3 Basic Types of Mind Maps

As mind maps are widely used in both personal life and working life, it is crucial for everyone to know the basic types of mind maps so that they can choose an appropriate one to use. Basically, mind maps can be divided into 3 categories according to the objective of using: library mind maps, presentation mind maps and tunnel timeline mind maps. We will elaborate on them in the following article.

Mind maps are mainly used in the early stage of a project or program to analysis the subject or solve problems. According to different purposes, mind maps can be classified into 3 types:

1. Library mind maps for information organizing
2. Presentation mind maps for presenting ideas and projects
3. Tunnel timeline mind maps for organizing or making a project plan

Mind Map Type 1: Library Mind Maps

Library mind maps can also be called reference maps. This type of mind maps are mainly used to organize information, so that you can have a clear and visual understanding of the subject without missing anything out. The purpose of library mind maps is to sort and organize the collected information for a better understanding of the subject.

This type of mind map can be used for organizing information about a specific topic in a visual way, here are some examples:

Personal Profile Mind Map

MBA Course Mind Map

Mind Map Type 2: Presentation Mind Maps

This type pf mind map is used to present the process of an idea to the audience. Presentation mind maps illustrate the way that the project goes in order to track the steps. Therefore the focus of a presentation mind map is the audience instead of the topic. How the information should be positioned in the map depends on whether the audience can understand it or not. If the audience can follow with the way you are presenting, then the map is well structured. Thus, you presentation can be well accepted by the audience.

This type of mind map can be used for explaining an activity or a training session. Here are the examples:

Sunday Activities Mind Map

Enterprise Training Mind Map

Mind Map Type 3: Tunnel Timeline Mind Maps

This type of mind maps are also simplified as planning mind maps, they are mainly used for project strategy, program plan, or problem solving. Tunnel timeline mind maps are designed to achieve a goal. The purpose of this type of mind maps is to visualize success. The center(main topic) of the mind map is the outcome that you pursuit, and each sub-topic represents a path to achieve that outcome. You can follow the map to make progress towards the success.

This type of mind maps can be used for planning project strategies or solving problems. Here are the examples:

Marketing Plan Mind Map

Mind maps can be a very powerful tool to analysis ideas, build project plans and solve problems. The 3 types of mind maps mentioned above can cover almost all the mind map types. Knowing the features and purposes of each type can help you achieve the outcome required with mind maps.