Anyone here using mindmapping?

[ClaesGefvenberg]

In the Handwriting (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2699) thread, I happened to mention Mindmapping, and I thought I'd start a new thread on the subject rather than derailing that one. Here goes:

I make extensive use of mindmaps, hand drawn as well as in digital format. What about the rest of you? If you do, what do you use them for?

/Claes

[Xamonas Chegwe]

Yes I use it all the time. I'm surprised to find anyone else that does though. I didn't think humans were that advanced.

Oops. Wait a minute. Mapping? Not melding? Just forget I said that.

Beam me up Scotty!

[Xamonas Chegwe]

Sorry to be so facetious.

We actually had a guy at work who had been on 'a course' and was full of enthusiasm (and devoid of talent) for mind-mapping and tried to get the whole team doing it. We all called it mind-melding, had a good laugh, and he never mentioned it again.

I can see the benefits. I prefer to write a synopsis and character sketches (complete with anecdotes for each character) before I start writing a story though. mind-mapping doesn't really lend itself to a WP and I hate writing anything but scrawled notes longhand.

But when it comes to work - it doesn't fit at all with computer programming - not the kind I do anyway.

[IrishCanadian]

I havent since early in my highschool days. I hated mind-maps. But I'm current;y working on an essay in which I reserected the technique by pure accident ... it just happened natureally while I was gathering my thoughts. So we'll see how it goes ...

[Virgil]

Claes - Can you explain what a mindmap is? I've never heard of it.

[Jay]

Mind Mapping (http://www.pacepilot.com/mmap1.shtml) is a creative, non-linear graphic technique that records and organizes ideas as they freely flow from the mind. The ideas may be recorded using words, images, symbols and colors. Mindmapping, sometimes referred to as Idea Mapping, takes brainstorming to the next level.

Mind Mapping was developed by Tony Buzan in the late 1960’s. Using the brain’s ability to create words, images, numbers, logic, rhythm, color and spatial awareness, this technique captures on paper how our mind thinks, by charting the relationships, connections, and patterns of our ideas.

or

Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindmap)

I've never heard of it before either and kinda fail to see the point... so I guess it's up to Cleas to explain it further ;)

[ClaesGefvenberg]

Claes - Can you explain what a mindmap is? I've never heard of it.

I've never heard of it before either and kinda fail to see the point... so I guess it's up to Cleas to explain it further

Happy to oblige (I expected the question, btw ;) ). First off, I agree with the wiki Jay referred to, but there is more to it than that. I have used it or similar techniques since 2:nd grade. At the time, I obviously had no idea that it would once be called mindmapping, of course. I do remember getting a collossal dressing down from my 2:nd grade teacher for not "taking notes in a proper way".... Not very good for my creativity, had I payed any attention. Fortunately I did not. I persisted.. :D

I do use mindmapping techniques at work... I use it a lot, all the time: Meetings, projects, audit planning, you name it.. The major advantage is that a single page often is enough to cover several hours of discussion.

I'll show you an example: We discussed the following question in another forum: How do we promote creativity? What are the Key Factors? The enclosed map is the result. Creativity seems to be a big thing here as well.

/Claes

[emily655321]

The teachers actually forced me to do that in 2nd grade. Though I'm a very visual thinker, I always hated it, because it didn't help me at all. To me, notes are a method to sort out all the chaos in my head, not reproduce it. I did it because the teacher told me to, but I had to first draw out list-like notes for myself and then plug them into the map format. :lol:

[Nightshade]

Now I hate the normal typical mind maps withh all the arows and the colours and litle boxes and general neatness and faff :sick: but I do use a technique that I syuppose is smiilar I just write down little points but they tend to catter across pages in what everyone but me seems to think is chos

:D

[Taliesin]

Well, we use them before writing compositions or essays. They really come handy. It's a bit like brainstorming things that you associate with topic and the lines between the concept makes the thing more logical and connected

[Xamonas Chegwe]

I've actually been giving this thread a lot of thought - there's a first! - and I've come up with a theory about why some people find mind-mapping helpful while others find it useless.

I think that it forces you to think laterally (outside the box, if you prefer - must admit I cringed when I read that in the example map!) and that this is not natural for some people; they are very linear in the way they work and think.

I am the complete opposite. A thought no sooner enters my head than my mind is diving off at tangents into all the nooks and crannies surrounding it. To me, mind-mapping is a pointless exercise in writing down what I've already thought. It slows down my creative process rather than assisting it. To linear thinkers, it can be a valuable tool, helping them to take their ideas in directions that they wouldn't normally go. To lateral thinkers, it is an unnecessary burden; our ideas have already been there and are heading off somewhere different again.

When I plan a piece of writing, I need to take the opposite path; I need to force myself into a linear route. I find it helps to write out synopses, character sketches, descriptions of key objects, places and situations. I already have the map, (and it covers a much larger area than I need) I just need to find the best route through it.

Does this make sense to anyone?

[emily655321]

That does make sense, Xamonas. It's sort of what I was trying to say, though not very well. :p I look at the thoughts swirling around in my head, and writing is almost like trying to catch them with a butterfly net. So, for me, a bulleted list or an outline is much more helpful in putting my thoughts in order. But I can see how valuable a map could be to help people move thoughts around, rearrange the categories, and such, if the way they appear in their head is static. I didn't understand that in school, though; I thought the teachers were making me waste my time when I could have already been writing. :D

[soport]

In another posting in this thread (Writing tools) we are discussing how to mix images with text, for creative purposes. We were referring to Fantasy Art images, but can be applied to any other images.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

To sum things up a bit, I see that some of you like the tool, while others do not. That's what usually happens when I ask people what they think about mind mapping. People tend to be for or against, nothing in between.

Perhaps the fact that I was able to experiment with the technique and find my own way of using it helps. Being force fed with something rarely helps (Teachers - note).

/Claes

[Themis]

People tend to be for or against, nothing in between.


Excuse me, but what can one be except for or against something? There is nothing in between because a "either ... or"-question gives you just two options not three.

Ad topic: I don't use it either but I see it has its advantages for certain people. I also had to use it at school but it constricted me more than it aided me.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

There is nothing in between because a "either ... or"-question gives you just two options not three.Oh, I don't know about that... Point taken of course, but if you ask people what they think about something I would say that there is room for more than the extremes?

If you were to ask whether they are for or against, on the other hand...

/Claes

[Virgil]

Interesting. I have never used mind mapping. I have my own techniques of thinking out of the box and orgainzing ideas and thought processes. I have used a similar looking construct to communicate in a briefing the logic and flow of a situation or a plan, such as a fishbone diagram.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

Interesting. I have never used mind mapping. I have my own techniques of thinking out of the box and orgainzing ideas and thought processes. I have used a similar looking construct to communicate in a briefing the logic and flow of a situation or a plan, such as a fishbone diagram.Actually, I often use mind maps instead of fishbone diagrams. The only difference between the two, when you use them that way is the format. In fact, I would say that by using fishbone diagrams you have been using mind mapping without realiziing it.

What other techniques btw? Maybe I can learn something.

/Claes

[Virgil]

Actually, I often use mind maps instead of fishbone diagrams. The only difference between the two, when you use them that way is the format. In fact, I would say that by using fishbone diagrams you have been using mind mapping without realiziing it.

What other techniques btw? Maybe I can learn something.

/Claes
Sure. You catch me at home, so I have to go by memory. One of the things I do is like a blurt out brainstorm with a 15 or 30 min stop watch time limit. I just jot down every concievable notion (practical or not) in that time period that my solve the problem or whatever. Then I'll give myself a break, come back to it, and then try to flesh them out on how to make them practical. Most will fall out but some might stick, and we'll discuss them and assess and go forward. When I remember others I'll get back to you.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

Good one. Thank's

When I remember others I'll get back to you.Great :thumbs_up

/Claes

[rachel]

hullo,
Welcome, I know a little late but I have been off forum and came back for a while only because I kept having to empty my box anyway. This is less exhausting.
Well about mind mapping,
If any brave soul can actually find mine,they are more than welcome to map it.

[IrishCanadian]

Brillient answere rach ... I think my mind is off in a similar place as yours seems to be.
bananas are yummy

[rachel]

hullo darling Irish. bananas are yummy, especially fried and drizzled with chocolate.
perhaps Claes can map our minds and figure out where that little bit of info was stashed and what it was related to.
Claes you bike, wow you must be in super shape. your face rather suggests that.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

perhaps Claes can map our minds and figure out where that little bit of info was stashed and what it was related to.
Alas, no. To do that I would have to be able to read minds, which I am not (even though my wife sometimes requires me to do so. Thus far I have been unable to comply).


Claes you bike, wow you must be in super shape. your face rather suggests that.Thank you ever so much, my dear. To be honest, my face may not be up to closer scrutiny (it is a tiny picture after all :lol: ), but yes: The rest of me is in pretty good shape.

/Claes

[rachel]

hahahahahahahaha that is funny. I am quite confident your face is very nice.
I am rather disappointed that you don't read minds though, perhaps you simply haven't tapped deeper into that marvellous brain of yours. I have a sneaking suspicion your wife is probably correct about your ability and you simply don't wish to acknowledge the truth of it because you'll be on that bike of yours doing errands for her in the middle of the night. :lol:

[ClaesGefvenberg]

I am quite confident your face is very nice.
Thank's. I suppose it'd better be, because I'm not getting a new one.


I am rather disappointed that you don't read minds though,
Sigh... So is my missus. Are all ladies expecting that of your blokes? Sorry to have to break this to you, but you are in for a major disappointment. What I mean to say is: We really try, but it's no go... There are many conclusions based on (very) insufficient data going on, of course, but that's all.


perhaps you simply haven't tapped deeper into that marvellous brain of yours.
Believe me, I would not go too deep in there. Who knows what I'll find? :goof:


I have a sneaking suspicion your wife is probably correct about your ability and you simply don't wish to acknowledge the truth...
I knew you'd say tha... Errr... Ooops! I mean: Noooooo! I have very selective hearing, though. Does that count?

/Claes

[rachel]

hahahahahaha, of course that counts.
I personally believe ladies are guilty of nagging poor guys day and night. If I were a guy I would hone selective hearing to an awesome art form!!
At any rate can you explain to me what mind mapping does that say just thinking in your every day way doesn't when you want to accomplish something? It sounds very intriguing and i must have went to schools that weren't in to it or it was called something else.

[blp]

I've used them, sometimes with surprising results. Xamonas and Emily, you seem to be afraid that using them will simply reinforce the chaos of your thoughts. Have you actually tried them? It's not like that - and this idea that it's because you're a certain kind of person who thinks very laterally is a big assumption. From what I can gather, hardly anyone has incredibly coherent thoughts on a subject right away - and that can be quite a good thing, in that all sorts of odd associations may be relevant. What's nice about a mind map is it allows you to start with what you've got - a jumble - and quickly begin to piece the elements of that jumble together. It's not a way of increasing the chaos of your thought processes but ordering them without undue force. And while you're doing it, your mind will very likely hit on more things you can use.

Claes, what's the work you use mindmaps for? I mean, what's your job?

[rachel]

that is very interesting blp,
so to me what you are saying is that it is a lot of puzzle pieces on the table. You pick one up and then another and fit them all together for a completed picture?

more poetic and prose works from you blp please please please.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

I personally believe ladies are guilty of nagging poor guys day and night.
Er... Perhaps I'd better refrain from commenting on that? Nah, I'll comment: I agree :D


If I were a guy I would hone selective hearing to an awesome art form!!
Ummmm. I know quite a few ladies who have mastered the art...


At any rate can you explain to me what mind mapping does that say just thinking in your every day way doesn't when you want to accomplish something?
You know... I think blp just did that. Great explanation:


What's nice about a mind map is it allows you to start with what you've got - a jumble - and quickly begin to piece the elements of that jumble together. It's not a way of increasing the chaos of your thought processes but ordering them without undue force. And while you're doing it, your mind will very likely hit on more things you can use.
Quite so... (In particular that part about hitting on more things). It provides a clear overview of your thoughts on the subject, which is something you don't easily do in your head. One major advantage is that you will spot any logical flaws very fast: They will prevent you from completing the map!


Claes, what's the work you use mindmaps for? I mean, what's your job?
I'm a Quality Engineer, spending most of my time on various business management systems. See http://elsmar.com/Forums/index.php for more info. I do a lot of posting there. :p I'll enclose another example map with this post: A summary of reasons for why 100% inspection will fail to catch 100% of the defects the inspector(s) look for.

Apart from that, I use mind maps for just about anything. It's a very versatile tool. I use them for meeting minutes for instance: If I pull a map from several years back, I'm able to regurgitate most of what was said in a meeting of several hours from that single (A4) page.


it is a lot of puzzle pieces on the table. You pick one up and then another and fit them all together for a completed picture?
I think that is more or less it.

/Claes

[rachel]

Claes,
that map was downright amazing. ER....where you ever an ordinary child or did you think already so deeply and intricately? I can just see you in your crib mind mapping and then walking round and round the on the inside of the crib to keep your little baby body fit. I am SO glad you came here.Hey does your wife happen to have any great receipes to counteract the biting cold we are having here. I could use something hot and substantial.

[blp]

that is very interesting blp,
so to me what you are saying is that it is a lot of puzzle pieces on the table. You pick one up and then another and fit them all together for a completed picture?

more poetic and prose works from you blp please please please.

Yes - except that there may be more than one way for the puzzle pieces to fit. Perhaps that's what worries Emily and Xamonas - but it shouldn't. It might be that, without the map, they wouldn't notice all their options for connecting things and make a less effective decision.

More work? What a nice request. I've suddenly become very unproductive because of something else that's preoccupying me, but I might be able to dig out some old prose pieces. I'm flattered.

[Scheherazade]

Most of my students initially reject using mind mapping as a technique for their writings; however, since it is part of the curriculum, we make them! :D And such a great change once they give it a try (or a few).

As blp explained, mind mapping does allow one to organise their thoughts (even the ones they don't realise that are there) and see the relationship between their ideas (cause and effect, order, negative/positive points) and proves very useful especially when you don't know where to start from because it gives you a chance to look at things step by step rather than as a whole, which can be very daunting at times.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

ER....where you ever an ordinary child or did you think already so deeply and intricately?
I believe I was very ordinary... I just happened to be lucky enough to stumble across a some very useful techniques (Mindmapping is one of the cornerstones, and I used something pretty similar very early) at relatively tenders years, before the school system had the time to "destroy" me. Sorry to have to say it if there are any old teachers out there, but the school system of the day left a lot to be desired when it came to learning about learning, so to speak. I'm happy to say that it looks a lot better today.


I am SO glad you came here.
Awwwww... I bet you say that to all Quality Engineers.... :D Thank's. You lot have really made me feel welcome. It's great meeting kindred spirits.


Hey does your wife happen to have any great receipes to counteract the biting cold we are having here. I could use something hot and substantial.
A Chili, perhaps? I'll see what I can do...


Most of my students initially reject using mind mapping as a technique for their writings; however, since it is part of the curriculum, we make them! And such a great change once they give it a try (or a few).
That's what I'm talking about :thumbs_up People often assume that mindmapping, due to its very different appearance (compared to what is considered normal) is:

complicated
hard to interpret
a novelty, and as such of little practical use
time consuming
...and so on


None of the above is true...

/Claes

[crazefest456]

I've heard of mindmapping and I did use something similar to that...It was something like a visual thesaurus, here's the link: http://www.visuwords.com/

I'm gonna go download mindmap today...I've heard it's a very useful tool.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

I've heard of mindmapping and I did use something similar to that...It was something like a visual thesaurus,Thank you for sharing that link, craze. :thumbs_up I saved it right away.


I'm gonna go download mindmap today...I've heard it's a very useful tool.It definitely is. At least as far as I am concerned. Please let us know how you like it.

/Claes

[SleepyWitch]

hey Claes, which ones do you use?
I sometimes use the ones that are called "networking" where you've got different arrows that each have a letter to express different relations eg. "c" for a definition, "p" for 'part of...' (that's a guess;), "t" for 'type of'

I don't like the messy bushy ones where you don't see any relations. they are good for vocab collections (e.g. "holidays" --> suitcase, ticket, plane, beach etc) but not for more complex topics.

but to be honest, mindmaps have helped me cram for exams, but not to commit facts to long term memory so much.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

hey Claes, which ones do you use?
I sometimes use the ones that are called "networking" where you've got different arrows that each have a letter to express different relations eg. "c" for a definition, "p" for 'part of...' (that's a guess;), "t" for 'type of'That does not sound quite like what I am using, but then again, you can tailor a mind map pretty much according to your personal whims. Could you provide us with some example?


I don't like the messy bushy ones where you don't see any relations. they are good for vocab collections.Um... I have provided a couple of examples on pages one and two of this thread... Are they anywhere near what you are thinking of?

/Claes

[SleepyWitch]

That does not sound quite like what I am using, but then again, you can tailor a mind map pretty much according to your personal whims. Could you provide us with some example?

Um... I have provided a couple of examples on pages one and two of this thread... Are they anywhere near what you are thinking of?

/Claes

ok... I've had a look at this (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=163659&postcount=30).
that's the messy type I don't like. but I guess it depends on the topic. it seems perfectly suited for this "inspection" thingy, but for other topics it might not be ideal.
I'll post an example another time.. ... oh, hang on.. I've got one that I made for my students .... I'll post it in a second

[SleepyWitch]

found it. it's about Linguistics.
I made this one as an example for my students, so they could fill in the missing definitions and learn how to do them themselves.
this network thingy was invented by a group of psychologists and tested on nursing students.
I adapted it a bit.. my boxes for definitions are very large, but Linguistics is a bit more complexes than "different types of band aids", so it can't be helped.
the problem about the 'bushy' variety or those where you have loads of bullets and lines/arrows is that with a complex topic like Phonetics and Phonology, they'll end up with 50 pieces of terminology. so the page will be really crammed and after 2 days they'll have forgotten how everything fits together, even if they drew it themselves.