Showler - Uses of Idea Mapping and Mind Mapping

Showler - Introduction Presentation for Idea Mapping or Mind Mapping

Showler - To Do Idea Map or Mind Map

Showler - Idea Map or Mind Map of Corporate Vision

Showler 7 Habits - Smaller

Showler - The Secret

Debbie Showler is a CIMI (Certified Idea Mapping Instructor) and a Principal Instructor for the Masters Certificate Program taught by Atocrates, Inc.from Whitby, Ontario.

Today I want to encourage those of you who are newer to Idea Mapping. I realize many of the examples shared in this blog are very beautiful and it can be frustrating as a beginner if you set some of these examples as your standard. My idea maps pale in comparison to some of these. You have to remember that the most important thing is that your maps are functional for the purpose leading you to create them. That being said, everyone develops a style that emerges over time. So let’s take Debbie as an example.

The attached idea maps from Debbie are in a sequential order over time.  The top map was created in 1992. You can see that it’s mostly black and white. The lines are straight, few images and some of the writing is upside down. The second example created that same year included color, but still not many images.

Many idea maps later example #3 begins to show what is now closer to her emerging style. This “to do” map was from 1993.  Debbie’s forth example came hundreds of maps later. What’s special about this one is that it uses more images than words. This was used as the primary communication tool to share and support this organization’s corporate vision. Copies of this map were then distributed to the team members.

The next map was a summary of an article about Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits. It has amazing detail and combines words and imagery beautifully. I can’t remember what year this was, but I’m going to guess it was 2005. Finally the last example was created while she watched an Oprah show titled “The Secret Behind the Secret.” What’s so exciting about this one is that it was created live — right as the show was happening. Click on the map to see an enlarged view and you can see the details.

So as you do more mapping keep some of those you did early in your learning process and enjoy watching your style unfold.

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