Seminar given during class on mindmapping

1. Visual Thinking with Tuan Foley Brian O’Callaghan 1

2. Radiant Thinking What is Radiant Thinking??? 2

3. Radiant Thinking Our minds don’t naturally work in straight lines they radiate out or in from many different connection points. The mind is a network of connections. 3

4. Radiant Thinking Creativity and problem solving will flow more smoothly when allowed to work freely and radiantly. Throughout Tony Buzans book on Mind Mapping he uses natural radiant images. Radiant thinking (from “to radiate, meaning to spread or to move in all directions from a given centre”). It refers to the associated thought processes that connect to a central point. The other meaning of Radiant is also relevant -to shine brightly- and in this context means burst of thought. 4

5. Mind Mapping Mind mapping is a different way of creative thinking using visual diagrams. A Mind Map always radiates from a central image. This image is the core theme. 5

6. Mind Mapping Every word or image becomes in its self a sub-centre of association, proceeding in a potentially infinite chain of branching patterns away from or towards the common centre. Although the Mind Map is drawn on a two dimensional page it represents a multi-dimension reality. 6

7. Mind Mapping It is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlocking the potential of the brain. It can be applied to every aspect of life where improved learning and clearer thinking will enhance the human performance. 7

8. Tony Buzans 4 essential Mind Map characteristics: The subject of attention is crystallized in the central image. The Main themes of the subject radiate from the central image as a branch. Branches comprise a key image or key word printed on an associated line. Topics of less importance are also represented as branches attached to the higher level branches. The branches form a connected nodal structure The idea behind Mind Mapping is to enhance and enrich with colors, pictures, codes and dimension to add interest, beauty and individuality. This in turn will aid creativity, memory, and help recall information. 8

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10. What Mind Mappers have said: ‘ A Mind Mirror’ ‘My Mental Volcano’ ‘A device for accessing intelligence’ ‘Agoal-centered through network’ 10

11. Tony Buzan Video 11

12. Game The brainstorming exercise 12

13. Happiness write down the first ten words you associate with happiness. It is Important to put down the first thing that comes to your head regardless of how ridiculous it may seem. This exercise should only take 1 ½ minutes to complete. 13

14. Analyzing the results The aim of this game is to find words that are common to all members of the group. But words must be exactly the same. ????Guess??? how many words will be exactly the same? How many words will be unique to any individual? 14

15. According to the mind mapping book Most people will predict that there will be many words common to the whole group with only a few words unique to the individual. If there is a common word usually the group are asked to redo the exercise using this word. The same result is observed, showing that even the commonality is rooted in the fundamental differences. 15

16. An example from Buzan’s book 16

17. The Uniqueness of each individual (hopefully) The fact that each person shares so few common associations for a given word image or idea means that we are all extremely different from one another. (this is a practical way of explaining how we use radiant thinking) 17

18. The Uniqueness of each individual The advantages of our uniqueness are : Brainstorming. Problem Solving situations. The more diversity of ideas the better. Every individual becomes part of the process. The result of this exercise also highlights people as a group rather than individuals. 18

19. Sketches by great minds 19

20. A. 20

21. A. Isaac Newton Reflecting telescope 21

22. B. 22

23. B. Albert Einstein Visual answer to students question 23

24. C. 24

25. C. Thomas Edison Light Bulb 25

26. F. 26

27. F. Michelangelo Study of anatomical proportions 27

28. G. 28

29. G. Beethoven Visual conversation 29

30. H. 30

31. H. James Joyce Drawing of character, Ulysees 31

32. I. 32

33. I. Vincent Van Gough Letter with picture 33

34. J. 34

35. J. Christopher Columbus Sketch of Island from ships logbook 35

36. L. 36

37. L. Leonardo da Vinci Musical Notations 37

38. p. 38

39. p. John F Kennedy doodles 39

40. q. 40

41. q. MikaelFernstrom Imedia teaching aid 41

42. r. Tuan & Brian Car stereo prototype 42

43. Back of the napkin by Dan Roam 43

44. Image game (house) 44

45. Images ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ They make use of a large amount of cortical skills. Dimension, texture, visual rhythm, and Imagination. 45

46. Images Latin wordimaginaria, literally means ‘to picture mentally’ Images enhances creative thinking and memory. According to studies, 95% of note taking/making is done without the benefit of images. 46

47. Image The rejection of the image is partly due to the modern over-emphasis on the use of word Reasons for this is the belief that they are incapable of creating images. That images are somehow primitive and childish. 47

48. Learning It is understood that vivid images and colors help children to learn more effectively than dull/ linear methods. 48

49. Learning As we mature into adults, the processes for learning changes, and we are introduced to reading text rather than looking at images, as more information can be put onto a page in text. This theory works fine, but how many thousand pages of text have we read in our lifetime?? As something becomes monotonous it slips away from our easily recallable memories. 49

50. Learning Everyone can remember a particular picture of a character from a story in primary school, or a diagram in a science book. What about all the stories and lessons without visual imagery? These are much harder to recall. 50

51. Learning Tony Buzan talks about the different ways the brain remembers: Items from the beginning of the learning period. Items from the end of the learning period. Items associated with patterns already stored, or linked to other aspects of what is being learned. Items which are emphasised as being in some way outstanding or unique Any items which appeal to any of the five senses Those items which are of particular interest to the person 51

52. Learning If one were to learn or make notes using visual aids, several of Buzans criteria for remembering can be met Items from the beginning of the learning period. Items from the end of the learning period. Items associated with patterns already stored, or linked to other aspects of what is being learned. Items which are emphasised as being in some way outstanding or unique Any items which appeal to any of the five senses Those items which are of particular interest to the person 52

53. Image Game Use the house drawn in previous picture Draw 4 rooms (or garden) in your house using only images The big branches should indicate the room and the smaller branches will provide contents of that room 53

54. Mind map of house 54

55. The aim of this exercise is to: Show the power of the visual cortex. Enhance memory storing and recalling, through the use of images for emphasis and association. To increase aesthetic pleasure. Drawing is enjoyable. The idea that you can use images to learn. Helps mental relaxation. To develop visual and perceptional skills used by artist and visual thinkers think. 55

56. Examples of mind mapping Skeleton plan of today’s presentation: 56

57. Examples of mind mapping Colmand Megan’s Presentation 57

58. Examples of mind mapping Ti and Alan’s presentation 58

59. Visual Thinking in the Real World 59

60. Develop your own style of Visual Thinking 60 Ulf Ekberg’s based on Dali Claudius Borer roots lead to fruits

61. Benefits of developing your own style of Visual Thinking include: Development of artistic skills Stress reduction Pleasure Providing good examples for others Understanding the work of great artists Commercial?? 61

62. The Difference between Sketching and prototyping sketches are much more useful to encourage creativity. They can be a faster way to get through different ideas without wasting time on a bad one Sketching can be much less restrictive 62

63. Mind Mapping Laws Start in the centre with an image of the topic, using 3+ colors. Use images throughout your Mind Map. Select key words and print. Each word/image must be alone and sitting on its own line. The lines must be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, becoming thinner as they radiate out. Make the lines the same length as the word/image. Use colors throughout the Mind Map. Show associations in your Mind Map. Keep the Mind Map. 63

64. Advantages of Visual Thinking over Linear Note Making/Taking Time saving noting only relevant words Time saving by reading Time saved reviewing Concentration on real issues enhanced Essential key words Made more easily discernible Clear association made between words The brain finds it easier to remember visual stimulation There is an endless flow of thought The mind map works in harmony with the brains natural desire for completion or wholeness 64

65. Technology www.mindmeister.com 65