What's the best way to brainstorm and take notes? We discuss mindmapping vs outlining, and when to use each technique. There are times when you should mind maps - especially if you have the personality type for it. For others, outlines and text notes might be superior. Listen to this episode to find out which tool works best work you and which apps we recommend for each.

Cheat Sheet

What mindmapping is and why you might want to use it for information retention and organization

Dissecting the anatomy of an effective mind map

How a mindmap works and the process used to make one

How mindmaps helps you to see information in new ways and how it can stimulate the creative process

The three different types of mindmaps (and when to use each)

How to use mindmaps for taking notes when reading a book to increase retention of what you're reading

How to structure a mindmap for presenting to an audience (and why you might want to use this approach)

How to use proper mindmapping techniques to solve problems

The specific instances when you should use an outline instead of a mindmap

The advantages of outlining over mind mapping and how to leverage these advantages in certain situations

Specific use cases for how Asian Efficiency uses outlining and mind mapping

Recommended apps and tools that you can use to create killer mindmaps and outlines

Links

Tony Buzan

Effective Brainstorming Using Mind Maps (AE blog post)

7 Everyday Mind Mapping Uses (AE blog post)

Prezi

MindNode

OmniFocus

MindMeister

Shelf

Mind map for Escape Your Email

iThoughts and iThoughtsX

Setapp

Scapple

FreeMind

MindJet

OmniOutliner

OneNote

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