What is Mind Mapping?

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Mind Mapping, what is it?

Mind mapping definition: It’s a tool for creative thinking. It can be used to brainstorm and present different ideas visually. It was born out of the outdated process of taking notes. Mind mapping has become much easier with the advent of technology and software improvements. The human brain uses mind mapping daily. These maps help organize data and information that is cluttered and connect ideas to solve a problem.

Mind mapping examples always start with a central idea or main subject. These diagrams can be used to show tasks, items, concepts, words, and other information that is not linear. It is possible to transform monotonous information into a colorful, memorable diagram that requires less brain effort to remember and retain. It allows for flexibility in the addition of an idea at any stage.

The Six Sigma Mind Mapping definition can be applied to many different industries. Each uses a distinct set of quality improvement tools and process control instruments. Some use Ishikawa diagrams, Pareto charts, Decision trees and Gantt charts, while others use Flow charts.

How does it work?

Your map’s cornerstone is your central theme or topic. Your main supporting themes should be linked to it. To spread your ideas, you can add sub-themes.

You can use Mapping in all your Six Sigma projects. It allows you to see the real situation and identify the possible issues. Six Sigma Mind Mapping can be used to:

Identify waste

Identify the complexity of your project and the process

Determine the steps that can be taken to improve the project

Identify the core team as well as the department that is involved

Why should you use Mind Mapping?

Our brain can remember and think in color and image. Mind mapping connects the left brain, which focuses on logic, numbers, and words, to the right brain, which is creative. The brain works by connecting the right and left sides. Mind mapping uses images, keywords, and color to increase brain power and improve creativity.

Mapping benefits:

  • It makes organizing and planning easier
  • Experts are easy to reach
  • It allows you to quickly generate organic ideas.
  • From day one, team members remain focused and aligned with project objectives.
  • Keeps team members engaged and motivated throughout the project
  • Problem-solving in groups keeps teams connected
  • The perfect sequence between the desired outcome and the actual actions is maintained.

How to make a Mind Map

You can use a variety of tools to create your map. It is easier to understand when various parts are linked and connected.

These are some of the most important principles in mind mapping:

  • Lines are the most important part of mind mapping examples. They help to link your thoughts together and provide structure for the final decision. The picture will appear like a giant mesh without lines. The lines help you to follow a logical path. Critical thinking refers to creating a clear overview that allows the brain to follow the flow of a mind map.
  • Bullets are used to organize your thoughts into subcategories and categories. A mind map shows that there is one main topic and one sub-topic. These bullets are naturally related to the main category. A bullet can reduce the number of lines and spheres while still maintaining a good structure. This reduces clutter and simplifies the mind map.
  • A mind map begins with simple notes on paper. You may not know where to start your journey. It might be necessary to change the headlines around and experiment with different combinations to find the right structure.
  • The human mind adapts quickly to the structure and system of a mind map, regardless of whether you’re learning or using it. Using color to separate various categories is always a clever idea. It’s easier to comprehend and identify distinct categories if the mind map is colorful.
  • During mind mapping, our consciousness constantly analyzes the connections between things. Once this is complete, the mind creates an image that represents the structure. The brain links various subjects together to create a system.
  • The brain is more able to retain images and pictures. The brain has a large photo album that can be retrieved at any time. Mind mapping is a critical component of which pictures are a crucial part. It’s always easier to remember pictures than long lines.
What is Mind Mapping?
Mind Mapping Examples, Mind Mapping Tools; Mind Mapping Definition

Mind Mapping Tools

These tools can be used during the brainstorming phase, they help organize all your team’s ideas regarding what should be included, what risks are involved, what scopes and limitations exist, and more.

Mind Mapping Tools – Thought Map (TPM)

This is a Six Sigma Tool that focuses on gathering all the questions needed to determine the best process improvement project. Thought Process Map represents the visual representation of team members’ thoughts for moving forward through DMAIC.

Mind mapping examples can also be used to explain the root cause analysis. It uses all five whys and supports each element visually using the Cause-and-Effect Diagram.

Mind Mapping example
Mind Mapping Examples, Mind Mapping Tools;
Mind Mapping Definition

Mind Mapping Tools – The project teams

Six Sigma requires that every problem be assigned to a project team. A team usually consists of 15 to 20 people. Each team member has the responsibility of keeping track of the key ideas that were generated during a meeting. They also need to keep an eye on the progress and update the group. Each member of the team uses mind mapping to track their progress.

Each team has one person who is responsible for keeping notes and actively participating in meetings. A mind map is used to give instant feedback to team members about their thinking processes when details are projected on the big screen.

The note-taking method allows members to quickly correct errors and edit the meeting as it progresses. Mind mapping is dynamic and allows team members to refine their thinking processes and redefine the strategy during the live session.

When creating a map, you’ll want to begin from the inside out and then expand to the outside, that way it’s easier to see the bigger picture when it’s presented.

Each branch expands to provide more information about the project, and any other required information.

Mind Mapping Tool – DMAIC – The Problem Solver

This is a data-driven improvement cycle that is used as the core tool for Six Sigma projects but can also be used daily. DMAIC stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. These are the components of the five phases.

  1. Define- The first phase focuses on defining customers, goals, problems, and the core business model. This stage determines the project’s focus and flow and determines the direction in which the project will go, the limitations of the project, the process and the scope for improvement and enhancement of the project. 
  2. Measure- This step focuses on process performance. Performance of both the entire system and team is the key to process performance. This phase uses Pareto charts to measure the frequency of defects or problems occurring.
  3. Analyze- RCA (Root Cause Analysis), and FMEA (Failure Mode, Effect Analysis) are the most used tools in this phase, they allow you to dig into the root cause of the error. It helps to identify the potential causes of service or process failure. Multivariable charts can help you identify separate ways to improve your process. You can also apply different variations to the process for further improvement.
  4. Enhance/Improve- Design of Experimentation and Kaizen are the best tools to help a project improve. DOE can solve complex problems, processes, and systems. It isolates the factors that could influence the project’s outcome. Kaizen allows for rapid system changes and creates a motivating work environment.
  5. Control- Among the many other methods that support quality control and overall control in a project, are Mistake proofing devices and a Quality Control Plan. It allows you to immediately see the errors marked so you can go ahead and fix them as soon as possible. Other tools allow for visual control and monitoring of process behavior.

In conclusion

The mind mapping definition? It’s simply a way to maximize the ability to remember and learn from what we already have. It is a way to capture the steps and ideas in a way that is easy to explain or to identify potential problems.

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