Here are some resources you might find useful in stimulating creativity and innovation.
Mind Mapping Information - Bob Pike attributes Mind Mapping to Evelyn Wood, who used it in the 50's but Tony Buzan claims it his invention. Whatever...
Some simple thoughts on mind maps and the general process
- Be creative. Creativity aids retention and builds context
- Use simple or individual words or images
- Use colored pens or pencil to make it more visual
- Use lines, arrows, circles, boxes and other visual / contextual aids
- Start from the center of the page and work around, with the center the main theme
- Create sub-centers for sub-themes, as many as make sense
- Key words go on lines to add structure
- P-r-i-n-t
- Random association is quite powerful -- don't stay in one place if it makes sense to shift. Associations may or may not be sequential
- Put ideas down as they occur, all of them no matter how "bad" since the latter may stimulate a new and better thought later
Here are some links to resources you might find of use -- I like to teach this process by using Square Wheels One as the initial image and let people develop their links and themes off the illustration. It is a good individual and/or group activity.
Introduction to Mind Mapping - http://braindance.com/
Extensive links to Creativity sites: www.maekawa.is.uec.ac.jp/research/eunice/internal/bookmarks/42.html
1st Spot Mind Tech Site - lots of links and information - www.1st-spot.net/topic_mindtech.html
Mind Brain Links - www.tiac.net/users/seeker/brainlinks.html
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