A complete emotional map for psychologists and their clients. Two methods for determining emotional states and personal characteristics of students

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“Mental map... Esoteric again?” - I thought when I first read this title more than six months ago. Then I got into it and tried to draw my plans for the week in this format. It turned out surprisingly easy and interesting.
Here I could write that since then I began to use cards constantly, but this is not so. I forgot about them. And I remembered only in August, when I was planning a vacation trip. That's what came out of it.

What are mind maps

Several months passed after the first meeting with the cards. I planned my time: the Pomodoro timer rang, the Eisenhower Matrix worked, the calendar was filled with activities and painted in different colors. But I had the feeling that there was some other cool method, but I couldn’t remember it.

And suddenly, having accidentally stumbled upon a review of services for mind maps, I realized what tool I was missing. The puzzle came together and away we go - a map for going to the store, for planning life goals, for work. Maps, maps, maps...They were blue and multi-colored, in mindmaps and on album sheets. Now the euphoria has subsided, and I use them more soberly. I'll tell you how and when.

Mind maps and me

These gizmos are effective where you need to sketch out a general vision of the situation and detail it step by step. With the help of maps, my colleagues create semantic cores, design a site map, conduct marketing research, generate ideas, prepare for presentations, organize events, plan a budget and simply make a to-do list for the week.

Where can I use the cards?

1. Working with information (presentations, speeches)

What am I doing
Using cards I collect information and sort it. What I know about the subject: properties, disadvantages, features, use - all this easily fits into the mind map scheme.

What should you do
Replace a boring lecture with a simple presentation and you will capture the audience's attention. Replace it with an interesting presentation and you will also win the respect of your audience.

2. Learning and remembering

What am I doing
The same as in the previous paragraph: I highlight the main issue, put it into sections. A huge plus of cards is that you can complete the drawings of branches if a new thought suddenly comes to mind. That's why I always draw with reserve. I’m not very friendly with services yet; I prefer a snow-white sheet of paper and colored markers.

What should you do
Create notes for lectures or books, write various texts (coursework, dissertations, articles), analyze the text. You can use detailed maps (1 map - 1 question), you can write down basic schemes.
By the way, most of you have seen something like mind maps in textbooks - these are flowcharts of the main questions of the course.

3. Brainstorming.

What am I doing
I come up with ideas (what to give for a holiday), solve problems (where to find time to study) - this is how cards help with brainstorming. I can draw cards alone or with colleagues, in any case it is effective.

What should you do
Maps for brainstorming are drawn as usual. In the center is the problem, large branches are solutions, small branches are features or consequences. If you need to generate ideas, then there will be a topic in the center, and the ideas themselves are large branches.

4. Decision making.

What am I doing
I am a logician to the core. Intuitive decisions are not my strong point. And here I have differences with Tony Buzan, the founder of the mind mapping method. It is believed that drawing and the use of symbols stimulate creative thinking, which means that the brain is tuned to search for an effective and non-standard way out of the situation (I don’t argue with that). And at such moments, intuition turns on and we make a decision based on it (here’s the catch).
Therefore, I simply write the problem in the center of the sheet, with branches of the 2nd level I designate everything possible solutions, and the 3rd level branches are the consequences of these decisions.

What should you do
You write down the problem and turn it around from all sides, at the same time writing down everything that comes to mind. We organized our thoughts and saw the solution. Those who find it easier to handle facts and figures write them on branches. And whoever relies on intuition will bet on the associativity of the cards.

5. Planning.

Plan work and personal projects, budget or time.

What am I doing
First, I wrote down on the map all the books I want to read. Then I singled out from the book the form in which I would learn the material (synopsis, summary). And I created a similar goal on SmartProgress.
And then a big drawback of the cards emerged - it is difficult to tie them to deadlines. On a Gantt chart, for example, it is clearly visible which event should take place and when, and the temporal relationship of events is visible. And on the mind map you can only sign the deadline by which the task must be completed. In SmartProgress you can set intermediate deadlines, there are deadline reminders. So these two tools work well together.

What should you do
In the center of the sheet, indicate a goal, for example, “to celebrate a wedding anniversary.” And then write down the associations. Choosing a venue, list of guests, menu, budget, program - these are the key lines of your mind map. From each large ray, several more small rays depart, specifying who and in what way you will invite, what elements of the program will be, and who is responsible for them.

Why is this particular form advantageous?

Any incoming information must first be formed into an image. Then it will be remembered much easier and for a longer period. The role of cards is to organize, systematize, and visually present information. It doesn't matter whether you're planning an anniversary or organizing team work on a project, all the basic data can be fit on one large sheet.

The larger the volume of the cerebral cortex is connected to the perception of information, the better it is remembered. The brain does not think linearly, but associatively, so for most people, mind maps are a suitable tool for planning or working with large amounts of data.

Pros and cons of mind maps

I have already written about the shortcomings - there is no interconnection with deadlines.

And now about the advantages.

The brain first focuses on the key areas of the project. This helps you prioritize.
All main and auxiliary stages of the project are clearly visible. Contradictions, interference, and overlaps are also noticeable.
It is convenient to mark the paths already taken.
It’s easy to expand the project by adding new branches.
You can place heterogeneous elements on maps: megabytes coexist with the number of people.

What if you use mind mapping to plan goals? In combination with SmartProgress It turns out quite effectively. The main directions are determined on the map, and discipline occurs using the service.

How to build maps

Principles of drawing maps

In the center of the sheet or a little higher, draw a central image (idea, goal, problem). Draw from it first-level branches (sub-ideas), with associations or key concepts that slightly reveal the central image. From the branches of the 1st level, take the branches of the 2nd level. If necessary, add 3rd level branches.

12 Tips for Drawing Maps

1. Include imaginative, creative thinking and associative skills. This helps the brain approach a problem from different angles and look for an unusual but effective solution.
2. Use different colors of branches to separate directions of work. If this is a map with tasks for employees, mark the branches with a specific color for each project participant. There should be no more than 8 colors so as not to get confused. The highest speed of perception is for red, yellow and orange flowers. The lowest is in brown, blue and green.
3. The number of branches of 2 and subsequent levels should not be more than 5-7.
4. The map reflects the style of thinking, so do not try to standardize it.
5. Exaggerated examples are better remembered. Therefore, feel free to draw unusual pictures.
6. Freehand drawing stimulates thinking. Despite the various convenient services, do not neglect white paper and markers.
7. Make images vivid and memorable so that they evoke emotions. This will help the brain work in the right direction.
8. Build the structure according to hierarchy: important concepts are closer to the center, details are further away. You can number the branches if necessary.
9. Less words, more drawings. If there are several words, then write them down in one line so that the eye does not make unnecessary movements.
10. Come up with your own symbols. Lightning is fast, eye is control, light bulb is important.
11. Draw the first level lines thicker to see the importance of actions. The length of the line is equal to the length of the word. Vary the size of the letters to emphasize the importance of the branch.
12. Delimit branches by drawing them into blocks, connecting them with arrows to show the relationship.

Services for mind maps

If you don’t like to draw by hand (and in vain!), then choose paid or free programs for drawing maps on a computer. They differ in design, methods of exporting images, the ability to connect To-do List, and compatibility with platforms.
I use the online service MindMeister. It is combined with Meistertask (scheduler). Plus, you can connect paid PRO packages. The data is stored on the cloud, so I can load maps from any laptop. Bright, lots of possibilities for creativity, intuitive to use. There are templates, I don’t know who cares, but that’s enough for me for now.

Psychologists believe that it is best to draw by hand, activating creative thinking as much as possible, then you will think and solve problems much more effectively. And the modern rhythm of life suggests using any service you like. Well, it's up to you. But mind maps are a really cool tool, I recommend them.

An example of a connection diagram made using the English program. Mind map) - a way of depicting the process of general systems thinking using diagrams. Can also be considered a convenient alternative recording technique.

A mind diagram is implemented as a tree diagram that depicts words, ideas, tasks, or other concepts connected by branches extending from a central concept or idea. This technique is based on the principle of “radiant thinking,” which refers to associative thought processes whose starting point or point of application is a central object. (Radiant is a point in the celestial sphere from which the visible paths of bodies with identically directed velocities, for example, meteors of the same stream, seem to emanate). This shows the infinite variety of possible associations and, therefore, the inexhaustibility of the brain's capabilities. Similar method records allow the connection diagram to grow and expand without limit. Mind diagrams are used to create, visualize, structure and classify ideas, and also as a tool for learning, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.

Sometimes in Russian translations the term can be translated as “mind maps”, “mind maps”, “mind maps”, “memory maps” or “mental maps”. The most adequate translation is “schemes of thinking.”

In some European countries, mind maps are used in teaching children in primary school.

Areas of use

taking notes of lectures
taking notes from books
preparing material on a specific topic
creative problem solving
planning and development of projects of varying complexity
making to-do lists
communication
The holding of trainings
development of intellectual abilities
solving personal problems

Rules for constructing communication diagrams

How more sheet- all the better. Minimum - A4. Place horizontally.
In the center is the image of the entire problem/task/field of knowledge.
Thick main branches with labels emanate from the center - they indicate the main sections of the diagram. The main branches further branch into thinner branches
All branches are signed with keywords that make you remember a particular concept
It is advisable to use block letters
It is advisable to use as diverse a visual decoration as possible - shape, color, volume, font, arrows, icons
It is important to develop your own style in drawing mind diagrams

Description of a variation of the mind diagram method - the omega mapping method

In the left edge in the center of the sheet, draw a circle (square, diamond - to taste) and enter your name there and what we have here and now. At the opposite end we do the same and enter what we want to receive.

Further. From the starting point, we draw arrows like a fan, indicating the courses of action in a given situation - there can be as many of them as you like. Moreover, it is advisable to strain yourself and indicate all possible ones. After that, we again draw circles (squares, diamonds) at the ends of the arrows, and enter into them what will result from applying this or that method of action.

From the obtained consequences we again draw possible options for the course of action and again we obtain consequences placed in the next circles (squares, diamonds).

Ultimately, at least one such chain of actions and consequences should lead to the desired result.

The result is a diagram on which the optimal line of behavior to achieve the goal is easily calculated. Intermediate goals also appear that you can focus on in the process of work. The worst behavior also becomes apparent, which not only will not give desired result, but it will also take a lot of effort and time. We highlight on paper what suits us and concentrate on these moments, not forgetting to throw out the line of behavior that we do not need.

Mind Diagram Management Software

Displaying a circuit diagram in different programs

Software

Free mind diagramming software written in Vym View Your Mind.
XMind for different platforms: Windows, Mac OS X, Debian/Ubuntu, Debian/Ubuntu x64. Available in portable version

Web services

Mindomo - software creating mind diagrams using the Internet
- an online service for creating beautiful hand-drawn circuit diagrams, built on SilverLight
MindMeister - Web 2.0 application for creating mind diagrams, supports export to pdf, MindManager 6 (.mmap), as well as to .rtf document or as an image (.jpg, .gif, .png)
Comapping - Web 2.0 mind diagramming application, supports automatic diagram layout and collaborative editing
Mind42 is a simple, no-frills, but very neatly made service with which the user can create mind diagrams.
Text2MindMap - Converts a text list into a mind map that can be saved as a JPEG file.
Ekpenso is an online service for creating mind diagrams that simplifies the publishing process.
Bubbl.us - online service for collaborative creation of mind diagrams
XMind - online service for publishing mind maps

Literature

Tony and Barry Buzan, Super Thinking, ISBN 978-985-15-0017-4

Links

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

See what “Mind Maps” are in other dictionaries:

This article is about a way of representing knowledge. An example of a mind map made using a program, also known as a mind map, a way of depicting the process of general systems thinking using diagrams. It can also... ... Wikipedia

Means playing cards. The fifty-two cards in the deck symbolize the weeks of the year. Thirteen cards of each suit is thirteen lunar months. The four suits are worlds, elements, cardinal directions, winds, seasons, castes, temple corners, etc. Two... ... Dictionary of symbols

The request for "AI" is redirected here; see also other meanings. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the science and technology of creating intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs. AI... ...Wikipedia

A term that appeared in the mid-1980s in sociology when studying the process of collective decision-making. Researchers from NJIT defined collective intelligence as the ability of a group to find solutions to problems that are more effective than... ... Wikipedia

You may have been looking for a Mind map, a visual method for capturing ideas. Main article Memory cards. A mental map is an abstract subjective reflection of a person’s surrounding world. The concept was introduced in 1948 by E.S. Tolman.... ... Wikipedia

Mind maps are diagrammatic representations of the key ideas in a book, the main points of a speaker's speech, or your most important action plan. With their help, it is convenient to restore order in information chaos. Mind maps have many names - mental map, mind mapping, thought map, connection diagram, mind map.

The word mind is translated as mind. Psychologists are sure: by drawing maps with felt-tip pens on sheets of paper, you will really become smarter and unlock the potential of your brain. Let's leave these thoughts to scientists and talk about the practical implementation of mind mapping.

What, where and how to draw?

The map vaguely resembles a tree. Or a spider. Or an octopus. In general, something that has a center and branches.

In the center is the main idea or problem. Key points depart from it. Each item is also, if necessary, divided into several smaller items. And so on until the whole problem is clearly worked out.

What's good about the card format?

1. A schematic text is perceived better than a sheet, because it is shorter and simpler.

2. Time for perceiving information is saved.

3. In the process of drawing up a map, memorization of the material improves.

4. When working on projects, areas of responsibility are clearly shown by coloring branches.

How to create maps

Let’s not get fancy and complicate it – let’s use the algorithm of the map author himself, Tony Buzan.

Maintain a hierarchy of thoughts;
In the center is the most main question. Graphic images (drawings, pictograms) are welcome;
Give volume to images, blocks, rays. This makes the map easier to perceive;
Leave a distance between the blocks, do not make a palisade of rays;
If you need to emphasize the connection between elements, use lines, arrows, and the same colors;
Express your thoughts briefly and clearly. Simple font, one keyword above the corresponding line, the main lines are smooth and bolder, place the words horizontally.

Mind map - like the Glavred service, only for the brain. Helps clear debris from thoughts.

Mind maps are useful...

...at work:

Plan work projects. Many programs allow shared access among all team members. Changes are made to the map, tasks are prioritized, and the implementation process is monitored;
Prepare and conduct meetings. With the help of cards you will draw up an outline of your speech, highlight key points, establish the logic of the narrative. The programs have the ability to create a presentation - this will help you visually present materials for the planning meeting;
Make a strategy. Cards, in my opinion, are an ideal option. They help to go from the general to the specific;
Brainstorm. Some programs even have a special mode.

...in training:

Write down the key ideas of the seminar or lecture. Such a note will help you remember the teacher’s train of thought;
Organize your information. You always have free space to add an important thought.

...in everyday life:

Plan. I use cards to create plans for the week, month, and prepare for important events;
Make lists. This could be a list of books, movies, webinars, purchases, gifts, or just a list of things that need to be done at some point;
Write notes on the books you read. One main branch - one chapter. Brief thoughts, theses, and main points fit perfectly into the map format. In addition, some programs have the ability to take hidden notes. Hover your mouse over a specific block and a window will open with a detailed description of what is written in the block.

We evaluate

I chose 15 programs (+2 from the editors) for creating mental maps. The selection includes popular drawing services and little-known ones. They differ in design, export capabilities, and ease of management. Some programs are more suitable for personal use, while others help you plan work and study effectively. The description applies only to free versions. Read the review and choose the program that is convenient for you.

For your convenience, I have also prepared a comparative table of the capabilities of all programs presented in the table.

1. MindMeister

Features of MindMeister:

Rates:

1. Free basic package. There are only 3 cards in it. You can export them only in the form of text, you can also receive one card per invited friend;

2. Personal tariff ($6). Unlimited number of maps, multiple page printing, export to drawing, PDF, priority support;

3. Tariff Pro ($10). Everything in the previous plan plus Login to Google Apps for Domains, multi-user licensing, export to .docx and .pptx, custom map themes for the entire team, receiving statistics and reports;

4. Business tariff ($15). Everything that is in the previous tariff plus the creation of groups within the program, the creation of a custom domain for logging into the system, support for exporting and creating backup copies, priority support around the clock.

My impressions

The program is worthy of attention if you have small requests. MindMeister even in free version has quite a wide range of functionality: different styles and block colors, changing the text color and its style. A small menu appears on the right and you use the switch buttons to change the design mode. Convenient, compact, simple. Maps are easy to draw: select the block from which the next rays should come and click on the plus sign. If you want to color the blocks and add icons and emoticons, that will work too.

2. MindMup

Features of MindMup:

All the basic capabilities for creating high-quality design are present;
Simple controls;
Free export to PDF (link available within 24 hours);
Maps are synchronized if there is one account on the devices;
Import pictures from disk or cloud in 2 clicks.

Rates:

1. Free package. Users of the free version can create public maps up to 100 KB for a period of 6 months;

2. Individual Gold ($2.99). Unlimited number of cards, up to 5 messages in mail, card capacity up to 100 MB, storage on Google Drive;

3. Corporate Gold ($100). Unlimited number of users and maps created by them, work with Google/GAFE.

My impressions

MindMup is ideal for beginners because there are no complicated steps involved. You can insert a picture or edit an inscription with two clicks, create new blocks or delete them with one click. At the same time, the map looks aesthetically pleasing, it is clear and logical. It can be personalized by adding photos. At the time of adding, you can easily change the size of the image, place it under the text or on the side.

3. Mind42

Features of Mind42:

Only basic functionality: adding icons, notes, main and additional nodes;
Laconic design kart;
Export in JPEG, PDF, PNG and several more formats;
You can add your map to general Mind42 groups or view other people's maps;
Possibility of collaboration on the map;
The priority of the block task is set. You can easily view the priority by hovering over the special icon.

My impressions

It seems that the creators of the program have already decided a lot for me. For example, they established their own order in which the branches would be located, and offered only one type of font and blocks. But you can set the priority and progress of tasks. In general, the capabilities of Mind42 are modest, like young girls in ancient Rus'.

4.XMind

XMind Features:

A large number of templates: fishbone, business plans, SWOT analysis and other useful things;
Stylish design, bright design- background for the entire map or separately for blocks, big choice styles, lines, colors and shapes;
Conducting a brainstorming session;
Convenient creation presentations.

Rates:

1. Free. All types of charts and synchronization with the cloud.

2. Plus ($79). In the Plus tariff, export in PDF, PPT, SVG, OpenOffice formats is available.

3. Pro ($99). The PRO account has more than 60,000 icons, Gantt charts, presentation mode and brainstorming mode.

My impressions

XMind is definitely worth using. I was thinking about a paid version, but for now the stripped-down free version is enough for me. The program has a lot of possibilities. Choosing it for simple drawing up of plans or notes is like driving a Ferrari through the village. The program is more suitable for professional teamwork. I like XMind for its design and ease of drawing.

5. MindJet Mindmanager

MingManager Features:

Templates are divided into categories - meetings and events, management, strategic planning, personal productivity, problem solving, flowcharts;
In terms of design options, it resembles Word - it’s just as simple and easy to select text color, flowchart shape, fill, font, alignment, bulleted lists;
Prioritizing actions. You can set the order of tasks, set beacons such as “risk”, “discuss”, “postpone”, “expenses”, “for”, “against”;
You can brainstorm, build Gantt charts, and link cards together. Easily switch between map tabs;
There is a MindManager Plus web account for saving files in the cloud;
Transfer data from Microsoft Outlook.

Rates:

Perpetual license. For Mac it costs 12,425 rubles (update - 6,178 rubles), for Windows 24,227 rubles (update - 12,425 rubles). Creating interactive maps, setting time frames for completing tasks, exporting maps in different formats.

My impressions

Mindmanager offers a lot of training materials and a technical support service. The card design can be as simple as it is playful if you want. The controls are simple, all the necessary buttons are at hand. If you study this program thoroughly, you can easily use it for home and work. Data from Excel, Outlook can be inserted into the card, and other cards can be attached. Personally, I don’t need so many functions yet.

6.PersonalBrain

Features of PersonalBrain:

From the design, you can only change the theme;
Most features are available after purchasing paid work packages;
Complex program management;
Shows a 3D image of the mind map.

Rates:

1. Basic paid package ($219). Printing, adding files, links, pictures, notes are available;

2. Pro packages ($299). Provides integration of calendar and events, spell checking, saving reports, multi-page printing, and exporting maps. The difference between the Pro License, Pro Combo, and TeamBrain packages is the presence of a desktop version and cloud storage.

My impressions

I didn't like it. First, I went through the application installation quest, put checkmarks and dots in the required fields. Then I opened the map and was disappointed in the controls. If you click in the wrong place, the central block changes and you are disorganized. Well, the design is gloomy. In general, I didn’t make friends with her.

7. iMind Map

Features of iMindMap:

The program offers 4 modes: recording ideas and thoughts, brainstorming, creating mind maps, converting data into 2D and 3D presentations, PDF files, tables and other formats;
About 130 styles;
There are hints at the beginning: click on the icon, use Tab and Enter;
There is a spell check;
Very bright animated presentations;
You can make notes for each branch, use icons from the series finance, transport, arrows, calendar, communications, flags, numbers, people, etc., change flowchart formats, set deadlines and priorities, add audio files;
Time Map;
Import files in IMX, Doc, Docx, IMM, MM, MMAP formats;
Export files in PDF, SVG, 3D image, table, web page, project, audio, DropTask, presentation Power Point, archiving into a zip file.

Rates:

1. For home and study (80€). Create and edit maps, add images, create art projects, add links and notes, 30 days of use, one license;

2. Maximum (190€). Adds to the capabilities of the previous package brainstorming, creating presentations, exporting videos from YouTube, integration with DropTask, three-dimensional image, conversion to different formats, a license for a year and 2 computers;

3. Maximum Plus (250€). Adds to the capabilities of the previous package books and discs by Tony Buzan, the founder of mental maps.

My impressions

One of best programs which I used. I would put XMind and MindMup next to it. Very easy to operate. Easily switch between capture, brainstorm, mind map and time map modes, draw blocks and relationships between them. If you want to recreate the atmosphere of drawing with markers on whatman paper, then in iMind Map you can draw branches by hand.

8. Bubble

Bubble Features:

The controls are not very convenient, you need to get used to it;
Only the general one changes color scheme, you cannot change the font, text color or shape of nodes separately;
3 cards are created for free;
The map is saved in JPEG, PNG, HTML formats.

Rates:

1. Premium ($4.91 per month). Create an unlimited number of maps, track the history of changes, add files and images;

2. Corporate tariff. It has several licenses available, management account user, creating user branding. The cost of the corporate plan depends on the number of accounts and subscription period.

My impressions

Nothing special. The controls seemed a little complicated to me, the design seemed ordinary. Who needs a business style card - welcome!

9.Comapping

Comapping Features:

There is only one type of card;
Small design options;
Maps can be sent by e-mail, saved in SVG, PDF, Xmind, Freemind, MindManager formats;
The service is used for brainstorming, event planning, and training.

Rates:

Paid versions are based on the number of licenses and the version: online or desktop. One online license costs $25 per year, desktop costs $49, and the maximum package of 100 licenses costs $612 and $1,225 is the discounted price.

My impressions

Nice program, but I don't like this map structure. I like it when the main idea is in the center. The design didn’t work for me either. Why is she nice then? Its simplicity, unobtrusive design. I liked how gray marks are highlighted on the map, for example, “competitor analysis”. They do not distract attention, but provide benefits.

10. MindGenius

Features of MindGenius:

Well suited for team work, educational process. Emphasis is placed on working with enterprises;
The design possibilities are optimal - the size, color, font type, background fill color, and block shapes can be changed;
Add pictures, links, notes - this function is also available;
Eat mobile applications for iOS and Android;
Export maps in MS Office applications, JPEG, PNG, PDF, HTML
There are a large number of different templates, there are Gantt charts, Swot analysis, and training guides are provided for each type.

Rates:

1. A license for 5 users costs $1120;

2. License for 10 – $2192;

3. Updating an existing version – $187.

My impressions

Nice design, clear controls, great capabilities - a good program, in general. If I manage a company, I will take MindGenius into account.

11. Wisemapping

Features of Wisemapping:

Easy to use, but there are difficulties with drawing additional nodes;
Export to JPEG, PNG, PDF, SVG, Freemind, MindJet, text format or Excel;
You can add users to collaborate on the map;
Few design options: few icons, templates, styles.

My impressions

A program with a classic image of mental maps. Small color palette, but if content is more important to you than appearance, then you will like Wisemapping. The screenshot shows the difference in design. If you want minimalism without frills, get it. Do you want to color the map? It will work too. True, not very diverse.

12. Mapul

Features of Mapul:

Unusual design. Bright rich colors lines and blocks;
Maps are saved in JPEG, SVG formats;
Small selection of colors and fonts;
Not very convenient controls. The lines are difficult to change after drawing, the text jumps along them and is difficult to read.

Rates:

1. Free version. One card and 4 images;

2. Premium package. The number of cards is unlimited. Premium can be purchased for 3, 6 or 12 months. Accordingly, $25, $35, $50.

My impressions

The design simply captivated me: bright, juicy, unusual. But the drawing process let us down. I want to align the line - instead the program draws me an additional branch. In general, if you get used to it, Mapul can become your favorite.

13. Mindomo

Features of Mindomo:

Three accounts: teacher, businessman, student;
24 card templates available;
Possibility of collaboration on the map by several users. When the map changes, notifications are sent to email;
There is a backup option;
Audio and video recordings, images, hyperlinks, icons, symbols are added;
The priority of tasks is set, comments are added to blocks.

Rates:

Purchased for six months. All plans include an unlimited number of mind cards, backup to DropBox and Google. Disk, adding audio and video, password protection of cards, desktop version, synchronization between devices, 7 import formats.

1. Premium ($36). It has 8 export formats, 1 GB of memory, 1 user;

2. Professional ($90). It has 12 export formats, 5 GB of memory, 1 user;

3. Team ($162). It has 12 export formats, 15 GB of memory, 5 users.

My impressions

After working at Mindomo, there is some kind of pleasant aftertaste. Drawing is easy - just click on the button next to the block. Pictures are inserted easily and immediately into optimal size. I liked that you can make notes for each block in the form of simple text or lists - very convenient.

14. Coggle

Features of Coggle:

Tooltips on English language;
A kind of management. New branches, for example, appear with a double click, a color scheme appears with a right-click;
There is only one map in the free version;
Export in PNG, PDF formats;
Working together on a map. There is chat and comments;
History of changes. The slider moves along the scale, returning the map to the desired editing segment;
More than 1600 icons;
A gallery of other people's maps is available;
Synchronization with Google Drive, account required.

Rates:

1. Awesome. $5 per month or $50 per year. Unlimited number of cards, presentation mode, shared folders, download images from high resolution, wide selection of color schemes;

2. Organization (corporate). $8 per month. Added a separate workspace, consolidated billing, user and deadline management, and corporate identity.

My impressions

I didn't like the design at all. It’s not very difficult to understand the controls, the tips are nearby. Lines and blocks are easy to create and change direction. The slider for undoing changes to the map is a real lifesaver.

15. ConceptDraw MINDMAP

Features of ConceptDraw MINDMAP:

There are ready-made themes. The design capabilities are standard: the size of the letters changes, the background of the text and the map itself is filled;
The map is converted into a text list and vice versa;
Hyperlinks, notes, icons, tags are added;
Extensive presentation creation options;
Maps are imported from Xmaind, FreeMaind, MindManager, Word, Power Point programs;
Export to PDF, web pages, MindManager, Word, Power Point formats. You can export a checklist file with completed and uncompleted tasks;
You can demonstrate presentations on Skype, post on Twitter, send by email and save in Evernote;
In addition to maps, you can draw diagrams and various flowcharts, manage projects;
By default, the map is saved on your computer in the “My Documents” folder.

Rates:

This program has complicated pricing. It depends on the number of users plus taken into account additional functions. For $199 you will purchase the simplest version for 1 license, an update to the program costs $99, a package for corporate use costs $299, and 10 licenses for educational purposes cost $638.

My impressions

A lot of useful functions in a programme. In addition to the service for creating mind maps, there is also a line of programs for creating business graphics and project management. In general, this is a huge set of tools specifically for business.

16. Popplet

Features of Popplet:

Several users can work on one map simultaneously.
You can draw in the cells, insert images and videos into them.
The scale is adjustable.
There are applications for iPad and iPhone.
The map can be shared, printed, or converted to PNG or PDF.
English interface.

Rates:

Using the service, you can create no more than 5 cards for free. Anything more requires a subscription, which costs $3 monthly.

My impressions

For me the interface is complicated. For example, I never found how to delete a cell, and I simply moved everything unnecessary out of the viewing area.

Monthly payment is convenient if the service is required due to some circumstances, and you do not plan to use it anymore. We used it for a couple of months and that’s it. If you need mind maps on a long-term basis, it is better to choose another service.

17.LOOPY

Features of LOOPY:

The service allows you to create “live” diagrams in which elements move between blocks. This allows us to illustrate some cyclical processes.

Rates:

The service is free, no registration required.

My impressions

Very few possibilities for card design. The main thing is that the maps turn out to be “live”; with their help it is convenient to depict dynamic processes. The resulting diagram can be inserted onto the website as an interactive element.

Let's compare

For convenience, I have prepared a comparison table of services for you. Click on the image below to download it.

We use

For drawing simple cards with plans for the day, lists and ideas are well suited:

MindMeister
MindManager
MindMup
Mind 42
Wisemapping
Comapping
Mapul

The programs are easy to use, all the necessary functions are right at your fingertips.

Looking for handy tool For teamwork or strategic planning? Create presentations and assign tasks to the entire department using mind maps. Choose.

Greetings to all readers of the site. Ekaterina Kalmykova is with you as always. And I immediately have a question for you: do you systematize your thoughts and, if so, how? Do you have any way to bring order to your head? I have - I use mind maps. And in this article I will share with you my experience in compiling them and show my examples of mind maps.

Mind map concept

The example I drew is quite simple and clear. Usually the diagram looks much more branched, since it can record a huge number of connections between objects.

Thanks to the use of such cards, a person perceives a large amount of information better and easier, because it is difficult for our brain to perceive information in the form of a sheet of text or a bunch of tables. It is much easier if the same information is presented in visual form, which is diluted with color, complemented by drawings and based on associations.

Benefits of Using Mind Maps

1. Excellent helpers in mastering new material. The process is much faster, more fun and efficient.

2. Super planners. They make it very easy to make a plan for the day, write a list of tasks, highlight the most important points etc.

3. Storage of thoughts. Write down everything that comes to your mind when working with the map. Typically, your brain sends you interesting and useful information regarding the task or idea you are visualizing.

4. A wonderful reminder. Here one cannot help but recall the Russian proverb “what is written with a pen cannot be cut down with an ax.” What is included on the map will be difficult to ignore. This means that the probability of completing the task is much higher.

5. Mind maps are suitable for big projects, which are initially scary to take on. But as soon as you start visualizing, everything falls into place. The entire mega project, like a ball, gradually unwinds, and an ordered map of sequential actions appears in front of you.

How to Create Mind Maps

I would highlight two ways to create mind maps: manual and software.

For manual method All you need to do is take a sheet of paper, preferably a landscape one, pens, pencils, markers.

Software method is the use of computer programs. Considering both methods, you can see that they have both their pros and cons. Using a certain program, you can easily correct your mind map, change something in it and you don’t have to redraw it completely.

It is also much more convenient to carry a mental map on an electronic medium rather than a landscape sheet. The disadvantage of working in the program is its stereotyped nature, limitations in drawing and visual expression of your thoughts.

Programs for creating mental maps

The programs listed below can easily be found on the Internet, but please note that they are both paid and free. Therefore, choose an assistant to your liking.

I will highlight the following:

— Mindmeister. You can see how to work in this program and examples of maps.

- FreeMind. I use this program quite often. It allows you to create a memory card quickly and easily. Read more about working in the program in the article.

Rules for creating mental maps

When creating mental maps, you need to follow a few simple rules.

Use one mind map to express thoughts or ideas on one topic.
It is best to place the sheet horizontally (whether it is a paper sheet or a sheet on a computer monitor), since this is how the human eye perceives information best. Remember how information is arranged on TV, on a chalkboard at school or on a monitor.
As a rule, the main subject (task, idea) is placed in the center, which gradually acquires logical connections and interconnected branches. These can be goals, subgoals, points, sub-points, etc.
It is advisable to highlight all connections different colors, use icons, symbols, pictures. This way you arrange everything visually using your associations. All graphic elements help to depict a clear mental map. It's important not to overdo it here. The map should simplify the perception of the information presented, and not vice versa. The mental map should be bright and expressive, but at the same time simple.

Where can you use the mind map?

In my opinion, mind maps can be used in different areas activities. Mind mapping is useful for many categories: managers, employees of any company, teachers, journalists, etc. In addition, it can be used in our daily life to solve everyday problems.

The following areas of application can be distinguished:

1. Diverse tasks at work. Projects whose goal is to develop or implement something. Various organizational events.

2. Projects in your personal life. Using mind maps you can plan a banquet, plan a vacation or go to the country))

3. To-do lists.

4. Organizational structures companies and organizations.

5. Design of website structure and program interfaces.

6. Structuring texts. Create content, a plan for the speech, and an agenda for the report.

7. Presentations in the form of a mind map.

8. Taking notes from the lecture

Mistakes when using mind maps

When you create a mind map for the first time, pay attention to the most common mistakes that arise when working:

The mental map is too complex and highly branched. Such a map will only confuse rather than clarify everything.
Same designs and colors for different branches.
Lack of pictures and icons
Ambiguity and chaos. All elements must be interconnected

In fact, I have been familiar with mental maps for a long time. I just didn’t know about the existence of certain programs and scientific concept. Always at the institute during lectures, in order to have time to write down and remember everything, I only drew circles, arrows, and figures that were understandable to me. These were my mind maps that helped me graduate from college with honors. Now, being no longer a student, I actively use mental maps in my daily work. I often use a mind map before writing a blog article.

Surely you use something similar?

I hope after reading the article you will be able to make mind mapping easier for yourself: choose the program that is most convenient for you and go ahead!

And I also want to introduce you to the cool book by H. Muller “Drawing up mental maps. Method of generating and structuring ideas." A very interesting and useful book. Download, study and put into practice! Download HERE!

Don’t forget: the best thank you to me is a repost of the article :)

Sincerely, Ekaterina Kalmykova

The described map includes 12 emotional spheres.

Guide to Emotions

Below is an emotional map that, IMHO, is convenient for the work of a practicing psychologist and is quite simple and understandable to a person who comes to a psychologist as a client. The described map includes 12 emotional spheres. The emotional sphere is a set of emotions that are close to each other in meaning or strategy for interacting with the outside world.

To effectively read a map, several assumptions need to be made.

By emotion I mean a psychophysiological phenomenon that defines a situation or our attitude towards it (an indicative label), changes a person’s activity (that is, carries an energetic charge) and directs his perception, thinking and actions (motivates).

Within each sphere there are emotions, just differing in intensity. For example, fear and horror. Or there are emotions that have different meanings, but a similar attitude towards another person or situation. For example, envy and pride. These emotions have different meanings, but they both reflect your desire to be superior to the people around you (pride = “I am the navel of the earth,” envy = “I should have as much as the other person” / “the worse I am”).

At the same time, I am aware (and I advise you) that the separation of emotions is a rather conditional thing. After all, emotions can easily coexist with each other, that is, arise simultaneously. For example, a surprise can be both surprise and joy (or disappointment if you didn't like it).

Emotions can also easily combine to create a complex feeling. For example, jealousy combines: anger, fear, guilt and greed. However, in order for you to have a strong emotional foundation, such separation is simply necessary.

In addition, you have to remember the existence of homonyms (same spelling, but different meaning). Emotional homonyms also exist. So, for example, pity can relate to both the sphere of loneliness (I lack attention) and the sphere of superiority (I will help this unfortunate person). Or, for example, annoyance, which can be both in the sphere of loss of meaning (as the quintessence of disappointment) and in the sphere of conscience (when it comes to self-flagellation).

The location of emotional spheres on the map is largely determined by the fact that some emotional spheres are complete or partial antagonists to each other. Although this is a rather conditional assumption. After all, colors are the perfect metaphor for emotions. Yes, White color in many ways contrasts with black, and the warm part color palette- cold. But this only works for pairwise comparisons. In the painting, the colors are mixed into a unique pattern.

In the list within the sphere, emotions are arranged in order from less intense (background) to more intense (affects).

At the same time, emotions and feelings are located in the same area. Maybe it's not the most the right approach from the point of view of a theoretical model, but very convenient in practice.

Sphere of satisfaction

Satisfaction - comfort - lightness - carefree - flight - playfulness - joy - pleasure - radiance - fun - happiness - grace - spirituality - euphoria - bliss - delight - ecstasy.

Sphere of Enthusiasm

Curiosity – interest – cheerfulness – hope – optimism – enthusiasm – confidence – strength – determination – involvement – encouragement – inspiration – anticipation – enthusiasm – excitement

Sphere of Peace

Peace – serenity – safety – tranquility – relief.

Sphere of Surprise

Confusion - bewilderment - surprise - amazement - miracle.

Sphere of Conscience

Humility - submission - embarrassment - guilt - shame - repentance - annoyance.

Sphere of Solitude

Separation - pity - loneliness - emptiness

Sphere of Loss of Happiness

Dissatisfaction - nostalgia - concern - regret - sadness - melancholy - depression - unhappiness - suffering - lamentation - emotional pain - grief

Sphere of loss of meaning

Inertia - monotony - fatigue - boredom - satiety - boredom - bitterness - indifference - meaninglessness - despondency

Sphere of Fear

Worry - doubt - mistrust - wariness - anxiety - confusion - fear - fear - helplessness - confusion - panic - despair - horror.

Sphere of Antagonism

Coldness - suspicion - irritation - opposition - rejection - anger - hostility - resentment - indignation - gloating - boycott - anger - hatred - rage - rage.

Sphere of Excellence

isolation - condescension - disdain - pity - ignoring - complacency pride - arrogance - hostility - condemnation - disobedience - envy - greed - contempt - disgust - venom - insult - humiliation - revenge - jealousy - betrayal

Scope of Acceptance

Consent - approval - benevolence - openness - gratitude - sympathy - attraction - respect - passion - affection - unity - tenderness - awe - tenderness - admiration - devotion - faith - love - adoration - reverence.published