1. Start in the centre of a blank page turned sideways. Starting in the centre gives you freedom to spread out in all directions and express yourself freely.
  2. If possible, use pictures as often as possible. Use them for your central idea or as illustration on the branches. This is because they are more interesting and help to keep you focussed.
  3. Use colour. Colours are exciting and add extra vibrancy and life to your mind map.
  4. Connect main branches to the central image and then connect second- and third-level branches to the first and second levels, etc. This is because the brain works by association and links two (or three, or four) things together. Connect the branches, makes it easier to understand and remember more.
  5. Make your branches curved rather than straight-lined because nothing but straight lines is boring to look at.
  6. Try to use one key word per line. This is because single key words give the mind map more flexibility.

Adapted from information on Tony Buzan’s website. For examples of mind maps, have a look at this factsheet (PDF) from Southampton Solent University library.