Steve’s talking about mind mapping using technology called ‘pen and paper’.

Mind mapping was invented by Tony Buzan, answering the question – how can you make note taking more effective? It’s an idea that takes advantage of the left (logic) brain vs. right (creative) brain. Steve asks whether the people in the room take verbatim notes, or note down the key ideas.

Tony came up with the idea that picking out those key words and representing those pictorially gives and left- and right-side of the brain way of remembering. Steve mentions some research from the 1970s that shows how understanding peaks after you first sleep, and then steeply drops off over the next days and weeks. The idea of using mind maps is to be able to review what you’ve learnt very quickly and so be able to review and maintain a high level of understanding.

Steve’s using a flipchart to demonstrate a mind map. We write down single keywords on connecting lines. When we read those maps back, the words and relationships trigger floods of information that is in our memories.

Adrian Thompson asks whether a mind map is only useful for the person who drew it, because it relies on triggering memory. Steve thinks that more must be written down to share mind maps, and that they are not as valuable to others as to the author.

It can be a tricky technique to learn – Steve started out mind-mapping books, because he could review what the original information was.

The downsides – you can stop meetings whilst people ask what the mind map is all about, and you can be accused of ‘doodling’ and not paying attention!

Comment: trying to use computer based mind mapping tools, it seems to break the approach because the user interface is not flowing and intiutive enough to feel natural. A pen and paper is much easier to use, perhaps a pen interface or software that understand better what you’re doing might help.

Mind maps are very tactile – keyboards and mice break the flow. Perhaps combining voice recognition and touch screen technology could give back the natural flow and tactile nature whilst still providing data and link technologies available through digital media.

Martin Wass is surprised that there haven’t been any 3-D mind mapping applications. and Mike Smith remembered Jay Cousins’ presentation using a mind-map-like presentation using Prezi at this month’s Sheffield GeekUp. Mind maps are a good collaboration tool – Jodie Walker is mind-mapping the session as we talk, allowing everyone to focus on the discussion whilst the map is drawn.

Steve’s not found any software that tempt him away from pen and paper. He photographs the maps that need to transfer to digital media.

Ben Reyes asks whether mind maps can get too big and complicated. Steve has seen that, the good thing is that you can just rip is up and start again. If it takes longer then five minutes to draw it’s too complicated!

Martin asks whether there is a ‘half-life’ to mind maps – do they become less useful over time as the memories fade? Steve thinks that it’s all up to what you reinforce – you need to review the information if you want to keep the information in your head. He used it to study and revise for exams.

Steve offers a tip – a mind-map is supposed to be self organising, so don’t waste time and effort worrying about the structure.

As the session draws to a close, Steve offers his twitter name, @stevebrett, if anyone would like to talk to him about mind-maps.

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