Mind mapping is a great way to brainstorm, and if you’ve brainstormed successfully, you know how valuable the process is – especially for work productivity. Brainstorming using mind mapping software is actually very simple:
- Open up a new mindmap.
- Create and label the root “node”, or central idea, of the map.
- Brainstorm and start adding “child” map nodes, off the top of your head, which relate to the root node. As with regular brainstorming, don’t “edit” yourself just yet; let the ideas flow first.
- Keep adding ideas, and branch off into related topics if the urge strikes you.
- When you’re out of ideas, take a break. Repeat step 3 if you want to record more ideas.
- Now start reorganizing all the child nodes into clusters of related topics and sub-topics. Let the hierarchy reveal itself to you. (This process might take a few revisions until you’re happy with it.)
- Add extra info such as text/ node colors, dates, links to other resources/ web pages/ mind maps, embedded images, icons, notes, and whatever else is relevant.
The “brainstorming with mind maps” process might take a bit of getting used to, but it really is quite a natural process.
We have been experimenting with mind map software as a method for both brainstorming and process mapping. I agree that the process seems quite natural once you get used to it – some software produces that awareness much quicker.