Artist and author Austin Kleon leverages the fact that our brains respond better to visual information by taking notes in a mind map fashion. Here's how he explains it :

I'm trying to construct a 2-D memory palace on paper. By making notes in a non-linear manner, by arranging images and words in space, I can see connections that would otherwise be impossible with just words written in sequence.

While not as intricate or as interesting as some of the other methods, Josh's method-named "The McDowell Grid" after Benchmark Revenue Management CEO Tyson McDowell-is an excellent way to connect new thoughts with your own opinions and ideas. Here's how The McDowell Grid works: