Mind-maps are a simple means both of brainstorming ideas about an issue, and representing the results in the form of a clear, structured diagram. 

The original procedures and rules for making mind-maps were very rigid, and their purpose was primarily to help people learn.  In recent years, however, they have found a wide range of applications in many areas of science and decision-making, and methods of mind-mapping have accordingly become more flexible and diverse. Non-expert users thus find them relatively easy to apply.

Mind-maps can be considered to comprise three main components:

• One or more ‘end points’ – in this context, the things that are being assessed
• A series of ‘items’, each linked directly or indirectly to one of these end-points
• The links between each item or end-point (limited to one forward and one backward link for each) 

The basic steps in mind-mapping are as follows:

1. Starting with a blank page, enter first the object(s) which are to be assessed
2. Working outwards, identify the key items that influence these objects first directly, and then indirectly
3. Link each item to the entity (another item or end-point) that it affects with an arrow or line
4. Review the resulting diagram, and make any changes considered necessary

A growing volume of guidance on mind mapping is now available, and this is supported by a wide range of software tools, many of which are freely downloadable (see link to Mind-mapping tools, below).