity
enhancing work morale
Buzan claims that the mind map is a vastly superior note
taking method because it does not lead to a "semi-hypnotic trance"
state induced by other note forms. Buzan also argues that the mind map uses the
full range of left and right human cortical skills, balances the brain, taps into the
alleged "99% of your unused mental potential", as well as intuition (which
he calls "superlogic"). However, scholarly research suggests that
such claims may actually be marketing
hype based on
the 10% of brain
myth and exaggeration
of the importance of lateralization of brain function. Critics argue that
hemispheric specialization theory has been identified as pseudoscientific when
applied to mind mapping.
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