The main difference between brainstorming and mind mapping is that brainstorming helps to generate new ideas, while mind mapping helps to create relationships between ideas.
That is; brainstorming is a method that involves coming up with new ideas or trying to solve a problem by discussing it with all members of a group. Mind mapping, on the other hand, is an effective method to brainstorm ideas and note them down without worrying about structure and order.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Brainstorming
– Definition, Features
2. What is Mind Mapping
– Definition, Features
3. Relationship Between Brainstorming and Mind Mapping
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Brainstorming and Mind Mapping
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Brainstorming, Mind Mapping
What is Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a method that involves coming up with new ideas or trying to solve a problem by discussing it with all members of a group. This group can be made up of people who are directly linked to the problem or project as well as newcomers who can contribute new ideas to the projects. Also, in brainstorming, all participants are encouraged to think freely without any interruptions. Moreover, each participant shares his or her ideas as soon as they come to mind. And, at the end of the brainstorming session, each is categorized and ranked for follow-up action.
Brainstorming is often used by creative agencies and by student groups in educational institutes. At the beginning of the session, the participants must clearly define the topic of address. But, if the topic is too broad or not defined well, it will not generate applicable ideas. On the other hand, if it’s too specific, it can restrict ideas.
Brainstorming helps people to break away from the traditional and boring way of problem-solving. Since it involves a team of people, it enables seeing the same problem from new perspectives. Sometimes, different ideas of participants can help to provide a holistic solution to the problem. Also, brainstorming helps people self-learning and gives them a better understanding. It also helps improve teamwork.
What is Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is an effective method to brainstorm ideas and note them down without worrying about structure and order. A mind map is a diagram that represents words, concepts, and items connected and arranged around a main concept using a non-linear layout. In other words, mind mapping involves noting down a central theme and thinking of new and related ideas that extend out from the central theme. When you focus on the main ideas, you have written down and the connections between them, you will be able to better understand that information. Therefore, mind mapping helps you to structure information, analyze, synthesize, and comprehend them, and help to recall them easier. Given below is a mind map on mind mapping.
As you can see from the above image, mind maps can help to turn a long, boring list of information into a colorful, organized, and memorable diagram. They also help to generate new diagrams.
Relationship Between Brainstorming and Mind Mapping
- Brainstorming is a method of generating new ideas, while mind mapping is a method to use brainstorming.
- Both brainstorming and mind mapping are two effective methods to come up with new ideas and explore them.
Difference Between Brainstorming and Mind Mapping
Definition
Brainstorming is a method that involves coming up with new ideas or trying to solve a problem by discussing it with all members of a group. Mind mapping, on the other hand, is an effective method to brainstorm ideas and note them down without worrying about structure and order.
Nature
Moreover, brainstorming usually involves a group, whereas mind mapping can be done individually.
Function
While brainstorming formulates multiple ideas, mind mapping identifies relationships.
Conclusion
Both brainstorming and mind mapping are two effective methods to come up with new ideas and explore them. The main difference between brainstorming and mind mapping is that brainstorming helps to generate new ideas, while mind mapping helps to create relationships between ideas.
Reference:
1. Writing Centre Learning Guide. “Mind Mapping.” The University of Adelaide .
2. “What Is Brainstorming – Definition, Benefits, Types and More.” Edrawsoft.
3. “What Is Mind Mapping? (and How to Get Started Immediately).” Litemind.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Startup Business Teamwork Brainstorming Meeting” (CC0) via Max Pixino
2. “MindMapGuidlines” By Nicoguaro – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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