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Have you ever had a bunch of potential solutions for a problem but fail to detail all of them? Well, mind mapping is a prominent concept that is used throughout the field of engineering. Mind mapping is jotting down ideas onto a platform and elaborating on each of them through the use of shapes. In other words, mind mapping is just transferring ideas from your brain onto a platform with more detail.
Is Mind Mapping Successful?
In an academic setting, one can outline organized ideas with connectivity, creativity, and relevance by mind mapping. Because of this, the ideas would be more flushed out instead of traditional instruction. This claim is supported by a 2009 study, where researchers observed two groups of students: one that received traditional textbook/lecture instruction and another that received the same instruction but had the resource of mind mapping software. Both groups were asked to complete a writing assignment after the instruction. Large differences were spotted between the two groups. The group that utilized the mind mapping software had more interconnected and relevant ideas listed for their writing assignment. Additionally, this group had a more overall organized and flushed structure than the group that did not use the mind mapping software. It is plausible that utilizing mind mapping will efficiently work in other academic scenarios due to the great benefits and lack of disadvantages of this system.
Furthermore, because the effects of mind mapping are general, mind mapping can be used in any field for positive benefits. Some of these benefits include aid in recalling information, easier learning of new concepts, increase in creativity, enhancement of productivity, and endless more. Whether mind mapping is used by a project manager, designer, student, or other occupation, it will be useful to them and will surely provide many cognitive and design benefits.
If Mind Mapping is this Successful, Why is it Not Used All the Time?
Sometimes, mind mapping may take a long time if people are having a difficult time coming up with ideas. Additionally, when people are already set on a specific idea, they do not really feel the need to mind map as they most likely have their idea somewhat flushed out already. However, no matter the circumstance, mind mapping can always be a stepping stool for achieving a fully flushed-out idea. If it doesn’t work, there are many other methods to map ideas, such as vision boards, pro and con charts, using tables, etc. No matter the vessel, it will be extremely beneficial to use a brainstorming method to map out initial ideas in order to properly develop them!
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References:
13 science-backed benefits of mind mapping. Nulab. (n.d.). https://nulab.com/learn/strategy-and-planning/8-science-backed-benefits-of-mind-mapping/
7 research-backed benefits of mind mapping - meister. MeisterTask. (n.d.). https://www.meistertask.com/blog/mind-mapping-benefits-who-needs-mind-maps