Common Mind Maps

While there are many different ways to use Mindomo in a wide range of applications, there are a few common types of mind maps that are useful everywhere:

• Reference mind maps for keeping track of information
• Presentation mind maps for presenting or training
• Planning mind maps for creating plans

• Reference Mind Maps

A reference mind map is a map that contains information organized so that you can find it again easily. Many types of subject can be broken down and represented this way. You can start by collecting ideas and facts, then reorganizing them into sections and subsections, so that you get a complete overview.

Use this mind map type for

• Assembling documents or reports: the topic texts will become the section headings when you export the mind map to a word processor
• Collecting resources: capture and organize resources such as web pages, companies and information about people
• Learning about a subject: build a mind map of information and facts to help you learn and revise
• Keeping lists: keep track of detailed information in categories in different parts of your mind map

• Presentation mind maps

Use a presentation mind map when you need to tell a story or make a point with a call to action. In contrast to the Reference mind map, the Presentation mind map is designed to be used only to support a talk, to keep the audience focused on your message. Keep the mind map as small as you can. You can add supporting information or materials under the main topics, but only use them to support the messages. When presenting from the mind map, start at the top right, and work clockwise.
Unlike a linear PowerPoint presentation, where your audience cannot see where you are headed or where you have been, the main messages are always in view, and your presentation can be seen in the context of those messages. Many presenters like to have drama or surprises in their presentations, but busy colleagues don't always appreciate this, and sometimes you can run out of time before getting to the key point. A mind map makes it very clear where you are headed, and why.

Use the Presentation mind maps for

• Presentations where a decision or action is needed
• Training sessions
• Presentation handouts

Planning mind maps

When planning something, focus on the outcome and put that at the center of your mind map. Think about everything in the mind map as leading towards the outcome in some way, like arrows aimed at a target. The actions you take will build up to achieve the overall goal, so things to do later in the project will be near the center, and things to do at the start of the project will be near the outside of the mind map.
Mindomo lets you add task resources, start and end dates, and durations to topics that represent actions. You can also add information topics in the context of the actions where they are needed.

Use the Planning mind map for

• Agreeing draft project plans
• Working out the order in which things need to be done
• Analyzing the root causes of a problem or issue