Tools for Creating

Ideas coming alive in the visual format of a mind map facilitates creative thinking and creative flow. Ideas can be grouped, sorted, organized, and laid out in a logical and structural visual format for further development.
Besides using a mind map, there are other visual tools to facilitate creating ideas or coming up with solutions as listed below. And by no means the list is exhaustive.

Brainstorming

Using a mind map to brainstorm is a simple yet powerful method in creating information without any structures or limits. It allows for free, rapid thinking that can be written down on a mind map without any hindrance to the creative flow and direction. There are basic mind maps where you can just pour out your ideas or you can pick some more structured mind maps with a brainstorming guide. Organizing information after brainstorming sessions is very simple as categories can be easily made and ideas grouped, regrouped, and attached together. The flexibility of topic creation and movement is what makes mind mapping software so convenient and easy in creating and organizing ideas.

Fishbone Diagram (Cause & Effect Diagram)

A fishbone diagram is used to determine possible causes that created a certain and definite problem by diagramming a causal relationship. Usually, you would state the problem on the head of the fishbone and list the possible causes related to the problem on bones of the backbone. And each bone will have more bones branching out as you list the contributing factors of each cause

Radiant Association

A process by which you start with the central topic and then radiate outward with each related idea to induce logical and creative thoughts by imagination, association, and combination. It is the very essence of mind mapping technique.

Attribute Listing

This is a technique used to make improvements or solve problems by applying a systematic approach to changing or replacing attributes of products, services, and processes.

Backward Reasoning

This method is simply working your way backward from the goal or the end to the very beginning. Let’s say that you have a project deadline. Using this process, you would fill in the milestones, tasks, ideas, assignments, resources, and such to complete a successful project to meet the deadline.

SWOT Analysis

A strategic planning method is used to evaluate internal strengths and weaknesses, and external opportunities and threats regarding a business or a project.

Forced Connection

An ideation technique where seemingly unrelated objects or ideas are forced to connect so that new ideas may emerge.