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By Lisa Kirschner
Have you ever tried mind mapping? If not, I highly recommend it, whether you’re a content strategist, business analyst, web manager or online marketer.
Mind mapping is a technique used in problem solving, for decision making and as a study aid. It’s a superb way of generating creative ideas. Essentially, you begin with a single idea or topic that you want to develop, then brainstorm to incorporate subtopics and sub-subtopics and so on. All of these are connected but–because you are not thinking in a linear way–you tend to be more creative than in a traditional brainstorming setting. Mind maps are incredibly useful tools and the end result is something highly visual, so they can be a great way to simplify otherwise complex plans or concepts.
When using mind maps at home to work out problems or come up with ideas, it may be perfectly adequate to create them using pen and paper. In a work or group environment, however, the product of the session needs to be properly recorded and perhaps even presented at a later stage. This is where mind-mapping software can be particularly useful, since the results can be printed and shared.
There are many mind-mapping software packages available, and most allow exports to Microsoft Office and Adobe applications to make sharing the documents extremely easy. If you want to try before you buy, find software providers online that offer a free 30-day trial.
If you’ve never tried mind mapping before, get your creative juices flowing and give it a try!
Lisa Kirschner
Managing Editor, Content 911 Blog
Managing Director, Flair Interactive Services Inc.
