Brainstorming with Mind Maps
I have a confession to make - I wish I were more creative. Part of me - somewhere deep down in my soul, really wants to be. Have you ever wished you could be more creative? Have you ever wanted to brainstorm new ideas but didn't know where to start?
Having seen a shadow of mind mapping's potential to increase creativity, I'm convinced there is hope for all of us who would like to be more creative. Brainstorming with mind maps is easy - a lot easier than brainstorming using linear notes. In fact, the whole point of mind maps is to go off on a tangent! That is, after all, the way our brains work.
How to Brainstorm
Try this exercise with a blank piece of paper or any of the free trial versions of mind mapping software listed on this web site. In the center, start with "creativity," then fire up your mind and start brainstorming. Write (or type) whatever comes to mind when you think about being creative. Don't stop, just keep going and include whatever pops into your mind. Type or write as fast as you can. When you're finished brainstorming, look at your mind map. See anything interesting? If you're like me, you'll be surprised at what you see on the page in front of you.
Brainstorming Resources
This list isn't complete - I'm only comfortable recommending resources I've personally used or read and found valuable.
- Brainstorming defined
- The Mind Map Book, Tony Buzan (Especially chapters 6, 7, 8, and 16.)
- A Whole New Mind by Dan Pink (There is nothing specific about mind mapping in this book, but it's so good that anyone interested in creativity, including brainstorming, should own a copy. Buy two and give the second to your best friend. S/he will appreciate it.) I recently discovered that someone mind mapped A Whole New Mind (and he's kind enough to provide the maps in PDF and MindManager formats). See A Whole New Mind(map).
- Tom Kelley, General Manager of IDEO, discusses "Daydreaming and Mind Mapping" (Levenger.com). Kelley is the author of The Ten Faces of Innovation which includes a great "how to" guide to brainstorming (and it's very readable). He also wrote The Art of Innovation which discusses IDEO's brainstorming practices in greater depth.
- Brian Tracy discusses a technique he calls "mindstorming" in his book Goals. I've combined mindstorming with mind mapping with exceptional results. If you want to generate a lot of ideas fast, get the book and get ready to see some sparks fly.
- Power Tips & Strategies for Mind Mapping Software ebook by Chuck Frey. If you want to learn about mind mapping right now, this is the place to start. Available for immediate download, Power Tips & Strategies is loaded with basic and advanced strategies for getting the most out of your mind mapping software. In my opinion, you simply can't go wrong with Chuck's ebook. See page eleven for the section on group brainstorming with mind maps.