How to create a mind map

There are three steps to mind mapping.

Step 1: Brainstorm

A brainstorm is a thinking process commonly used in study and work situations. It can be done individually or in a group.

How to brainstorm

Use a piece of paper to write down everything you can think of about a particular topic.
Write the name of the topic in the centre of the page.
Do not try to organise the information at all - the purpose is to get it out and onto the page.
Use key words or phrases to write your ideas.
Always use the paper horizontally as this way you can fit more information.

Example 1 - Brainstorm of the topic 'History of antibiotics'

Topic written at the centre of the page, circled, with brainstorm phrases around it.

Step 2: Organise the information

Organise the information in the brainstorm by identifying the main categories and linking the other information to those as follows:

circle the main categories
connect sub-points to main categories
use colours and visuals where helpful.

Example

Same phrases using colour to differentiate topic and arrows to link topics

Step 3: Complete the mind map

Rewrite the information under headings and sub-points to make the mind map easy to read. In this example the use of graphics and colours helps clarify the mind map.