According to Buzan, those methods are inherently limiting and contrary to how we naturally process information.

He argued that traditional outlines required the thinker to take in information from left to right and top to bottom. Learn more about this Mind Map Template> The theory behind mind mapping: Why use mind maps?Īlthough the mind map and similar models have been used for centuries, it was first popularized by British psychologist Tony Buzan (who also invented the first speed-reading technique). It has many applications, but a few things we love using it for are brainstorming creative ideas, problem-solving, mapping out processes, making visual sitemaps, creating organizational structures, and so much more! When you create a mind map it allows you to come up with ideas in a non-linear way, start to make connections between concepts, and then add structure to ideas to make a hierarchical map. At its core, a mind map is a type of diagram that visually links a central subject or concept to related concepts, ideas, words, items, or tasks.

Tony buzan mind mapping software