Critical and Creative Thinking with Mind Maps

In this energising and thought-provoking session, Dr. Hazel Wagner explores how mind mapping can support both critical and creative thinking in personal, academic, and professional contexts. Drawing on her experience as a mathematician, speaker, and author, Hazel emphasizes the value of visual and kinesthetic methods to expand thinking, seek diverse viewpoints, and make better decisions. Her techniques blend structured debate, silence, brainstorming, and mapping to help people think more deeply and inclusively. Timestamped Key Topics [00:00:00] Setting the Scene: Critical + Creative Thinking with Mind Maps Hazel introduces the session's focus, emphasizing reflection and interaction rather than information overload. [00:03:30] The Power of Colour, Curiosity & Questions Colour aids creativity; curiosity fuels depth. Hazel encourages participants to ask more questions to spark better thinking. [00:07:11] Seeking Multiple Viewpoints & Embracing Uncertainty Great thinking requires input beyond personal perspective. Hazel stresses cross-functional insight and openness to being wrong. [00:12:06] Visualisation & Kinesthetic Learning Drawing from her research, Hazel highlights that people understand better when they can see and feel concepts — making a strong case for drawing and mapping. [00:15:56] There’s Rarely One Right Answer In business and life, “the answer” often doesn’t exist. Critical thinking means generating and evaluating many possible answers. [00:17:57] Mapping for Idea Expansion Use mind maps (with colour!) to stretch thinking, challenge the obvious, and uncover hidden options. Add layers by branching from branches. [00:19:22] Affinity Diagramming as a Group Tool A quiet, non-judgmental method to collect and cluster ideas before mapping. Encourages broad participation, especially from hesitant voices. [00:23:06] Debate as a Method for Critical Thinking Hazel draws a parallel between critical thinking and courtroom-style debate: take both sides, gather evidence, and avoid bias. [00:34:37] Real-Time Group Mapping Group mind mapping—post-brainstorm—helps deepen insights, and can be evolved across sessions. It creates shared understanding. [00:42:08] Inclusion, Equality, and No Judgement Silent ideation without names or judgment encourages contribution from everyone, especially quieter or more cautious participants. Featuring iMindMap