Create an idea map for your project

Why idea mapping works

Mind mapping resources
The Power Of Mind Mapping by Dan Woods
Theory Behind Mind Maps
Mappio.com
Take a look at this site to see how people use maps. Click on Featured Mind Maps to sort by Popular, Featured or Recent. Look at both hand-drawn and software generated, and think about which you want to try. You can view many more maps at Google Images.

How to do it

If you're using software, sign up for a free account. If you're drawing by hand, get colored pen
If you're using software, sign up for a free account. If you're drawing by hand, get colored pencils or crayons so you get full benefit from the process (and make art).
- Map your idea in as much detail as you need to
- Make new versions as you get clearer on how to organize your thoughts
- Use color, images, arrows, codes
- Share a version of your map in the project milestones
Make your map
Upload a .jpg, .gif or .png of your map. (If you are concerned about intellectual property, you could take out some detail in the version you post.)

Q&A and feedback on maps

Share your idea map
Post your map on the class project page for feedback from peers and teacher.

From idea map to action plan

PM resources
Quick review of both processes:
Work Breakdown Structure
Task Dependencies

Additional Resources

Project Prep

Mindmapping for project planning

If you're analyzing a project, your class map will most likely be task-oriented. This article gives important preliminary considerations to include when planning big projects, especially on the job.

How to Create a Work Breakdown Structure by Stanley Portny

This short article outlines the basic steps to break your project into manageable tasks. Your map essentially is a work breakdown structure, a key project management tool that we’ll cover in the lecture three.

Goal setting and life planning by Gideon King

If you're project focuses on goal setting or life planning, this excellent article will give you food for thought. Click on the images to expand them, and see how he approaches his planning from different perspectives.

Mind Mapping Software

Hand drawing maps uses more cortical resources and fine motor skills, and it’s fun and creative.

If you want to use software, there’s a lot to choose from. This blog reviews the major ones. Most have free trials, and some have sophisticated project management features.

I suggest trying one of these free applications. Learn the technique, then decide if you want to invest in more features.

Mindmeister (web-based, mobile. I'll use this to demo)

Mindomo (web-based)

Wisemapping (web-based)

XMind (free download)

Sam Suh

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