My Mind Map Unfocus for 2010
Last week I mentioned my mind mapping focus for 2010. These were uses of mind maps that I was going to explicitly focus on for the year. This also means however that I am not going to be using mind maps in other areas. Blasphemy? Well, no.
As a long time user of mind maps, I've used mind mapping for lots of different things. Some uses of mind maps have stuck with me and are used just about every day. Others though I have struggled with.
Rather than struggle on with using mind maps for these purposes, I have decided to cut the cord and stop using mind maps in these areas.
These are the three key areas where I won't be using mind maps:
- Project Management - As a web developer, I'm very picky about the software I use and how I use it. I frequently collaborate with different people through different mediums, but I have yet to find an effective mind mapping solution that let's me manage projects and information as well as collaborate with others.
- Information Storage - Mind mapping for me is about the moment. Ideas are born, decided upon and then processed. Mind mapping just doesn't work for me as a way of holding information.
- Planning & Scheduling - Nothing beats a calendar for scheduling and planning work. I've tried so many time to schedule appointments and such using a mind map, but I always end up going back to the
In these cases, I felt that mind maps were not a suitable tool to use and have since started using other tools, such as calendars, wikis and project management software.
Mind mapping is a wonderful tool that can be used in so many ways, but it's only effective if it is used within the right environment. When you're in a changing environment, you need to adapt your tool set so that you can continue to work effectively.
To mind map effectively we need to identify areas where mind mapping excels as tool. Only then can you reap the benefits of mind mapping!
Comments (1)
Great to see you write about the things you will not do with mindmaps. I believe in the mind mapping world, most people want to mindmap everything.
Understanding when to mindmap and when not to mindmap is key (or should be for so many people in 2010). This is what I tell people when training them as well. After all, it is not about the mindmap but about the benefits they give us. If there is a better way you should use that.
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