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MindMapping Software: Mind Map Elements

September 1st, 2010

It can be said that once creating a mind map, every one thereafter will be a synch. This is very true due to the simplicity of the parts of a mind map. Mind maps are very similar to the spider-web or brainstorming type diagrams used as a child. Before diving into mind maps it’s important to know what’s included, otherwise you’ll be fairly lost. Below is an explanation or deeper look into the basic parts of a mind map and how each element works with the other in order to create an attractive, but most importantly, effective mind map.

The purpose of explaining each section is to help users understand why mind maps are far more effective than the normal, listing form of note taking. Mind maps are made in pieces that interact with one another and branch out into new pieces to compose and idea or process. The first of these pieces is the centerpiece, your central topic.

Central Topic

The main topic also referred to the central topic (due to it being located in the center of the mind map) is the main focus or title. The central topic could be an image, words or both. Mindmapping software automatically places the topic in the center, so users without designing skills need not worry, mind mappers are very user-friendly.

Main Topics

The main topics stems from the central topic. Main topics are the basic topics to be covered in the remainder of the mind map. The main topics are arranged around the central topic in a spider web fashion and once the man topics have been defined, readers have a better idea of the direction of the mind map.

Subtopics

The subtopics are connected to the main topics via lines as well. Subtopics add the most weight to a mind map and here is where users get more in detail. Users can feel free to add more subtopics to these subtopics, and so forth.

How the Attached Mind Map Uses These Elements

The attached mind map created to accompany this article begins with the central topic MindMapping Software: Mind Map Elements. Accompanying the title is a helpful mind mapping graphic (generally included with the mind mapping software). Readers will automatically know that the said mind map will cover the basic and drilled down details of mind mapping elements.

Next are the main topics; Central Topic, Main Topic and Subtopics. Normally brief, these will be the topics into which the mind mapper will take a deeper look. There’s no need to go into the specifics of the subtopics included, but feel free to take a look at the attached mind map view it in more detail.

Mind maps are composed of more than topics and mindmapping software offers these users more resources such as images, graphics and other adornments. Anyone who desires to create a mind map can easily do so and would only need the elements above to get started, and to complete an effective mind map. With these elements and resources now offered by mind mapping software, users can add much more personality and memorization cues to their mind map at anytime.