I find mind-mapping particularly useful for getting what I think out on paper. The nature of the process seems to bypass the evaluating of the thought processes and in this aspect coheres well with the technique of lateral thinking that involves generating alternative ideas quickly.Basically there are two ways I normally approach a mind map. The first is to flesh out an idea (I don't think mind-mapping is so good at this). The second is, as I said before, getting what's in my head, out on paper.
So briefly, to create a mind-map in the first way, I put a 'central topic / name of the idea' and come up with a list of the first things that come into my head. I write these in the top right corner of the page. These are BOI (Basic Ordering Ideas). I put these in one column. In the other I ask myself the 5 Ws and 1 H (Who, Why, Where, When, What, How) and make another list (this doesn't work well with all ideas). Then I select the first branches of the mind map from the two lists and I go from there.
In mind maps you are supposed to only put one word on a line, but for fleshing out an idea I find myself wanting to make a lot of side notes written out in full which is where I find the mind-mapping process falls down.
In the second way, I would write the BOIs (first branches) as before, and I would then extend each new branch (second-level) based on the first things that come into my head. It is important that the thoughts are spontaneous. You can record 5 or 10 items or however many you like.
You continue doing this until you create a root or tree-like structure. On the Tony Buzan website (the supposed creator of mind-maps as they now exist), he recommends drawing lots of pictures and using colours which is nice but I find I don't always have the time for this. Therefore, it is cool to use a program like Xmind where I can include pictures, web links and whatever media I like into my mind-map. It has a nice user-interface and the performance is good. The mind-maps can then be exporting in a number of formats.
It's a useful program which lends itself to expedition planning.
Other open source mind-mapping software
Cheers,
Andy
Holy crap you are organised!
ReplyDeleteI fire up my espresso machine, put some loud music on and get a pen and piece of paper. Old school?
I would say that in reality, I use a lot of lists, but when I first start a project I find myself needing to structure what is needed to make it happen and I find a mind-map to be a good thing for this. I then go back to this 'base' mind-map to keep on track with the lists.
ReplyDeleteI read an article recently that said that coffee makes you think faster but not deeper! I was pondering this thought coupled with internet-use and how I skip between tabs and get bored quickly. A vague thought at the back of my mind - I wonder if there is something to be said for thinking deeply versus shallow thinking and how we should do more deep thinking!- cycle touring is perfect for this.
Coffee goes really well with mountain biking actually. I had a mate in the York Uni Mountain bike club who took a flask of espresso with him. Probably not good for your heart though...?
What music are we talking here? and what brand of coffee? Favourite pen? Favourite weight of paper?
Mind maps sound like a developed version of 'flow charts' which we used when we first started teaching in the 70's! Very useful to get your thoughts organised.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how things always go round in circles!
Liz