fun with maps

Been thinking a lot about Mind Mapping recently. Partly because it's been a popular meme. Started by Jeremy Deller winning the Turner Prize.

But then picked up by journalists very quickly, because they're always looking for ways to add something visual to dry, complex stories. And MindMaps do it very well.

So here's the Times explaining relationships inside the Labour Party:

And here's the FT trying to make an engaging visual out of the broadcasting industry:

My favourite MindMapping tool is Inspiration. They think about the learning needs of kids and I find that anything designed for kids works well with advertising people. (Kidpix is a great example. Remember KidPix? - used to be much better than PowerPoint).

I use Inspiration for thinking and presenting. And it's great for making a brainstorming appear productive.

And I've just downloaded The Brain and started playing with that. Looks interesting, if a little high-powered.

There's a great resource here which links to all kinds of thinking tools like these.

And over at City Of Sound, there's a great post about mapping music. Fascinating stuff.

Comments

[Gareth]

Mark Lombardi does some great stuff as well on politics, conspiracy theories, etc.
http://www.pierogi2000.com/flatfile/lombardi.html

[sean]

You're famous: http://www.guardian.co.uk/online/news/0,12597,1384508,00.html

See 'Soapbox' item listing at foot of page.