How to Combine Mind Mapping with the Memory Palace Technique

Mind mapping is one of my favorite brainstorming techniques.

But what if you want to remember the ideas that emerge from your efforts?

No problem!

Turn your mind map into a Memory Palace.

The process is a bit easier to explain using the magic of video:

The basic idea is that you combine the core principles involved in mind mapping with the Memory Palace technique.

Typically, I limit my mind maps to twelve points.

Then, following a clockwise pattern, I turn each piece of information into a "Magnetic Station" using the method of loci.

Here's a fun way to understand what's at stake with loci.

L.O.C.I.

Although the method of loci is ancient, this modern acronym I put together saves you the heavy lifting of reading all those old books (unless you want to).

It stands for:

• Location
• Order
• Category
• Imagination

Using a clockwise pattern, each location matches the number on a clock.

When I wanted to give a speech about improving retention, I brainstormed the twelve main points about it using mind mapping in a deliberately, clock-like manner.

Using the model, the mind map itself is the location for all of the information.

The clock-like assignment of twelve points is the order.

Category in this case simply means the kinds of mnemonic images I applied while using this order as a mnemonic journey from 1-12.

There's a lot to say about mnemonic images, but basically they link together alphabetically with the information.

For "definition," I choose the image of Dracula listening to high-definition stereo from the mnemonic category of person (as opposed to action, animal, object or other possible category).

The rest is just imagination: literally imagining Dracula on that part of the mind map.

As if it were a Memory Palace.

All that remains is a bit of spaced repetition and soon the information on your mind map will have entered into long-term memory.

If you'd like to know more about this process, check out my learning and memory trends for 2025.

I have a feeling that pen-on-paper techniques like these are going to become more and more important as digital overwhelm continues challenging us to do more and be better.

Feel free to sign up for my free memory improvement kit while you're there.

Happy "Magnetic" mind mapping!