Recently I’ve posted some discussions on LinkedIn groups and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the members’ willingness to give some valuable feedback.
Besides introducing Seavus DropMind to the LinkedIn members, my purpose was to find out what people look for in mind mapping solutions and what exactly they are using them for.
There were so many interesting answers and ideas, and I was surprised by the extensive usage of mind mapping into every field: graphic design, project management, consultancy, information technology and many more.
Here are some hints of how people actually use mind mapping solution and what for:
“I myself use mindmapping for nearly every facet of my work. If i have to brainstorm, think about something, listen to someone talk or plan my next week…Mindmapping is my ticket to working more efficiently and retaining the information more. I also use it in my work as an illustrator and graphic facilitator/ recorder. It is an exciting and engaging way for audiences to have their thoughts and conversation recorded. Using pictures, colour and different lettering styles this creates a visual extravaganza of information that can be taken back to the office and used to explain what happened in the meeting or presentation. Clients love mind maps and so do I!” Paul Telling, Communication Transformer at http://www.PaulTelling.com.au
“I am an avid visual mapper and use it daily for brainstorming, developing lectures, communicating ideas, and for managing my ongoing projects. I have used visual mapping programs for years and find that they consistent with how I work and think. Having the ability to visually see the information in a snap shot makes it easy for me to think and communicate my ideas more effectively.” Brian Friedlander, Experienced Technology Trainer and Visual Technology Specialist
“I have a particular strategy I use when I’m overly distracted or overwhelmed with a project, an issue, priorities or really anything. I call it a constellation, but really it’s a mind map in form…When I’m done I go back over it with another color and circle the things I have some control over and can do something about right now. It’s a small trick, but one that has helped me many times to put things in perspective.” Marc Archambault, Owner/Stone Mason of Hammerhead Stoneworks, Owner/Visual Practitioner of Papershine
“As an artist, I use mind mapping to brainstorm new ideas, organize detailed next steps, and track group conversations during studio visits. As a graphic recorder, I use a visual form of mind mapping everyday in business meetings…Using text and images enables groups to focus, clarify complex ideas, and align around big decisions. Adding visual images to the mind mapping process heightens the groups energy level, increasing engagement in the conversation and tends to improve their memory retention. All and all, I have to say I am a fan of mind mapping.” Heather Willems, Graphic Recorder and Fine Artist
“Mind mapping helps me tap into deep creative/synthesizing mode as I flesh out a concept(s). On the fly I’ll switch to using more of a structured concept mapping approach for drawing relationships between related and unrelated topics. I think concept mapping tends to be more hierarchical (sort of like the tournament bracket of March Madness). It helps me organize chunks of info and visual concepts into different channels of media that it’s all flowing into.” Rob Court Owner, The Scribbles Institute
“I LOVE mind mapping! I use it to gain clarity and to organize my thoughts on pretty much anything. I am working on developing LeapTV at the moment…so mind mapping is my muse. It allows me to map the concept, solidify the business model, add notes and thoughts, add all my research links and other images in one integrated area. It also allows me to share my thoughts and get feedback from other collaborators if need be.” Isabelle Mercier Business & Branding Catalyst – Owner of LeapZone Strategies Inc
“I have applied mind mapping to most everything I do in project management. I manually mind map my notes in executive meetings (still not proper to bring a laptop in – they think your surfing the web or checking email). I use computer mind mapping for Project Charters, brainstorming sessions, project dashboards, initial risk assessments, etc. I am planning on writing a book on project management and mind mapping. I have 2 blogs: project management and mind mapping and the two should be one because of the synergy between the two disciplines.” Greg Cimmarrusti, PMP at Independent Consultant
” It is most useful for brainstorming requirements, use cases, and ensuring accountability. Team members begin to see their unique role and how it fits into the project “whole” as well as stimulate many, Oh yeah, what about this? type questions and ideas. It is best to utilize it projected so that all can see it at the same time.” Grant Hiesterman, Program/Project Manager; Owner, Hiesterman Business Solutions, Inc
“I cannot imagine creating a WBS without a mindmapping SW… I found that business owners often have great ideas but can’t really get any traction because their problem is a hair ball. Mind mapping and WBS helps them see the components and how the work can start unfolding.” Pavel Doležel, PMP – Project Manager creating solutions where users thrive and businesses prosper
“…in brainstorming, creative thinking, collaboration and strategic planning sessions. Import/Export from such applications as MS Office (word, excel, visio, …) are desired and limitation / format issues / multilingual requirements as I use both Arabic and English (right-to-left).” Mohammed Thiab – Owner & Founder, Millennia-Vision Consulting
There are more answers, which I will surely mention in some of my future posts. Thanks to all for the extraordinary feedback and great discussion.
Briefly, mind mapping is suitable for every aspect of your life. I believe that all people can find the use of mind mapping solutions applicable to their everyday work.
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