Why are there so few mindmappers?

Preben Carlsen
Aug 27, 2017 · 3 min read

Notes everywhere

Most people on earth take notes to some extent. For a couple of hundred years, this was primarily on paper — fast forwarding to today, notes are made in a beautiful blend of physical paper and digital variations in the form of computers, tablets and smartphones.

Notes can be a word, a couple of sentences or a complex combination of letters, numbers and doodles. All in order to help our mind remember better. Notes are created spontaneously on a Post-It (the classic “remember the milk”), in a notebook at the desk while studying/working or as a summary of a meeting.

The field of application is enormous — and is used millions of times every single day all over the world.

And then there’s mind mapping

A variant of the classical note technique is called mind mapping. Personally, for more than 20 years, I have used mind mapping as note and development technology. And I love it!

If you do not know about mind mapping, then it’s very easy to understand. Mind mapping is that the central subject is in the middle of a piece of paper and the main thoughts radiate from the center in lines (main roads). And on these lines, new lines (secondary roads) shine.

Mind mapping is easy to understand and use — because it supports processes for the brain for creating and storing information. However, it is important to point out, that mind mapping can not be used for everything. If there are massive amounts of text, just use mind mapping to create an overview rather than full “reporting”.

I have no idea how many times that mind mapping has helped me in the journey towards a presentation, a report, just about anything (for example, with this blog post). The very beginning of a central subject in the middle simply helps the creative process in my brain. This can happen immediately or when you look back on the mind map the next day.

I often experience excitement among other people over my mindmaps. They think it’s a smart and different way to show a summary of a meeting or the idea for a new product.

Barriers for the use of mindmaps

But why are not more people using mind mapping? Everybody has access to paper and there are lots of free or cheap mindmap programs.

First of all, I meet a lot of people who have never heard of mind mapping — “Why haven’t I heard about mind mapping before?”. Why don’t we teach our children in mind mapping technique already in the first years of primary school?

Next — as human beings we are creatures of habit. Like anything else, it requires a lot of effort and stamina when learning any kind of technique. The classic note technique is deep within us — therefore, mind mapping requires a certain amount of time before it settles down and you will find out when it’s good or less good. And unfortunately it is not always that creative thinking is valued in business.

Last but not least, there are many people who think that mind mapping requires special abilities (at least on paper) or a special creative mindset. Especially mind mapping on the computer or tablet means that you in no way need to be good at drawing. The software aides you in the right direction.

Go ahead — do it!

Next time you make notes, do yourself a favor: try mind mapping — you’ll love it!

)
Preben Carlsen

Written by

leadership · management · productivity · design · ui · ux · links · mac · coffee · inspiration · DK

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade