Tips on how to build the best creative mind map

Building the perfect mind map means you have the ultimate memory tool to manage large amounts of information in a simple way.

Do you have too much information and knowledge to memorize, classify, and store but don't know how to solve it effectively? Then use mind mapping. This is considered a universal map that never expires and is useful to users. Join Navigos Search to discover in detail how to build a creative and thoughtful mind map right below!

1. You need to know what a mind map is

A mind map is a visual representation of definitions, tasks, or linked items based on general concepts or specific topics. Mind maps give you the freedom to be creative in your own way.

Instead of using a single sentence to explain the whole meaning, mind maps visualize content with images, keywords, and links. Thereby, the monotonous notes will be presented into a beautiful, colorful and logical "picture".

Some popular mind maps today are spider map, process mind map, circle mind map, system mind map, tree map, etc.

The mind map is a form of visualization

2. Why is it necessary to use mind maps?

It helps learners acquire the lesson content more accurately and comprehensively. When using this tool, students will easily change their approach to information, from passive memorization to active thinking to remember the knowledge logically.

Mind maps also support teachers to present the lesson concepts in a more general and concise manner. Instead of the long and wordy traditional way of learning causing students to be confused, mind maps will help teachers focus on the important issues, making it easy for students to understand and remember better.

The mind map is the perfect tool to improve work efficiency. Thanks to mind maps, you can plan easily and scientifically. You can also sketch new and original ideas quickly with limited time. Through it, you string, organize your thoughts and make certain connections between the ideas you have come up with. The use of mind maps also helps you remember long-term and effectively.

In management work, the mind map is an effective tool to help leaders organize work more accurately and smoothly. The process of communicating information to subordinates is coherent, clear, and easy to understand. This is a master tool to help improve work efficiency and set goals and plays a critical role in planning, presentation, and other significant stages in management. Based on the mind map, the manager divides things logically and solves them promptly.

Jobs in some fields that require creative mind maps are Project Management, Construction/Infrastructure Engineering, Sales, Manufacturing/ Process, Electrical/Electronics, Banking, Fintech, Education (Teachers, Lecturers, Principals).

If you are interested in these jobs, send us your CV for a chance to become a potential candidate in our candidate database. Our consultants are experienced recruitment experts who deeply understand the workforce value. Based on a methodical working process and the client's recruitment requirements, our specialists will search for a suitable CV and actively contact you.

After contacting, our recruitment specialists will support and advise you on the business, the market, recruitment requirements so that you can choose the most suitable job position. After being selected, we will continue to support the candidate during and after the probationary period.

With over 20 years of long-term experience in recruitment, we are proud to bring quality middle and high-level job opportunities at large enterprises and multinational corporations to job seekers across Vietnam. .

Don't hesitate to contact us if you are looking for a job in the middle or high level.

Search for your dream job at Navigos Search

3. Limitations in mind mapping that you might not know 

Besides the great benefits, there are still some limitations in mind mapping such as making it difficult for people who do not directly draw mind maps because the branches are arranged according to the logical thinking of the mind map creator. For people with a visual way of thinking, using mind maps may not help them remember information.

Mind maps are like text encrypted by the creator with keywords and associations. In some cases, if you do not directly draw a mind map, it will be difficult to decipher the content information presented in it.

4. Mistakes to avoid when creating mind maps

Many people still make some serious mistakes, reducing the effectiveness of using mind maps such as:

The more beautiful, the better

The biggest mistake is thinking that the more beautiful, the better. In fact, the excellent mind map is only suitable for display. At work, you don't need to draw a beautiful mind map, but you need to use harmonious colors with reminiscent images.

Have one or more mind map forms

Many people mistakenly believe that mind maps have only one form that comes from the main branch and expands to many small branches. On the contrary, we also have many other types of mind maps, and the information presented in the form of images and associated keywords are mind maps.

Mistakes to avoid when creating a mind map

5. Steps to have a professional mind map

A mind map is not created improvisationally. You must follow certain rules to ensure the perfect, most effective product. Take a look at some of the steps below to create a professional mind map:

Step 1: Prepare the necessary tools

Whether you draw mind maps manually or perform with the support of online software and tools, you still need to prepare all the necessary tools, including

•  Drawing paper: The choice of paper size depends on the project and personal preference.
• Pen tool: Pen to draw and fill in the content in the mind map. Choose good ink, great color stability, clear color. You can create highlights, divide ideas in the diagram by pens with different colors (recommended to use 3 colors) for easy identification.
• Other tools: You will need to use other tools to decorate the mind map. Do not include too many drawings because the diagram can become confusing, leading to difficulty in grasping the content to the fullest.
• Document: Before drawing, select the main idea, main and concise content to include in the drawing.

Step 2: Draw a mind map

Forming the main idea

You must define the main theme of the mind map. It could be a topic you discover on your own, a task assigned by your boss, or an idea you personally want to develop. To do this, brainstorm before starting drawing.

The main idea will be placed in the center of the mind map to attract attention, help viewers immediately identify the main topic of the map, and clarify the content you are trying to convey. You don't need to put the topic in the middle. You can put it on the left and right side of the diagram to expand branches.

Building branches of the main idea

Based on the main topic, you continue to form main branches. Make sure these main branches stick to the main topic and it's better to use concise keywords to express the focus of the topic content.

For instance: The topic you are implementing is "Marketing Strategy", the first main ideas must be customers, competitors, targeted marketing channels, goals achieved, and messages.

Step 3: Build sub-branches and notes

These sub-branches have content derived from the topic's main branch. You need to outline ideas and detailed content to explain and supplement the main branch content.

As there is no limit on the number of sub-branches, you are free to be creative and adjust the content to match the layout of the whole diagram. Sub-branches also need to be concise and full of important ideas. You can also add notes for each sub-branch to fully grasp the content in it.

For example above, once main branches are available, you continue to divide them into sub-branches to ensure you don't miss any content.

Steps to create a professional mind map