Mind Map: A Visual Thinking and Note-Taking Method
A Mind Map is a powerful tool for organizing thoughts and ideas in a structured, visual format. At its core is a central theme, with related ideas branching outwards in all directions. This method uses elements such as colors, lines, and images to create a dynamic and easily memorable layout that mirrors the way the brain naturally processes information.
Definition and Meaning
The term “Mind Map” is derived from two key concepts. “Mind” refers to mental faculties such as thinking, memory, intelligence, and focus. “Map” signifies a visual guide or representation—similar to a diagram or sketch. Together, a Mind Map is essentially a visual blueprint of interconnected thoughts, where keywords and images are placed along branching lines to reflect associations and concepts in a clear, organized manner.
Origins and Development
The concept of Mind Mapping was developed by Tony Buzan, a British psychologist and author known for his contributions to cognitive science and learning techniques. With over a hundred books to his name—translated into dozens of languages and distributed across more than 100 countries—Buzan popularized Mind Mapping as a global tool for improving creativity, memory, and learning efficiency.
Why Mind Maps Work
Mind Mapping aligns with the brain’s natural preference for visual, associative learning. Rather than processing information linearly, the brain makes connections through imagery and spatial relationships. By tapping into this process, Mind Mapping boosts idea generation, enhances memory retention, and facilitates clearer communication. It is effective both for individual reflection and collaborative brainstorming.
Alternative Names and Local Variations
In English, the terms “Mind Mapping” and “Mind Map” are often used interchangeably. In Thai, several names exist to describe the concept, including “May Map,” “May Mapping,” “Plan Phang Kwam Kid” (Idea Plan), “Phaen Tee Kwam Kid” (Thought Blueprint), and “Phang Mano Tat Kwam Kid” (Diagram of Conceptual Thinking).
Tools and Formats
Creating a Mind Map can be as simple as using a sheet of paper and some colored pens or markers. For those who prefer digital solutions, various software applications are now available to design and customize Mind Maps electronically, offering additional flexibility and functionality.
Translation to English: The History of Mind Map Overseas
The History of Mind Map Overseas
Tony Buzan
Tony Buzan
Creator of Mind Map®, Certified Buzan Instructor (BLI), and renowned British author and thought leader in education.
The concept of the Mind Map® was pioneered by Tony Buzan, who was inspired by the creative note-taking and visual thinking styles of historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Albert Einstein. He also drew on academic methodologies like Joseph D. Novak’s concept mapping to formulate a structured yet flexible way of organizing thoughts.
Mind Map® is a registered international trademark under Tony Buzan’s name, symbolizing his ownership and original vision for this cognitive tool.
Tony Buzan dedicated his life to understanding and enhancing the brain’s learning potential. As a prolific author and global speaker, he consulted with major corporations and academic institutions on maximizing mental performance through visualization techniques like Mind Mapping.
Born in 1942 in London, Buzan earned his degree from the University of British Columbia in 1964, with distinctions in Psychology, English, Mathematics, and General Science—an interdisciplinary foundation that greatly influenced his later work.
Throughout his career, Buzan authored over a hundred books focusing on mental literacy, creativity, and innovation. Titles such as Use Your Head and the Mind Set series have achieved international bestseller status, reinforcing his influence on global learning strategies.
His works have reached readers in over 100 countries and been translated into more than 30 languages. In Thailand alone, over 20 of his books have been published, helping to popularize the Mind Map® technique among Thai learners and professionals.
Image from speedreadinglounge.com
Books about Mind Map written by Tony Buzan
The history of Mind Map in Thailand
Ajarn Thanya Phonanan
Professional Certified Mind Map Trainer, (Buzan Licensed Instructor – BLI, England)
Ajarn Thanya Phonanan holds an official certification as a Mind Map® trainer, granted directly by the Buzan Centre in the United Kingdom. Recognized as Thailand’s pioneer in this field, he became the country’s first officially accredited Buzan Licensed Instructor (BLI) in October 1997, following comprehensive training under the methodologies developed by Tony Buzan, the creator of Mind Mapping.
Ajarn Kwanrudee Phonanan
Professional Certified Mind Map Trainer, (Buzan Licensed Instructor – BLI, England)
Ajarn Thanya has been officially authorized to teach and promote Mind Mapping® in Thailand since March 1998.
Through the dedication and commitment of Ajarn Thanya Phonanan—widely recognized as Thailand’s leading authority on Mind Mapping®—the concept has gained wide popularity across the country.
Alongside his wife, Ajarn Kwanrudee Phonanan, who became Thailand’s second certified Buzan Licensed Instructor in 2007, the duo has been instrumental in bringing Mind Mapping® to the forefront of both educational and professional development.
Together, they have led over 3,200 Mind Mapping® workshops, reaching audiences across government agencies, private companies, and the general public.
Ajarn Thanya has also contributed significantly to the accessibility of Mind Mapping® in Thailand by translating several of Tony Buzan’s renowned books into Thai.
These include titles such as Use Your Head, Use Your Memory, The Mind Map Book, Mind Maps for Business, and Mind Maps for Kids, all published by Kwankhao ’94 Publishing.
Some examples from the translation of the Mind Map book by Ajarn Thanya Polanan.
In 2012, Ajarn Thanya Polanan sought to grow her team of Mind Map® educators. During this pursuit, she connected with Ajarn Achirawit Pakchotiong (widely known as Ajarn Riu), a devoted follower who embraced her vision and committed himself to advancing her legacy.
He dedicated himself to promoting, adapting, and evolving the Mind Map® methodology that Ajarn Thanya had pioneered.
Ajarn Riu’s expertise in applying Advanced Mind Map® techniques within the business world quickly positioned him as a trusted collaborator.
He worked closely with Ajarn Thanya throughout her life, and after her, he continued the mission alongside Ajarn Kwanrudee Polanan, ensuring the ongoing growth and impact of this powerful thinking tool to the present day.
Left: Prof. Kwanrudee Phon-anant
Middle: Prof. Thanya Phon-anant
Right: Ajarn. Ryu Archirawish Pakchotipong
Ajarn. Ryu Archirawish Pakchotipong
Professional Certified Mind Map Trainer, (Think Buzan Licensed Instructor – TLI, England)
Ajarn Ryu is an officially accredited Mind Map® educator, holding a certified license as a Think Buzan Licensed Instructor (TLI) from the United Kingdom since April 27, 2012.
He brings extensive experience in facilitating workshops across both public and private sectors, having led over a thousand sessions focused on personal and professional growth.
His approach blends a wide range of methodologies aimed at unlocking human potential, such as Brain-Based Learning strategies, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), motivational and empowerment techniques, analytical thinking and problem-solving frameworks, facilitation skills, effective communication practices, coaching principles, and foundational concepts from psychological sciences.
Ajarn Ryu Archirawish Pakchotipong received a license to teach and train the Mind Map® course (Think Buzan Licensed Instructor – TLI, England, April 27th 2012)
Left side: Instructor TONY BUZAN (Tony Buzan)
Right side: Instructor Ryu Archirawish Pakchotipong
Effective Mind Mapping Workshop for Thaibev
Instructors: Ajarn Thanya Phonanan together with Ajarn Ryu Archirawish Pakchotipong
Training Course: Mind Map® for Analytical & Critical Thinking Workshop for ThaiPBS. Instructors: Ajarn Thanya Polanan together with Ajarn Ryu Archirawish Pakchotipong.
Training course: Effective Mind Mapping Workshop for Macro
Instructors: Ajarn Kwanrudee Phon-anan together with Ajarn Ryu Archirawish Pakchotipong
Training course “Effective MindMap for Ajinomoto” Batch 10 (Continued)
Ajinomoto (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Instructors: Aj. Archirawish Pakchotipong (Aj. Ryu) together with Ajarn. Kwanrudee Phonanan
What is a Mind Map? – Educational clip about Mind Maps
The Importance and Highlights of Mind Maps
Explain Mind Mapping by Tony Buzan, with Thai translation by Ajarn Thanya and Thai voiceover by Ajarn Ryu Archirawish.
Knowledge about mind mapping by Professor Thanya
How to Create Correct Mind Maps: An Easy-to-Understand Guide by Professor Thanya Phonanan
Example Video: SOOK Training for developing both brain hemispheres. Episode: “Parents create happiness, children create with Mind Map®” – Mind Mapping course training by Instructor Ryu Archirawish Pakchotipong for the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.
Benefits of Mind Maps
Benefits of Using Mind Maps to Enhance Learning and Work Efficiency
Mind Maps can be utilized for personal growth and boosting work productivity, contributing to different areas of life in the following ways:
Creative Aspect:
They engage both the left and right hemispheres of the brain, fostering imaginative thinking and unlocking creative potential. Mind mapping encourages exploration, experimentation, and the pursuit of novel ideas, supporting a mindset open to innovation.
Thought Organization:
Mind maps present information in a structured, visual format, making it easier to grasp the big picture while also capturing important details. This approach simplifies the process of distilling complex topics into key insights.
Strategic Planning:
Ideal for both personal and professional planning, mind maps can be applied to a wide range of areas—whether it’s organizing daily life, setting educational goals, developing business strategies, managing teams, allocating resources, or coordinating projects.
Critical Thinking:
They support analytical thinking by breaking down topics into smaller parts, making it easier to evaluate options, identify solutions, and approach problems with greater logic and depth.
Brainstorming:
Mind maps are effective tools for collaborative thinking. They help capture ideas quickly during group discussions, clarify contributions from different participants, enhance shared understanding, and streamline the process of reaching consensus or finding solutions.
Example of Mind Map
Mind Map Doing-things
Mind Map Aspirin and other salicylates
Mind Map 100 team
Examples of beautiful mind maps from trainers at LHMH company, generation 3
Examples of beautiful mind maps from trainers at LHMH company, generation 2
Mind map from TRUE company training participants, generation 26
Reference :
Tony Buzan
wikipedia
