Mind mapping is when we create a map of the mind in regard to a subject. It’s about documenting the way our thought process runs when we think about a topic. For instance, if I say water, you could immediately associate it with a river or the rain. Then, it can branch off into how the rain supplies the ground with water that the trees soak up.
Mind mapping can be an effective productivity tool. If your brain is making connections a particular way, so is someone else’s. This is a good way to figure out what the consumer wants. And so, you can use mind mapping for effective project management. How? Let’s find out.
How to make a mind map
First, let’s make a mind map on paper. We will transfer it into a mind mapping management tool like Clovine soon.
- Take a piece of paper. Write down or draw the central theme of the project in the middle of the paper.
- Link branches to the central theme, focusing on ideas that immediately come to mind in association with it.
- From the new branches, create more branches with ideas related to it.
- If there are branches that relate to one another, link them up.
Your first mind map diagram will be complete in no time.
If you are having trouble with associations, we suggest curving your lines a bit. As opposed to straight ones, curved branches keep your brain stimulated. It might also be a good idea to color the branches.
Color code the branches according to the nature of the task. You will also have an easier time linking one branch of an idea to another.
Once you have the mind map, it’s time to begin project management.
Best Mind Mapping For Effective Project Management
1.Find a good mind mapping tool
There are all kinds of mind mapping software on the internet. We will recommend going with Clovine since it’s a project management mind mapping tool.
They have a simpler and effective system. You get proper graphics with clear color coding for completed tasks. The colors are different for those that in progress, waiting, or have an error.
2.Create a task list
Look at the mind map you made on paper. At present, they are all ideas. What can you do with those ideas? Turn them into actions. Think about how the ideas can be structured into a task to complete the project.
Then, create the project inside Clovine. Name every task related to the project. This should include everything- from the research stage to the design and progress report.
3.Switch to mind map view
Once you have the entire list ready, it is time to switch to mind map view. The mind map view on Clovine is the same branch view you made on paper. However, it is more organized- the same way the task list you made on the software happens to be.
The branch begins huge and then veers off as each task is finished. There is only one branch at the last task.
This view is better for your brain. You have a clear progress table of how your team will go about tackling the project.
4.Use the task finder
Perhaps you want to group tasks together. Alternatively, you might want to assign a member of your team a similar set of tasks.
The task finder is effective in this regard. You can search by the task name. Then, when a similar set of tasks appear, you can assign it to the same person.
5.Show the mind map to the team
Presentation is a key part of any project. This is the part where you get to clear the scope of the project and what it would require to complete it. A mind map view of the project where we have the entire list of tasks. Additionally, a clear link to who is on which task. This will certainly get your team’s attention.
They would know what they would have to do and within what timeframe. During the presentation, the team members can also let you know if they would rather work on some other task. The mind map view would make it easy for them to get a clear idea of their role and how much responsibility they want to take.
6.Add resources to each task
Mind mapping a task is also a great way to separate information sources. Instead of uploading all research material into a folder, link each set of resources to the task related to it. This is neater and everyone knows where to look when they are in need of extra information.
Final Thoughts
Creating a mind mapping is easy. Once you have the mind map, it’s a matter of structuring it in a way that suits a project. Don’t forget to put a proper due date on every task for the project.
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