In the late 60s Tony Buzan developed a technique which he called "Mind Mapping" to make use of the latest brain research. His goal was to help people spend all their cortical skills, i.e. word, image, number, etc. to learn and solve the problem. This technique has grown and evolved over the years as brain research becomes more sophisticated.
This method wor
ks well in corporate settings, where audiences have different skills. Rather than focusing on skills, you focus on ideas. People feel they are on solid ground and are more likely to exchange ideas and find solutions. This is exactly the kind of atmosphere you want to create when groups come together to solve business problems.
In our work with Internet customers, we have adapted this method to take advantage of different creative skills among staff. Marketing group has their way of seeing things, their developers, and management, still another. When the mind maps used in planning the Internet (or a business) it removes the barriers and helps each group finds its best creative knowledge.
There are four major advantages to using a mind map in an internet setting. The first is that it is non-linear. This makes all ideas important and eliminating ideas chosen by employee rankings. Where there are open spots on the map branches, the brain wants closure. Everyone wants them to be filled This promotes teamwork.
The second is it gives a peek at the "big picture" and details simultaneously. This helps managers focus on their problems, while those tasked with the details can focus on their part of the puzzle, and everyone can see it all.
The third is it highlights omissions. When you follow the same process and see the same lists that you forget or "not see" what is missing. When looking at the material in a new way helps you to analyze it.
The fourth is it stimulates everyone's creativity by using pictures and colors, lines in different widths and spaces. Programmers use their special skills and designers and managers use their unique skills.
When you redesign your website, your primary goal should be to make it easier for your customers to find information and buy products. This tool makes it easier to achieve success.
