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Brainstorming. Mind Mapping Method.

In mind mapping ideas are suggested and recorded in visual format around the topic under discussion. Mind maps tend to be best when drawn-out roughly by hand during a brainstorming session, at a later time, the ideas can be redrafted into a cleaner, clearer format. The key ideas suggested are usually directly linked to the central topic, with related ideas branching out from the key ideas.

Colors can be applied to highlight different concepts, for example the topic under consideration, the key ideas and the related ideas may be given individual colors, alternatively, colors can relate to particular streams of thought.

Brainstorming. Mind Mapping Method.

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The power of mind mapping is that it facilitates a visualization of the topic under discussion, versus an approach where ideas are just purely recorded in a text format. The power of the mind map can be enhanced, where simple drawings, diagrams or pictures are included. For example, maybe the 6M’s are used as a basis for encouraging ideas i.e. method, machine, environment (mother nature), human (man), materials and measurement and these could become the basis for 6 key ideas. Then simple drawings or pictures of a machine, the environment, people, …etc., could be added onto the mind map to make a greater visual impact.

 

Advantages and disadvantages of Mind Mapping when applied to a Brainstorming exercise.

Mind mapping allows the fast collection of ideas which are in some way related to each other, it is not necessary to write down a clear description, just write up prompts or a quick sketch of the idea and allow the brainstorm exercise to rapidly continue.

Mind mapping allows easier association between concepts and ideas. Just draw a link between two or more ideas. The strength of association can be emphasized by enhancing the links or by gathering ideas together. For example, if the team feel they are focusing in on a root cause of a problem they can seek to further delve into the ideas already suggested and add further possible ideas / suggestions.

People find it easier to understand a discussion when presented in visual format, versus for example a notice board of “post-it” stickers. Ideas already suggested can be easily recalled and understood and lead to a new renewed set of further idea generation.

Mind mapping also tends to create a more relaxed team interaction, where the act of drawing ideas builds towards a positive team experience, where all involved feel empowered to actively participate.

A drawback of mind mapping is that ideas can be recorded that may be vague, this can become a problem when the ideas need to be further analyzed and the ideas suggested may need to be revisited to understand exactly what was being suggested. However, this problem can arise in any form of brainstorm exercise and is not unique to mind mapping.

TQM Tools and Techniques Full Details

Quality Improvement Techniques



Information & Training. | Total Quality Management Tools and Techniques …

        • Continuous improvement utilizing Analytical Techniques.
        • Brainstorming
        • 5 why’s analysis
        • Process Flow Diagrams/Flowcharts/Process Mapping
        • Check sheets /Check Lists
        • Run charts
        • Histograms
        • Scatter Diagrams/Scatter Plot
        • Cause and Effect/Fishbone/Ishikawa Diagrams
        • Identifying sources & causes of variation
        • Control/Shewart Charts/DPU Charts
        • Cpk and Ppk Analysis
        • Pareto Analysis
        • Bottleneck Analysis
        • Benchmarking
        • FMEA
        • FTA
        • HAZOP
        • PDCA/DMAIC/DMADV
        • SIPOC
        • Etc. Etc.
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