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Mind Maps in Research Based Art Practice

7/7/2020

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Mind Maps are a very effective way of starting a research project , recording initial brain storming; they are also a great way of visually recording the main ideas that are formulated or discovered during the research process.  A journal has the advantage of allowing for great detail, and lengthy reflections; however, a mind map allows the artist to see at a glance the whole field of inquiry as it develops. This 'bigger picture' of the research can be very stimulating in terms of creativity - making connections between ideas, and abstract ideas to concrete art making processes.  In this way, they are a visual thinking tool, and not simply a depository of ideas.  With mind mapping apps we have the advantage of being able to quickly alter the maps as the inquiry progresses, and use hyperlinks to journals and other research.

In this video, we see the way that a mind map can relate to the thinking process, the generation of ideas, and the actual making of the art.  
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You can read more about mind maps and mind mapping technologies here.
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Mind Mapping Technologies for Research Based Art Practice

6/7/2020

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"Mind mapping is a visual way to record and organize information where a ‘map’ is drawn up which does not rely on large amounts of written information, but on textual descriptors and graphical clues" (Holland, 2004).   Diagrams for visually mapping ideas have been used for thousands of years:

"These pictorial methods record knowledge and model systems, and have a long history in learning, brainstorming, memory, visual thinking, and problem solving by educators, engineers, psychologists, and others" (Mckinney, 2018)

Some of the earliest recorded mind maps were made by the philosopher Ramon Llull (13th century), exploring the a variety of concepts,  such as 'knowledge' (left below) and 'love' (right below)   (Nast, 2012)
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We can think of a mind map as a visual thinking tool used to capture information and ideas.  A mind map is an easy way to brainstorm thoughts organically without worrying about order and structure. There are no right or wrong ways of making one, and each will be unique to the maker because they mirror the thinking of the individual.  However, it can be useful to think of them as a diagram with a branch or root-like structure radiating from a central image on the page, and which uses lines and colour to show relationships, groupings and connections between words, ideas and images.  The person that coined the term 'mind map' for these types of diagrams was Tony Buzan and he proposes a model that can be useful: 'use a landscape format; starting with a central image to represent your topic or theme; use curving lines to add main branches to the centre and then connect these to smaller branches; using single words and images; and add colours for aesthetic and organisational purposes.'  (Buzan, 2002)

Art students particularly find this form of organizing research to be very useful.  Mind maps can be made by hand, and some students will prefer to do this, but research has shown that the majority of art students prefer to use mind mapping software (Holland, 2004).   


WHY USE TECHNOLOGY?

Whilst mind maps can be made by hand, there are advantages to using mind mapping technologies.  One of the most important of these is the ease with which the map can be edited.  This is very important during a research project.  If you create an elaborate hand drawn diagram, there can be a resistance to changing it.  But change is essential as new information alters your ideas, and new connections are made.  A hand drawn mind map could actually box you in to a certain way of looking at your ideas, when in fact you want to use the tool for thinking outside the box.  In some ways, the use of a mind map as a research tool is more closely connected to a pin board or wall of ideas with connecting strings than a drawing.   However, with computer technology you do not need a large studio wall, and your notes/images can be hyperlinked to source materials.

So, what might these mind maps look like, in relation to the student research based art practice?  Here is a mind map made for a Grade 10 project:
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The mind map was made with COGGLE (see links to other apps below).   The 'branches' can be manipulated and grown to accommodate new ideas and connections.  The text can be enlarged to signify importance, and colours added to highlight connections too.  Many of the texts and images above are also hyperlinked to websites with further information.  They could also be hyperlinked to the students journal.  The mind map can also be shared with the teacher or another person for collaboration.  Any changes that the student makes are updated in real time so that the teacher can see the ideas progress.  The mind map is a great way to start a project - to rapidly generate ideas and make creative connections.  However, it soon gets cramped with information and can be no substitute for an online journal.  These are complementary technologies.  

And here is a video about this student's process, and you can see something of the making too:
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REFERENCES

Buzan, T., & Buzan, B. (2002). How to mind map. London: Thorsons.

Holland, B., Holland, L., & Davies, J. (2004). An investigation into the concept of mind mapping and the use of mind mapping software to support and improve student academic performance.

Mckinney, S. (2018). Educational techniques and methodology. Scientific e-Resources.

Nast, J. (2012). Idea Mapping: how to access your hidden brain power, learn faster, remember more, and achieve success in business. John Wiley & Sons.


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LINKS TO FREE ONLINE MIND MAP APPS

AYOA
COGGLE
MINDOMO
MINDUP
MINDMEISTER
VENNGAGE
CANVA
MIRO
WHIMSICAL
VISUAL PARADIGM
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