IDEO Deep Dive: part three

IDEO "rules"
-- think of your product in terms of verbs rather than nouns.
-- concentrate on one conversation at a time
-- stay focused
-- encourage wild ideas
-- go for quantity (no editing)
-- be visual (visual words or sketch)
-- defer judgment (no stopping to say that isn't going to work, isn't a good idea...)
-- build on the ideas of others


The Writer's ToolBox

M I N D M A P
A mind map gives visual form to ideas. It is particularly helpful for initiating ideas in a project. For visual thinkers, the diagramming of words in a visual, intuitive manner takes advantage of the more nonlinear, associative way that our brains naturally generate ideas. Like many brainstorming methods, mind maps needn’t be questioned until they are completed. The goal is to develop the diagram quickly, then synthesize possible connections and directions. It may be useful to construct mind maps during particular phases in a project, when new connections and ideas are needed. Larger projects, which involve complex systems of information, also benefit from using these techniques.

In addition to words, another tactic for visual thinkers is the inclusion of color, images, and even dimension into these diagrammatic maps. These brainstorming techniques are varied and can help to better organize ideas and manage complex problems.

As with any new problem-solving or brainstorming technique, mind mapping takes practice. Look at it as one of many ways to explore an idea or understand a topic.

Visual Thesaurus is an example of a mind map.

http://www.mindmeister.com online application, free for 3 maps. check it out and see what you come up with. use it for your your object over the labor day weekend. You will also be working on one mind map as a group. Watch the movie again if you need more "help" on using all the features of mindmaster.

C O N C E P T M A P 
In many ways, concept maps are similar to mind maps. They too make use of associative relationships, using a nodal diagram containing words. The main difference between them is that concept mapping allows for a more thorough investigation and analysis of conceptual relationships and meanings. With the addition of propositional links, indicating relationships between two concepts, concept maps focus more on systems thinking.

wiki definition and example