Mind mapping is a 2-D diagram that displays information in an elaborate manner. And there is no doubt that it can be a real challenge to make. More than skills, you will need an application where you can do brainstorming, editing and managing.
One such tool is EdrawMind, famous for its detailed toolkit and customization options. Planning to give it a try? Follow this complete guide and make mind maps that immediately catch your audience’s attention.
Mind Mapping
All the relevant information about a core phenomenon arranged in a layout is known as mind mapping. You would’ve heard this numerous times in your academic or professional career. But what is it? It is a technique used by academicians, businessmen, and marketers to organize their thoughts regarding a concept. It allows you to comprehend complicated knowledge in the simplest possible layout and communicate your ideas in a better way.
Benefits of Mind Mapping
There are unlimited reasons why someone would prefer it over bullet points, lists, and outlines. For starters, the fact that it displays ideas in a structured and coherent way makes it stand out. Here are some potential benefits why most people like creating mind maps:
- Improves mind retention ability
- Offers clarity and understanding of a complicated concept.
- Organize the relationship between relevant subtopics
- Taking notes during difficult lectures
- Memorizing information
How to Create Mind Maps Using EdrawMind; A Complete Guide
EdrawMind is your ultimate destination to create mind maps in just five minutes. It has an extensive toolkit and readymade templates, not to mention an outline function that makes this job pretty easy. Here is how to make a mind map using fun techniques on EdrawMind.
Using Outline Function
Want to brainstorm an idea and don’t know where to start? Try out the Outline function of EdrawMind. It allows you to add and subtract topics and subtopics just the way you like. But how to do it?
- Open the EdrawMind application on your browser and enter your login information.
- Next, click New Outline from the main menu and start adding and removing topics.
- Use the top center toolkit to expand the outline. This kit also comes in quite handy when it comes to adding reference images and custom icons to the outline.
- The best part of using this tool is that it can change your outlines in fully-fledged mind maps with a one-button operation. Press the map button above your outline and it is done.
Using Mind Map Function
Already have an outline available on a page? All set to start with a mind map? The Mind Map tool on EdrawMind is the one to go for.
- Start the process by opening the EdrawMind application on your browser and logging in.
- Locate the New Mind Map button on the main menu and click it.
- Next, type in the central idea of your map in the middle of the format on the editing panel.
- The next step is to branch out the map. Doing this is pretty easy, and all you need to do is utilize the sub-topic and incident buttons on the center toolbar.
- Draw lines using the floating button with each shape to make connections and relationships.
- Finally, add color and custom images from the right-side information panel to make it look engaging and appealing to the audience.
Using Available Templates
Another thing that differentiates EdrawMind from other mind-mapping tools is its large template community. Most creators have published their work in this community, and anyone can access or edit this work. So, if you are in a hurry and need to get the assignment done asap, definitely check these templates out.
- Open the EdrawMind application on your browser and enter your login information.
- Now, scroll down the main menu to find a perfect example model for your assignment. There are multiple options ranging from resumes, letters, assignments, event organization, and marketing. So, choose one and start editing it according to your task.
- Add some colors and reference clipart using the right-side information panel, and voila, you have a fully-fledged mind map ready.
Save and Export
- Finally, it is time to save the map on your device. Go to the top-left corner and click File > Save As > Modify.
Note: You can choose from multiple options (Word, PDF, and PPT).
Attract Audience Attention to Your Mind Maps: Some Visual Techniques
Mind mapping is all about visual details. Professionals are always looking for some techniques that can possibly attract the attention of their audience. And getting a grip on such tricks will always benefit you in creating mind maps. So, dive right in to get to know more about them.
- Keep it Simple: Simplicity is the essence of mind maps. These diagrams are used to convey the information in an understandable manner. Hence, it is pretty obvious that the one with a basic outline will definitely stand out.
- Use Colors: Using sharp colors for different categories in your mind maps always makes a difference. This is because they create a contrast between different subjects, providing the viewer with a clear understanding of the concept.
- Use Short Phrases and Keywords: The only thing that can give your mind map an edge is the wording. Hence, it is always ideal for you to use short phrases and keywords. Doing this makes it easy for the human mind to build connections.
- Use Images and Icons: There is a ton of evidence to suggest that images are a great way to improve memory retention. Adding them to your mind maps will definitely help you in getting your idea across the board.
- Stay Flexible: Mind Maps are all about connected information in a layout. So, the purpose of your map should be to include as many points as possible. Likewise, you should also be able to identify what topics are irrelevant and remove them.
Conclusion
Mind maps not only allow you to organize your ideas in a basic layout but also improve your memory retention and ability to solve problems. Planning to give mind mapping a try and don’t know where to start creating your mind maps effortlessly? Start by logging into your EdrawMind account and finding a template for your assignment. Start customizing it. This won’t take you more than five minutes.