Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
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Quick answers
When should I pick Mind map?
When the story is: brainstorming, revision notes, early structure.
When should I avoid Mind map?
Skip it in cases like: you must prove a claim with evidence in order.
Who invented or popularised it?
Popularised by Tony Buzan from the 1970s; older radial notes exist
What does it encode?
radial branches around a central topic
Is it OK in ads?
Yes if one claim is visible at a glance in Meta, Google and retail print; otherwise link to a full figure.
Will a teacher accept it?
Yes for lab reports and poster boards if axes, units and a source line are present.
Mind map encodes values as radial branches around a central topic. Popularised by Tony Buzan from the 1970s; older radial notes exist.
In reports, ads and assignments it fits brainstorming, revision notes, early structure. Skip it when you must prove a claim with evidence in order.
Use when
- Use when 1 — Use Mind map when the story is brainstorming, revision notes, early structure.
- Use when 2 — Build the first draft in Excel or Google Sheets, then restyle — do not screenshot.
- Use when 3 — In PowerPoint, one Mind map per slide, claim in the title.
- Use when 4 — For lab reports and poster boards, this form works when the question is comparison or process.
- Use when 5 — In Meta, Google and retail print, keep one number visible at thumbnail size.
Avoid when
- Avoid when 1 — Skip Mind map in cases like: you must prove a claim with evidence in order.
- Avoid when 2 — 3-D, dual axes, rainbow scales
- Avoid when 3 — Undated numbers, undated time series
- Avoid when 4 — Four charts on one slide
Audiences
- Work — PowerPoint
- Ads — Meta, Google and retail print
- School — lab reports and poster boards
Mind map: honour radial branches around a central topic, and switch when you must prove a claim with evidence in order.