Mindmaps for Visual Analysis

[DavidAnderson]

We've received some requests for the mind map template so I wanted to start a thread to both share the template and also find out what techniques you use to layout or brainstorm visual concepts for your courses.

MindMap Template: Download



I know we may not always get to work outside a prescribed template, but when you do, what are some ways you approach the design of custom projects?

Please try and share your best practices and:

• What are some ways you sketch out concept designs?
• Where do you find inspiration (client branding, existing courses, trends, etc)
• What's your process for sharing those designs with your client (thumbnails, PowerPoint slides, build out a few slides, jpgs, hand drawn sketches, etc)
• How does your approach to slide layout design change (more/less white space, tighter layout, pods, etc)
• Image effects, treatments - how are those identified

[Tangential]

I've played with Mindmeister a bit, which is a free mindmapping tool. I have a colleague who also likes Freemind. But I think it can be just as effective to use a tool like Evernote or OneNote as a "canvas" to brainstorm & rearrange ideas & concepts. In fact maybe even more so, because it's so easy to clip and paste colors/images/links etc into the page or section where you're collecting your ideas.

[BrkioDgy]

Hi there, I've got a short question. Does anyone detect a small lag using this forum as soon as they sign in? It takes up to several seconds roughly for me to go to the main web page.

Many thanks
PlemiLlenly

[DavidAnderson]

Hi PlemiLlenly and welcome to the forums!

How long a lag are you experiencing? There's a brief pause, maybe one second, while the forums process your login information. What browser are you using? There is the message that asks you to "click here" if you're not automatically re-directed.

[cyrelle]

For mindmapping, I like Inspiration software.

[lhemeon]

It may sound old fashioned but I'm a whiteboard nut. I map out concepts and storyboards on my very large white board. It's double sided and on wheels so I can use one side for brainstorming and the other to gather what sticks. I transfer it all to PowerPoint, Word or even paper from there so I can keep the initial ideas for later.

I've never tried software or online programs for this outside of the standard MS Office stuff.

[DavidAnderson]

Whiteboards are great! I used to have an extra room in my house that I used for whiteboarding and hanging flipchart paper on the walls. Oh the days before babies:-)

I do more software mindmapping now mostly because of how it fits into my workflow and limited space. That said, any kind of non-linear, idea capturing format is a great way to flush out ideas!

Thanks for sharing!