Mapping Information for Projects

Mind maps are an increasingly popular visualization tool for collecting information or planning. (Get the Wikipedia story here, see more at the Mind Maps blog here, or the mind maps software blog here).

Here's a sample of a hand-drawn map on the left. If you aren't familiar with these, they start with a central idea or subject. Then, they branch out with subtopics off the main idea. The branches can continue as far as you have paper (in the hand-drawn version).

 

 

We can use these for Project work such as:

1. Outline new ideas for a new project(s).
2. Brainstorming answers to a problem.
3. Outlining a book or project report.
4. Recording notes from a meeting.
5. Explaining a concept.

The software version is similar but more symmetrical. (Both free versions and purchase versions are available online. If you are interested in the software version, check the mind mapping software blog for more info.)

These make a better public presentation tool and are better for those who prefer software to hand-drawing.

The question becomes, what's the benefit of using these maps for our Project information?

It seems the answer depends on a few basic things:

1. What kind of learner are you?
2. What's your preferred method of explaining or notetaking?
3. Can you easily learn new ways of learning?

I've used both the handwritten and the software versions. I won't say they are the golden answer to all questions and problems, but, for me, they are a useful way to visualize information. The hand-drawn version requires only simple tools - paper and pens or markers (using different colors does help with visualizing) - and is obviously portable. But, if you are at your computer, the software version goes together quickly also and can be printed in color.

Try one out and see how they can contribute to your Project work.
What other unconventional tools do you use?