Special to the Beacon News
Mind Maps: A New Tool for Business Communications

Dr. Dave Dulany, Aurora University assistant professor of business

AURORA, Ill.- What are mind maps?

Mind maps are essentially drawings of ideas. The central concept is in the middle of the map with related ideas radiating out from the main idea. Almost anything can radiate from the center idea including, but not limited to, constraints, questions, resources, and auxiliary concepts. Mind maps
tend to use limited words or phrases, icons, and even colors to make the point. They also tend to be simple and easy to understand.

The good news is that mind mapping is an art than many people have already learned, but they may not know that they are doing it. Mind mapping takes many forms and can go by several names.

Concept maps, library maps, presentation maps, topic maps, and brainstorming maps are just some of the maps people may be familiar with in their daily work. While some purists may argue that each of these map types is different, their overall purpose remains in line with mind maps. (Buzan, 2005)

Mind maps tend to appeal more to visual learners (Gardner, 1999), but they can be used by almost everyone. In fact, it is common to have a proposal or project report accompanied by a visual supplement, like a mind map.

Management information technology students at Aurora University learn about mind maps when they enroll in the introductory management information systems course. While mind maps are not for everyone, most students say that they enjoy the experience and are glad to learn another way to present their ideas. For example, MIT major Karisa Hansen is among a handful of students
who like mind maps so much that they make them a regular study tool.

How can mind maps be used in business?

While all maps have slightly different looks and purposes, they all try to do three things. For some examples of each, visit http://mail.aurora.edu/~ddulany/.

Most mind maps are designed for reference purposes. They are set up to transfer knowledge from one person to another. Maps can be used to store information for easy retrieval, and to help a person learn in a visual setting. These maps range from simple representations to detailed breakdowns of subtopics.

A second use for mind maps is to persuade. Such maps are used to make an argument or direct an audience toward a particular cause or decision. A third variety includes outcome maps with uses connected with projects or event timelines.

Mind maps are apt to change as the circumstances evolve. Remember the last time you were in a meeting and decided to make a hand-drawn brainstorming map on a big piece of paper or whiteboard? It works great until someone remembers that something was left off, or that copies need to be distributed to everyone in the group.

Is software available to make mind maps?

Fortunately, software for mind mapping exists and is fairly easy to learn and use. Commercial software packages like MindManager and MindGenius allow even a casual user to start making mind maps within minutes of installing the software.

Both packages come with a wide variety of business templates and examples that can be easily modified. Trial versions are also available from both of the vendors. There is even an open source mind mapping solution called FreeMind, which does not have as many options, but will make basic mind maps with ease.

An advantage of mind mapping software is the ability to change the map at will. Primary branches can quickly be moved to a lower status and visa versa. New ideas can be added at will. Outdated ideas can be easily removed.

Mind maps can be modified to transfer knowledge, persuade an audience, or even keep track of a project's status, current tasks and action items. Mind maps can be updated as quickly as a word document and can be disseminated via the same communication channels that are used for other electronic documents.

Another major advantage of using mind mapping software is that the work can be easily exported to static diagram images, MS Word documents, and directly to MS PowerPoint presentations.

For examples, visit http://mail.aurora.edu/~ddulany/ . By creating a mind map, one can also create a text outline and a detailed presentation with only a few extra keystrokes.

Consider using mind maps as a new communication, decision making, and learning tool. They also can be used to supplement what you may already be doing. For example, a basic mind map may enhance a report or a presentation.

Mind maps can be created quickly and easily using the latest software and updated as fast as you can make the changes.

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Note: The term "Mind Maps" is trademarked by The Buzan Organisation, Ltd. By Dr. Dave Dulany, Aurora University assistant professor of business. Karisa Hansen, a Dunham School of Business student, contributed to this article.