A Technique for Innovative Brainstorming and Problem Solving
Developed by Tony Buzan in the 1970's, mind mapping uses pictures
and/or word phrases to organize and develop thoughts in a non-linear
fashion. It helps people "see" a problem and its solution.
Many people use mind mapping when:
- Brainstorming;
- Taking notes; and
- Refreshing their memory.
Mind mapping can also be used to generate new products, solve a
problem, plan strategy, or develop a process. The key to its effective
use to generate ideas and solve problems is to not necessarily think
logically. If one idea triggers another, don't try and analyse it,
just mark it down on the mind map - the crazier the association,
the better! That's how the truly innovative solutions come.
Making connections that aren't obvious or linear - that's the secret
to how the minds of the world's most creative people work. But it
can be the hardest thing for most people to do - we tend to impose
a "logical association" upon the ideas we connect. But this hinders
innovation. Expanding our "associative horizons" will gain breakthrough
ideas. A completed mind map can look either like a tree diagram
used to solve statistical analysis problems, a multi-armed octopus-like
alien, a state/province map, or a work of art. All of these types
of mind maps can be equally effective.
Here's How You Do It
- Take a sheet of plain paper and turn it sideways (if using
flipchart paper you don't need to turn it sideways - it is large
enough);
- Using colored felt pens, draw a small picture (or write a
phrase) in the centre of the paper representing the issue you
want to solve;
- Draw lines out from the main problem (it helps to use different
colors for each line).
- Each line should represent a different aspect of your problem
or issue;
- Write down what each line represents either on top of or on
the line;
- Add other lines flowing off these main lines;
- Write a word or short phrase on the smaller lines indicating
what each new line represents (you may find that mind mapping
works best for you if you write down the phrases or draw the
images first and then connect them with the lines); and
- If you want, add images next to your main line that illustrate
what each line means to you (some people think better with pictures,
others with words).
