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Remembering names, facts, and even new ideas is a skill that can be improved through practice and with tools like Mind Maps[1].
From medical students to children, researchers are finding that Mind Maps offer many benefits for memorizing information and encouraging a deeper level of processing. One study had children memorizing words either from lists or from Mind Maps. Those who used Mind Maps had a 32% higher retention rate.[2]
Another study found that those who used Mind Maps for learning and studying improved their long-term memory by 10%.[3]
Why is Mind Mapping such a powerful memory tool? The structure and features of mind maps – the imagery, the colours, and the radial exploration of thoughts – mirrors closely the way the brain functions. While typical note taking is linear, our brains actually create maps and webs of thoughts. The association and triggers that surface in a Mind Map also help to connect information in the brain into something visible and structured.
If you want your co-workers or a client group you are brainstorming with to remember more of the content you cover, use colour in your Mind Maps. One study found that 90% of people felt that colours in presentations and documents helped boost their retention of the content[4].
[1] Mind Mapping: Scientific Research and Studies, ThinkBuzan Ltd
[2] Toi, 2009
[3] Farrand, Hussain, Hennessey, 2002
[4] Xerox study, 2003
From medical students to children, researchers are finding that Mind Maps offer many benefits for memorizing information and encouraging a deeper level of processing. One study had children memorizing words either from lists or from Mind Maps. Those who used Mind Maps had a 32% higher retention rate.[2]
Another study found that those who used Mind Maps for learning and studying improved their long-term memory by 10%.[3]
Why is Mind Mapping such a powerful memory tool? The structure and features of mind maps – the imagery, the colours, and the radial exploration of thoughts – mirrors closely the way the brain functions. While typical note taking is linear, our brains actually create maps and webs of thoughts. The association and triggers that surface in a Mind Map also help to connect information in the brain into something visible and structured.
If you want your co-workers or a client group you are brainstorming with to remember more of the content you cover, use colour in your Mind Maps. One study found that 90% of people felt that colours in presentations and documents helped boost their retention of the content[4].
[1] Mind Mapping: Scientific Research and Studies, ThinkBuzan Ltd
[2] Toi, 2009
[3] Farrand, Hussain, Hennessey, 2002
[4] Xerox study, 2003
Audio read and recorded by RP Singh
