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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"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:

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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