I had an architecture professor once insist that it was important to start a design “hands on” drawing with pencil or other medium — as opposed to using a computerized CAD system — because our hands and arms are a direct conduit to the right brain. Controversial perhaps, but that claim makes sense to me. Through the body we have access to a lot of unconscious wisdom. Mind mapping by hand is like starting a design by drawing.

Mind mapping can be used for any project or problem you need to think through. I know of authors who map their books before they start writing. A mind map can help make sense of complex material. I once saw a mind map of a conference session that was fabulously helpful for synthesizing the concepts presented. Mind maps are also useful for exploring career choices or designing your job search strategy.

Unleashing creativity with the mind map is an individual experience. The technique can expand with you depending on how intricate you want to get. Some people use colors, line thickness and sketches – almost a cross between doodling and mapping. If your current approach to mind mapping is comfortable and effortless, I suggest you experiment and push yourself a little. Add colors and drawings or different media to see how it impacts your creative process.

A thorough discussion and some fabulous examples of what can be done with mind mapping are available at: http://www.12manage.com/methods_mind_mapping.html

Also hear more about the technique from the inventor of mind-mapping, Tony Buzan. His video shows all the details: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlabrWv25qQ

Do you do your mind maps by hand or do you use mind mapping software? Do you have any sample mind maps to share about how to unleash creativity?