Tony Buzan

Conventional Note-taking vs Mind Mapping

The box below shows the key characteristics of linear note-taking set against those of Mind Mapping.

Conventional Note-taking Mind Mapping
Linear Multi-faceted
Monochrome Colourful
Word-based Words combined with pictures
Listed logic Associated logic
Sequential Multidimensional

Imaginative
Disorganized Analy

Whole-brain Thinking

Both the beauty and the impact of this holistic thinking tool lie in its simplicity. On paper, it is a colourful visual diagram used to capture information.

It activates “whole-brain” thinking, engaging both the logical left-hand side of the brain and its creative right-hand hemisphere.

She argued that the brain has two ways of perceiving and processing reality: the left side of the brain is verbal and analytical, while the right side is visual and perceptual.

She argued that the brain has two ways of perceiving and processing reality: the left side of the brain is verbal and analytical, while the right side is visual and perceptual.

Thick branches radiating out

. A single key image or word

placed on each branch.

Step 1

Place the sheet of paper