Meghan Ryan
November 04, 2019
A mind map is a visual tool that helps you organize your thoughts, and serves as an intuitive way to explore broad or complex topics. You can use mind maps to capture information quickly as it comes to you, so you can let your mind wander freely as you explore a topic. This makes it easy to recall information later, as you’re able to trace the path your brain took to arrive at each topic. Mind maps are also useful for problem solving, teaching, or brainstorming.
Learn how to make a mind map for yourself – follow these 5 simple steps to create your own today.
1. Use a Prezi mind map template
Prezi offers a selection of prepared mind map templates to help you get started. Explore your options and check out some examples of what others have done to get inspiration for your own Prezi mind map.
2. Start with a single idea
Every mind map has one single idea at its core. For example, if you’re creating a mind map to explore how to better market your app, your map might begin with “app.” There’s no need to elaborate. In fact, mind maps are meant to be as simple as possible. If your central idea is too specific, you’ll have trouble branching off freely. Place your starting point in the center of the Prezi presentation in large text.
3. Use subtopics to create major branches
Create at least three or four subtopics coming off of your main topic. For our app example, your subtopics might include “functions,” “industries,” and “operating platforms.” Each subtopic explores a different distinguishable feature of the app that you can promote, such as the key functions it performs, the primary industries that can benefit from it, and the operating platforms that support it. With Prezi, you can utilize premade content layouts that provide a strong foundation, so building out the subtopics for your mind map is easy.
Stick to single words when you can and avoid whole sentences. Simplicity is key in mind mapping, as it allows you to quickly chart your train of thought. If you slow down to write out too many words, you’ll lose the rapid flow of mind mapping, which is what makes this technique so powerful for innovative brainstorming sessions.
4. Grow additional subtopics
Add more detailed subtopics to your mind map, building off those you’ve already created. Your “operating systems” category may include “iOS” and “Android.” Color-coding your subtopics is also an easy way to keep things neat as you’re exploring how to make a mind map.
Mind mapping provides you with endless opportunities to expand upon your train of thought. Prezi’s zoom and reveal features let you zoom out to take in the whole map or zoom in to examine each branch more closely, so you can build and expand as far as you want. Organize your map so you can move intuitively from one topic to its related subtopics and keep everything in perspective.
5. Include imagery
Adding imagery throughout your mind map can help you create a more visual representation of your thoughts. This is particularly helpful if you’re brainstorming a very visual topic, and this is where Prezi shines. With our app example, including pictures of the product, function, or industry that you’re working with can help you better visualize your strategy. Prezi makes it easy to incorporate images into your presentation for the visual boost that you’re looking for.
Mind maps are a powerful tool for simplifying big ideas. With Prezi presentations, you can take those ideas and share them with your audience in an engaging format that makes it easy to understand even the most complex topics. Visit our learn Prezi page for a narrated guide on creating your first mind map.
