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.
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!
I've experimented with mind maps for problem solving - here's a short summary. I use a blank A4 sheet in landscape format, and divide it in 3x3 equal cells (just by hand, no ruler needed). I have prepared a couple of sticky notes so I can see them from my desk. On a central sticky note, I have some key processes, like orientation, asking questions, generating ideas, looking back, and perhaps two others. For each of these key processes, I have another sticky note with stimuli that help me with the process, like a list of general questions I find useful ("What's puzzling? What happens if I make changes to one part?" etc.). With this toolbox in front of me, I start in the first cell, usually with a mind map on orientation about my topic. Each cell is fairly small, and I have it filled soon - after that I can decide what aspect to investigate in more depth in the next cell, or I can look back from a new cell on the previous one. For each cell, I can decide what layout works best - in most cases, I use a mind map, but sometimes it's a diagram or just ordinary text lines. Personally, I find this 3x3 approach useful for three reasons. First, in my experience, a single mind map on a large sheet suggests a layout with several main branches of equal weight - but in problem solving, I often want to follow a path of ideas, and this path would make a classical mind map highly asymmetrical. Second, the transition from one cell to to the next triggers me to refocus and to understand what I'm doing right now, so these things happen more often in the 3x3 setting than in the classical map. Third, I find it much easier to look back on an aspect in one map from a new cell than from a branch in the same large map. Some final remarks. Depending on handwriting, aesthetic taste and paper size, one can experiment with 2x2, 3x3 or 4x4 cells. From my experience, it seems a good idea to assemble a personal tool box of stimuli. The Wikipedia page on problem solving or Project Zero at Harvard's Graduate School of Education are possible starting points. I organize the sheets in a zettelkasten - but that's another topic.
That's a great system for starting small and expanding your thoughts and planning. For maps where I think might become huge, I will use digital means for the expanding canvas and organization. Thanks for sharing your tips!
Great video. I’ve been using mind mapping since the late 70s, switching to digital when Mind Manager came out, though XMind is my current tool. Mind mapping has helped me solve/manage/create hundreds of problems, projects, articles, etc. I even used it to write articles on mind mapping
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.
Nice job ! Good delivery, easy to follow and understand, very articulate. I would engage you as a Consultant if I ever need. Good content. Thanks for not wasting my time !
I appreciate that Matt. Time is the most valuable thing we have. I want to make the most of yours. Thank you for leaving such a kind comment my friend 🙏🏼
Great! Your presentation was clear and concise. I apply mind maps to articulate concepts, and they prove beneficial in problem-solving and addressing issues within a value stream map.
Thank you for the positive feedback! I'm thrilled to hear you found it clear and concise. It's particularly interesting to learn about your application of Mind Maps to articulate concepts, especially within the context of problem-solving and addressing issues in value stream mapping. I deeply appreciate your insight on how you personally leverage Mind Maps. Their versatility and effectiveness in organizing thoughts and fostering a deeper understanding of complex issues never cease to amaze me. Your approach to integrating mind maps into your workflow, I'm sure, is inspiring to others.So thank you, again, for sharing. It's exciting to see such practical applications in action.
Excellent! Direct and to the point. I use mind maps to help explain concepts and connections to students, it also can be helpful in problem solving and issue within a value stream map. Also very helpful to further my work in this area. Thank You!
Such a useful and easy to understand video, Sheng. I really appreciate you sharing it. We've just started a new venture with partners, and we'll need this for planning
💯 the start of a new venture is very exciting. Feel free to check out my product design videos in case they’re relevant. I’ll probably make a video on how I mapped out my own new venture mindmapnation.com
You're very welcome! I'm glad to hear that you found the explanation clear and informative. It's always my goal to make sure the information is understandable and useful for everyone. Thanks again for your feedback, and I hope you continue to find value in the content. Happy mind mapping!
Great job on the video. It's so informative and so calming to watch! Just had two questions. How often, during the execution of a project, would you look back at the mind map? Would you make changes to the mind map while executing the project, if so how often would you do this?
Thanks Chiara! Yes and yes. Depending on the project, I will refer back to the map as a blueprint and make sure I'm meeting the original objectives. As I'll show in the upcoming product design videos, I use these maps as a communication and census building tool with my team and will adjust the map based on their feedback.
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?
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.
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.
Hey Domenico, you can be very specific and detailed. Check out my video on product design to see how intricate these maps can be: ua-cam.com/video/8pJ_FxwqVrM/v-deo.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
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!
I like the way how you presented the topic. Mindmaps doesn’t work for me, they to messi, I always need straight lines and tables. Gave it a chance many times, ist not for me. Thanks
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!
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.
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!
@@ShengHuang thank you!
Great questions & answers, thank you guys!
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.
This was a beautifully produced video I have to say. You went into the right amount of detail without getting into the weeds. Appreciate it!
Ah....someone who speaks my language!!! Loved this video. I LOVE mind mapping! Great job sharing out and modeling how you utilize it. Keep it up1
As a visual learner, this really resonates. Thanks!
you are so charismatic and handsome that my mind map is melting
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!
I've experimented with mind maps for problem solving - here's a short summary.
I use a blank A4 sheet in landscape format, and divide it in 3x3 equal cells (just by hand, no ruler needed).
I have prepared a couple of sticky notes so I can see them from my desk. On a central sticky note, I have some key processes, like orientation, asking questions, generating ideas, looking back, and perhaps two others. For each of these key processes, I have another sticky note with stimuli that help me with the process, like a list of general questions I find useful ("What's puzzling? What happens if I make changes to one part?" etc.).
With this toolbox in front of me, I start in the first cell, usually with a mind map on orientation about my topic. Each cell is fairly small, and I have it filled soon - after that I can decide what aspect to investigate in more depth in the next cell, or I can look back from a new cell on the previous one.
For each cell, I can decide what layout works best - in most cases, I use a mind map, but sometimes it's a diagram or just ordinary text lines.
Personally, I find this 3x3 approach useful for three reasons.
First, in my experience, a single mind map on a large sheet suggests a layout with several main branches of equal weight - but in problem solving, I often want to follow a path of ideas, and this path would make a classical mind map highly asymmetrical.
Second, the transition from one cell to to the next triggers me to refocus and to understand what I'm doing right now, so these things happen more often in the 3x3 setting than in the classical map.
Third, I find it much easier to look back on an aspect in one map from a new cell than from a branch in the same large map.
Some final remarks.
Depending on handwriting, aesthetic taste and paper size, one can experiment with 2x2, 3x3 or 4x4 cells.
From my experience, it seems a good idea to assemble a personal tool box of stimuli. The Wikipedia page on problem solving or Project Zero at Harvard's Graduate School of Education are possible starting points.
I organize the sheets in a zettelkasten - but that's another topic.
That's a great system for starting small and expanding your thoughts and planning. For maps where I think might become huge, I will use digital means for the expanding canvas and organization. Thanks for sharing your tips!
Do you put this comment on every mind map UA-cam? Copy/paste? Why?
Great video. I’ve been using mind mapping since the late 70s, switching to digital when Mind Manager came out, though XMind is my current tool. Mind mapping has helped me solve/manage/create hundreds of problems, projects, articles, etc. I even used it to write articles on mind mapping
Content A+, Length A+, Presentation A+. Thank you for this well-done, concise presentation.
Thank you so much!
Great Vid Bro - No doubt you're smashing it, as you made this 2 years ago
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.
Nice job ! Good delivery, easy to follow and understand, very articulate. I would engage you as a Consultant if I ever need. Good content. Thanks for not wasting my time !
I appreciate that Matt. Time is the most valuable thing we have. I want to make the most of yours. Thank you for leaving such a kind comment my friend 🙏🏼
Excellent tutorial! You are cleat, articulate & engaging. Thanks, Sheng.
Great video - thanks for making it for us! I'm excited to try it on my work and personal projects!
Thank you! Let me know how it goes!
This is inspiring. I used to do mindmapping when taking notes during meetings.
How do you achieve that?
Great! Your presentation was clear and concise. I apply mind maps to articulate concepts, and they prove beneficial in problem-solving and addressing issues within a value stream map.
Thank you for the positive feedback! I'm thrilled to hear you found it clear and concise. It's particularly interesting to learn about your application of Mind Maps to articulate concepts, especially within the context of problem-solving and addressing issues in value stream mapping.
I deeply appreciate your insight on how you personally leverage Mind Maps. Their versatility and effectiveness in organizing thoughts and fostering a deeper understanding of complex issues never cease to amaze me.
Your approach to integrating mind maps into your workflow, I'm sure, is inspiring to others.So thank you, again, for sharing.
It's exciting to see such practical applications in action.
Hope you got this going - good luck to you!
Best Mindmap explainer I've seen Plus great tips! Thanks 3000!
Really well done Sheng, thank you.
Thank you so much sharing your wonderful knowledge on Mind Mapping
Thanks. It was insightsful & interesting.
Thank you for this very clear video!!
I just looked at that site obsidian. Need to get my head around it though.
Thank you! Easy to follow and understand.
Excellent! Direct and to the point. I use mind maps to help explain concepts and connections to students, it also can be helpful in problem solving and issue within a value stream map. Also very helpful to further my work in this area. Thank You!
You're very welcome Tom! It is indeed a very flexible tool
Very well explained. Thank you
Such a useful and easy to understand video, Sheng. I really appreciate you sharing it. We've just started a new venture with partners, and we'll need this for planning
💯 the start of a new venture is very exciting. Feel free to check out my product design videos in case they’re relevant. I’ll probably make a video on how I mapped out my own new venture mindmapnation.com
Helped with my project thank you!!
Thank you, very clear & informative
You're very welcome! I'm glad to hear that you found the explanation clear and informative. It's always my goal to make sure the information is understandable and useful for everyone. Thanks again for your feedback, and I hope you continue to find value in the content. Happy mind mapping!
Well done! Thanks for sharing.
Nice job! Did you ever do the video on accelerated learning using question-and-answer mind mapping?
Not yet but it's coming!
Wow, that is a great tool. thanks for guiding. Just subscribed and look for more videos.
Great succinct information. Thank you.
You are FANTASTIC!! Thank you so much!!
You are so welcome!
This is brilliant man, thanks for sharing!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This video was exactly what I needed
So helpful thank you so much and you're deliverance is on top handsome 😘😘😘😍
you should check out Taskade for mind maps
Great job on the video. It's so informative and so calming to watch! Just had two questions. How often, during the execution of a project, would you look back at the mind map? Would you make changes to the mind map while executing the project, if so how often would you do this?
Thanks Chiara! Yes and yes. Depending on the project, I will refer back to the map as a blueprint and make sure I'm meeting the original objectives. As I'll show in the upcoming product design videos, I use these maps as a communication and census building tool with my team and will adjust the map based on their feedback.
You're just built different, man
This was super helpful!
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?
Absolutely I use Notability for iPad and it's been a game changer. I'll do a tutorial in the future - thanks for the feedback!
Thank you so much for this!!!
first video for searching about mindmapping, holly, yt actually is good for educating, lol
New sub here. My OCD sincerely thanks you! Keep up the great and positive content it's much appreciated. Have a great day!
Haha yes mind mapping was also the answer to my OCD ;) Enjoy!
Please make video on list function. Only one item can be attached to list, then list freezes.
QUESTION - any really good iPad apps for mid maps that are truly free form? I’m basically looking for Scappl from macOS to run on the iPad
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.
Wow. Wonderful.
fantastic!
Great content and delivery
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.
Wonderful!!!!!
Very good example and useful tips.
Thank you! 😃
Thank you so much ❤ from France
How do you manage details? How specific can be a map? Thx
Hey Domenico, you can be very specific and detailed. Check out my video on product design to see how intricate these maps can be: ua-cam.com/video/8pJ_FxwqVrM/v-deo.html
SimpleMindPro is a great tool for mind mapping on iOS!
impresive
Great great job! Keep it up!!!
can you introduse best mind mapping software for windows and free software too? thanks
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
Thanks for the quality content
Love you dear from india
This is really good!
great information
Awesome!
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!
Which mind map software is that at the start?
iThoughts X
you're really cool youtuber sheng ... cozy office and calm ambience
Thank you Jeid! Haha I just moved and upgraded the office but still has the same ambience
Great content!
Fantastic work.
Many thanks!
Hi sir I have one question how to use this technique in math's
wow, an inspiring content! thanks a lot
we love you bro, make more such videos.
That means a lot to me Paras!
Amazing..
Nice
Good stuff.
Useful! Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
3:50
You are welcome.
Hello sir can you guide to make mind mappen on time management
Let mz guess... The secret is being really good-looking? In all seriousness, great content!
very nice
I still didn't get that :( for example how I can do it for biology?
Hey Yasaman, it depends on what you're trying to do. What problem or project are you trying to solve in bio?
Well said 🥰🥰🥰
is sketchbook fine and not necessarily moleskine?
100% I've actually transitioned to a Travelers Notebook (made a video on that) b/c I also write a lot
I like the way how you presented the topic. Mindmaps doesn’t work for me, they to messi, I always need straight lines and tables. Gave it a chance many times, ist not for me. Thanks
Can I ask here?about the simplemind app,uhmm,.I want to ask if we can make quizzes in simplemind app ?
You’re so handsome!! Can’t take my eyes off you!
Have you had any luck with Apple Notes? Or it not possible?
Unfortunately Apple Notes just doesn't have the flexibility to draw and reformat easily so I use a dedicated hand note taking app on the iPad
Please help me I want to talk you something
This video is beautifully produced with A+ content. I'm glad it was one of the first videos recommended to me for mind mapping!
Fantastic!
@@ShengHuang me too thank you!
❤️ God Bless Mind Map’s Father, Tony Buzan… 😇😇😇😇😇
The content, background music and your style of presenting...perfect ever, You gained another subscriber. Kudos to you.
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!
I don’t know how I missed this, it’s such a wonderful content
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
Glad it was helpful! More coming soon
Nice Shirt!
Thanks!
Sheng, thank you. Your content and style of presenting are of high quality. Keep it up, and let's make the world a better place.
Thanks for dropping by! Let's do it!
Super helpful! This will definitely give me a roadmap to set out my goals in doable, clear steps. Thank you.
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!
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.
Thanks for the amazing content. The most important thing is that we gotta be honest with ourselves when we write down our ideas even it is mind map
That's exactly it. Most of my mind map videos especially the recent one reflects that. ua-cam.com/video/LENzKzW4jZ0/v-deo.html
Just my opinion, Objectives = "Why?", and become 5 W 1 H.
Thanks for sharing, this is Amazing!