Amazing content! Three questions: 1) Any tips on how to approach/move forward if you are stuck on one component during the ideation stage? 2) How do you “communicate” your mind map to others if it’s a project that require team effort? Do you convert/re-create another plan? 3) I find mind map to be super helpful at the brainstorming stage but less useful at the execution stage. How do you go back and forth on your map throughout the project stages (do you)? Do you use a different tool to track progress?
Thanks Eva! Great questions - let's think through them: 1) Mind mapping is a type of systems thinking, so when I'm stuck on one component, I try to zoom out and see how that component interacts with the other nodes. For example, if I'm not sure how to approach the "Deliverables" node, I'd think through what sort of medium my "Audience" would be most receptive to in order to deliver on my "Objectives". For instance, if they are very busy people who are commuting to work and just want to get the gist of something and go, and assuming the average commute time is 20-40 minutes, then perhaps videos aren't the best approach. 20-30 minute podcasts would be better for that audience. 2) This is something very common that I do with my team. For people who aren't familiar with mind mapping, I'll use a computer program like iThoughtsX or MindNode because it's easier to walk through than my messy handwriting :) It's also important to restructure your map in a way that people are more used to like a clockwise fashion, then you can present through a linear sequence. That's for presentation. If you're building out a map with a team, then look at it like a white boarding session and populate the map together, finding structure and where things fit as you go, though admittedly this is more difficult while we're working remotely. I typically will create an initial map first and work with stakeholders to populate/modify it as needed so you're not starting from scratch. 3) So nearly all of my final deliverables (product designs, blog posts, pitch decks etc) originate from mind maps, so you're right in that they are great for the ideation phase (either individually or as a team) - to capture all the relevant contents and organize them in a coherent/unified manner. However, for execution, I typically will move to another tool (ex: Google docs for writing, PPT for decks, Sketch for design mockups) while referring to the map as the guide. Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions!
I remember , I was using this technique in my college days to make short notes. That time I wasn't aware about this technique name. Thanks for reminding me.
Well done. In semi retirement I’m determined to get more use out of mind maps. I have used MindManager for documentation of workflows for a number of years but see a world of possibilities with this product. It’s pretty cool what you have demonstrated with paper and pen!
Really good tips here. I've been mind mapping for a few years and have taught several people the basics of it. Wanted to level up my game and this video has already sparked a few more nodes on my "get better at mindmapping" map. haha
Ok so I’ve done my first mindmap and pretty pleased - already feel a lot more organised! 🤓 The visual example in the video was really helpful. And thanks for the tip about pressure erasable pens - didn’t know those even existed 🙈 brings a whole new perspective on note taking!
Haha I'm glad it helped and congrats on your first mind map :) Yes those pens are game changers and transform all of my notebooks into portable whiteboards!
Hey Domenico, you can be very specific and detailed. Check out my video on product design to see how intricate these maps can be: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8pJ_FxwqVrM.html
I used iThoughtsX and MindNode for pure digital on Mac, Notability for iPad drawing. I heard good things about MindMeister which is browser based so cross platform
Making mindmaps on tablets or computers frees you from being contrained by space and reconfiguration madness of your map topics! You can carry your tablets/laptop around anyway.
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 📚 *Introduction to Mind Mapping* - Overview of mind mapping benefits and applications, - Highlights mind mapping as a tool for breaking down complex topics, - Emphasizes its use in strategic planning, software design, and meeting management. 01:10 🛠️ *Getting Started with Mind Mapping* - Basic tools needed for mind mapping, - Personal preferences for notebooks and pens, - Introduction to digital tools for mind mapping on iPads. 03:42 📝 *Example of Mind Mapping for a Side Hustle* - Step-by-step breakdown of planning a side hustle using mind mapping, - Detailed exploration of subtopics like purpose, audience, content, and operations, - Discussion of timelines, commitments, and setting goals and metrics. 07:31 ✨ *Tips for Effective Mind Mapping* - Advice on organizing and annotating mind maps, - Importance of making mind maps actionable and easy to navigate, - Strategies for prioritizing, linking information, and space management. Made with HARPA AI
That's exactly it. Most of my mind map videos especially the recent one reflects that. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LENzKzW4jZ0.html
Oh I wish Scapple were available on iPad. I mostly do hand drawn maps on iPad with Notability and iThoughtsX for Mac though they also have an iOS version.
Just discovered your channel and inspired by the simplicity of a skill I tried and just never really took to it... in hindsight I obviously overcomplicated the concept. Thanks @Sheng, immensely helpful as I transition from consulting to project management.
I know that this is a weird question, because this is so succinct. Any chance you have or could do a video aimed at school-aged kids? I'm running in to the "You can't teach your own kids" wall.
Hi, I’m looking at starting mind mapping. I’m not finding much comparative, condensed information. I don’t have time to teach myself or trial them all. I have a wish list. Available on all platforms, I have windows pc and iPad / iPhone I would like to add sketches/ drawings/ photos and files to my maps Can I make my nodes into deeper level branches with multiple layers for more complex maps Are there any mind maps that are able to integrate with Ai? Can I sync my google drive? Can I sync my email ( I use outlook) I’m just getting started on this wish list, any suggestions would be appreciated. A short video of the above would be the dream
For people with unreadable handwriting, there is software called mindmaps that is great. I use it in class instead of a whiteboard and post it for students.
Hi ,Am new to mindnode, and have looked at ur content which i like. i have payed version. I am trying to copy a bunch of child nodes to a bunch of parent nodes, yes they are repetitive, instead of creating again and again, i want to be able to point my child nodes to existing nodes. Is this possible? I cant seem to achive that with copy and paste. it does'nt connect. ex: A has x,y,z as child nodes. B has x,y,z as child nodes and C has x,y,z as child nodes. So i want to simply copy x,y,x from A and connect to B and C. Or be able to point all 3 A,B,C connecting to 1 Group of x,y,z hope it makes sense
Hello Sheng. I use simplemind on my laptops (in free mind setting thats the fastest way to write down meetings when we sitting in teamsmeetings) , android phones, ipad and sync every thing on one drive and can open it on the phone in the night, and next morning on the laptop. I have worked with it for many years now. But must also learn to do more work in a book with two or three pilote pen since some work can not be done and synced to clouds. It was interesting to see how You learn about it. Very helpful, thank You. I also try to build up same structure in onedrive, beacuse we not have simplemind on my work system. But here I are only in the beginning of the prosess.
Hey, I love the way you've presented this video. I was wondering what software/app you used to illustrate your step by step tutorial for the mindmap? Thank you!
Would love to know where you originally learned to do this. Did you go to a school for this and learned about mind mapping in a specific class or did you learn it through your job?
Great video - I have found MindMaps to get great - the HUGE tool upgrade for me was going with iPad 12.9” and GoodNotes 5 and PaperLike ... the zoom, resizing, copy-paste, move options with iPad is unbeatable ... WHAT, WHY, WHEN, WHO, HOW is great set of generic questions
Thanks for the great content! I'm starting out in a new BA career and your whole approach to projects etc. has been invaluable. Wishing you continued success!
Suggestion: Add Playlists of the different series you make, i was trying to find the next video of the mind map series that you mention at the end. Perhaps add the link to the next video in your info under the video? Great work, good quality! It's interesting to notice how the light you use affects your skin color, i like the yellow light you used in 'Make Sense of this Messy World - Mind Maps' But perhaps you could analyse what works best for you. Thank you
Also liked how your gave a real life example of how you implement mind maps in your own planning (eg launching a RU-vid channel and prioritizing qualitative feedback first). It gives an opportunity for people to learn "micro-lessons" along the way of learning the bigger picture concept you're sharing.
Sheng, this is great content. Thank you! I've seen other users mention mind mapping software, but did not see a discussion on this question... is there any benefit to handwritten maps vs using software? I like the idea of using software to create more dynamic maps vs handwriting, erasing, etc. Plus sharing with others sounds easier. Interested to hear your thoughts, thanks!
Robert, this is a great question. I use handwritten maps in my notebook for individual planning as well as Notability (just did a review/tutorial of it) for work b/c I can copy and paste the image and share it with colleagues and friends. I use dedicated software like iThoughtsX for times when I need to present the map to multiple people/stakeholders like product design. Hope this helps!
Find myself needing a tool for mind mapping but thinking how nice it would be to filter thoughts depending on … and rank them depending on priority and …. Always end up with an excel sheet. How do you stop that from happening? What is the advantage of stopping and keeping this visual style?
I see mind mapping as a short term information organization tool. Depending on what you're trying to record and prioritize, it might be useful to use Notion, which is able to assign ideas and tasks based on priority. My upcoming video after this week will actually be a tutorial on that tool.
Fantastic channel, Sheng! Life has thrown me a few curve balls lately which require organized thinking to handle. Your techniques and advice are helping me big time. Thank you! It occurred to me this week to take a casual look at my youtube channels and saved videos (of which I have many!), along with web browser favorites. Digital clutter, noisy, maddening! But I soon realized that I was looking at loads of readily available, mine-able self-knowledge, and, in particular, input to mind-maps.
Thanks Dan for your kind words! I'm glad the videos are helping my friend. Hahaha I get the overwhelming amount of information out there but I'm glad you took the time out to intentionally parse out the pattern in all the content you've saved. Hopefully that'll give you some direction in your growth and learning. Have a wonderful week ahead!
Or perhaps if you're not working on saterdays and sundays and then you dont need to wake up super early to create a video! Just make extra time for that throughout the weekend!
Great video. You didn’t cover iPad mindmap apps. In my experience, they add a lot of flexibility as you can restructure topics without concern for the layout. What’s your experience?
Honestly, mind maps are great for the ideation and planning phases of a project as well as organizing specific sub-projects/tasks within a larger one. Essentially the 10k foot view and the ground operations level. For tracking progress, I like to use Notion and kanban boards.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Very useful and informative! I've always wanted to learn how to mindmap but I find it difficult because my brain is too foggy. However, I will endeavor to make use of your tips.
In hindsight, I feel kinda bad about my mood the first time I watched this. I do appreciate the product recommendations, I'm just really anxious today for some reason and was having trouble finding tutorials that weren't overly vague about what to actually put in a mind map, so sitting through more recommendations before the actual tutorial was frustrating in the moment. It was a comedy of errors, I suppose. Not at all your fault! This was a very helpful video. And now I've ordered a rainbow assortment of these pens because I have a new organizational journal arriving soon that I can't wait to use them on! :)
Great question. iPad with Notability is a powerful combo that I use for work and when I need a super large canvas. However, nothing beats the portability and impromptu nature of drawing on paper. I do most of my personal planning that way so pen and paper is used daily!
How do you measure how much time a certain task is going to take when planning these things out? I feel like that's one of my biggest weaknesses. I can't tell if a task is going to take me 10 minutes or an hour.
Honestly, it is hard to tell upfront but I will try to assign some time limit to each task (example: 60 min or 2 hours). Time boxing is an effective method to make sure we're not spending too much time on any one thing so that it becomes the bottleneck. As the saying goes, "work will fit into the time allotted to it".
I prefer GoodNotes on my iPad Pro, because redesigning the map is much easier. I can move parts of the Map, can rearrange them, make them bigger or smaller, change colors without erasing and rewriting stuff.
Absolutely, it's great hearing about your experience with GoodNotes on your iPad Pro. The ease with which you can redesign and adjust your Mind Maps, from moving parts around to changing colors, speaks volumes about the adaptability of digital tools for Mind Mapping! Love that. I'm passionate about the diversity of software options available for Mind Mapping, each bringing its own unique set of advantages and challenges.Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this video, made me realise the power of mindmapping! My favourite would be connecting the dots as I don’t usually do that but now I will start implementing more. I’m looking forward to mindmapping for accelerated learning 😌 glad to have found your channel as your content is quality and your discipline & life philosophy is admirable :)
Thank you so much Sir this is a Big help to me as a college student and it will help me more to create my mind map more broad and solid. I am looking forward for many tips and explanation you gave to us. Again Thank you! I really appreciate it.
Be aware that the suggested pens, actually erase due to the heat caused by the friction. Or any heat. I have lost pages of info after leaving books in a car on a hot day.
i just discovered mind mapping today. sometimes i just mind-map random things with some music in the background to relax, with no real agenda. and then maybe i will come up with some crazy idea for a story in the process.
Do you have any recommendations for mind mapping software? I currently use mind manager software and find it very effective for me. What are your thoughts?
