Like all other visuals, visual consistency is important and there is a set of guidelines for creating mind maps. Mind maps should follow the consistency rule and one-page rule of visual grammar. In SmatDraw, topic shapes in a top-level mind map can be hyperlinked to a second mind map that shows the detail for that topic, in exactly the same way that a position can be hyperlinked to a chart showing more details in an organization chart. I have summarived some general guidelines for creating mind maps that adhere to visual grammar in a right-columnar mind map.
Below, I have listen the three different types of mind maps. The indices indicate the proper ordering of topics in your mind maps.
Radial Mind Maps
Radial mind maps arrange topics from a central topic out radially in both the left and right directions:
Right-Columnar Mind Maps
Right-columnar mind maps arrange topics from top to bottom on the right side of the central topic:
Left-Columnar Mind Maps
Left-columnar mind maps arrange topics from top to bottom on the left side of the central topic.
What types of mind maps do you find most visually appealing? How do you usually arrange your mind maps? Please comment below.
