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Praise for Idea Mapping
"Nast′s work in Idea Mapping enables those with creative minds to clearly lay out their thinking process and those who are more process–minded to become creative. If your organization is looking for a pragmatic, step–by–step guide to idea mapping, this is it."
––Chris Brown, Executive Vice President, DTE Energy Resources
"I have used idea maps for thirty years and have taught MBA students, employees, and my children how to harness their power. I strongly recommend this book and believe you will feel it to be one of the best investments you have ever made in your own growth."
––Stephen C. Lundin, coauthor, FISH!
"This is a book that everyone should read. It′s an interactive, thought–provoking book about the brain and learning that will expand your mind. Nast, an accomplished and well–respected instructor, has guided me into a new realm of learning experiences and possibilities. I′m sure you will feel the same upon reading her insightful work."
––Simon Tai, CEO, Buzan Centre Taiwan and S&J Media Intergration Co. Ltd., Host of News Discovery on NEWS 98 Taiwan
"Nast shows you a revolutionary method to capture your thinking processes. Don′t underestimate the simplicity of idea mapping because therein lies its genius."
––Scott Hagwood, four–time USA Memory Champion, author, Memory Power
"The ability to visually capture and organize thoughts and ideas has enabled millions of people around the world to do their work with greater creativity and productivity, run their businesses more strategically, and manage complex projects more efficiently––even map out a sales process or new product roll–out. Nast′s very practical, readable book will get you quickly up to speed on one of the simplest but most powerful ways to organize your ideas, your work, and yourself."
––Mike Jetter, cofounder and CTO, Mindjet Corporation, coauthor, The Cancer Code
"The principles Nast writes about in Idea Mapping have become a staple for me over the past fourteen years. I was turned onto the concept of idea mapping in 1992 and have been a student and practitioner ever since. This has absolutely transformed the way I learn, design learning, and prepare for public speaking. I have never been more confident in my recall, knowing the content is nicely tucked away in my brain as it was designed to be. Get ready for a life–changing experience for yourself and those you influence."
––Will Flora, Senior Manager, Chick–Fil–A University, Atlanta, GA
"Nast′s work in Idea Mapping enables those with creative minds to clearly lay out their thinking process and those who are more process–minded to become creative. If your organization is looking for a pragmatic, step–by–step guide to idea mapping, this is it."
––Chris Brown, Executive Vice President, DTE Energy Resources
"I have used idea maps for thirty years and have taught MBA students, employees, and my children how to harness their power. I strongly recommend this book and believe you will feel it to be one of the best investments you have ever made in your own growth."
––Stephen C. Lundin, coauthor, FISH!
"This is a book that everyone should read. It′s an interactive, thought–provoking book about the brain and learning that will expand your mind. Nast, an accomplished and well–respected instructor, has guided me into a new realm of learning experiences and possibilities. I′m sure you will feel the same upon reading her insightful work."
––Simon Tai, CEO, Buzan Centre Taiwan and S&J Media Intergration Co. Ltd., Host of News Discovery on NEWS 98 Taiwan
"Nast shows you a revolutionary method to capture your thinking processes. Don′t underestimate the simplicity of idea mapping because therein lies its genius."
––Scott Hagwood, four–time USA Memory Champion, author, Memory Power
"The ability to visually capture and organize thoughts and ideas has enabled millions of people around the world to do their work with greater creativity and productivity, run their businesses more strategically, and manage complex projects more efficiently––even map out a sales process or new product roll–out. Nast′s very practical, readable book will get you quickly up to speed on one of the simplest but most powerful ways to organize your ideas, your work, and yourself."
––Mike Jetter, cofounder and CTO, Mindjet Corporation, coauthor, The Cancer Code
"The principles Nast writes about in Idea Mapping have become a staple for me over the past fourteen years. I was turned onto the concept of idea mapping in 1992 and have been a student and practitioner ever since. This has absolutely transformed the way I learn, design learning, and prepare for public speaking. I have never been more confident in my recall, knowing the content is nicely tucked away in my brain as it was designed to be. Get ready for a life–changing experience for yourself and those you influence."
––Will Flora, Senior Manager, Chick–Fil–A University, Atlanta, GA
From the Inside Flap
In this busy world, we′re constantly asked to do more in less time. But how do you cope with the pressure? Idea mapping is the answer. It′s an effective and revolutionary tool that enables you to meet the demands of life and work by improving your ability to plan, think, and learn.
Designed to help you use more of your brainpower with less effort, an idea map is a colorful visual representation of a particular issue, problem, or idea—among other applications—on a single piece of paper. Our brains are much better at absorbing, processing, and remembering information presented in the form of an idea map as opposed to information presented in a multi–linear document. Because idea maps represent facts and issues visually—engaging both hemispheres of the brain—they foster more efficient learning, enable you to approach problems more creatively, and help you think more systematically.
Author Jamie Nast has trained thousands of people at dozens of high–profile organizations on using idea maps. In Idea Mapping, she explains how you can apply the power of idea maps to your professional life—helping you and your teams plan better, increase productivity, organize complex information, save time, and develop new ideas and solutions.
To guide your way, this book includes actual idea maps created and used by twenty–one businesspeople from around the globe—as well as other handy resources you′ll find on the CD–ROM. Nast explains the rules and logic of idea mapping and leads you through every step of the idea mapping process. She begins with simple idea maps and moves onto the more complex maps, while showing you how to understand and utilize idea maps to get the most benefit from them. In order to maximize the effectiveness of your maps, as well as your thinking, Nast guides you in overcoming potential obstacles when learning this valuable skill. More than just the theory of idea mapping, she provides a multitude of specific examples from which readers can gather ideas to begin practicing their own idea mapping skills.
The idea map is the ultimate tool for achieving more in business and in life. Whether you′re an overwhelmed businessperson, an overworked entrepreneur, or someone who just wants to solve problems better and faster, Idea Mapping is a perfect tool for anyone who wants to work more efficiently—and succeed more spectacularly.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Frankly, I regret to point out that this book is a just another 'how-to' mind-mapping book. Essentially, it's no different from what Tony Buzan or Vanda North or Joyce Wycoff had written earlier.
Except for one: The author has fully incorporated the use of MindManager software to go with it. Undoubtedly, MindManager can expedite the mind-mapping process. [With all the available third-party add-ons, MindManager is really a godsend!]. In some way, you can say reading this book is like reading any of Tony Buzan's mind-mapping books, syntopically with the 'MindManager for Dummies' book! In reality, this book is not ground-breaking & does not offer any new insights into idea generation.
I must add, however, for a beginner into techno-savvy mind-mapping, this book is still great stuff. I also want to compliment the author for listing out a series of 28 mind-mapping applications & suggested practice activities in the Idea Mapping Menu at the end pages!. For beginners, this is obviously a very good place to start.
My only adverse comment about mind-mapping as envisioned by Tony Buzan & his staunch followers is that every topical idea must seemingly take a radial approach & commence from the centre. This book doggedly follows the same approach.
Nancy Marguiles, in her debut book, Mapping Innerspace, during the early eighties, took a radical departure from the Buzan routine. She created 'mind-scaping' - your topical idea can start from anywhere you like - which I thought is really great!.
To some extent, 'Idea-mapping' as the book title is quite a misnomer. It is obvious to me that the author has a somewhat narrow perspective, arising from her only chosen exposure to Buzan's mindmapping routines & the MindManager software.
A truly 'idea-mapping' book should provide readers with a smorgasbord of options to go beyond traditional mind-mapping &/or just MindManager alone. To illustrate a quick point, 'mind-scaping' routines appear exceptionally wonderful with SmartDraw (with its abundant templates & cliparts) or even Microsoft Visio.
'Concept mapping' routines, with the topical idea starting from the super-ordinate hierarchy as postulated by Joseph Novak, & 'causal loop diagramming' routines (from the field of systems thinking) are pieces of cake with 'Inspiration' software. 'Fish-bone diagramming' & 'flow-charting' (which are other forms of idea-mapping) with either 'Inspiration' or 'SmartDraw' softwares are some good examples. There are too numerous other software examples to cover in this review. [For readers who are visual thinkers with a high propensity towards conceptual modeling, I would even suggest the AXON Idea Processor. It has an impressive 3-D modeling capability, with a 500-level depth migration. Incidentally, it's also a Singaporean thoroughbred!]
In the course of my work, I have come across a lot of followers who are simply indoctrinated by the mindsets of mind-mapping as envisioned by Tony Buzan.
I would like to share with readers the true power & value of idea-mapping:
An idea-map is just a visual tool to jot down & organise ideas & then use it to generate more insights, irrespective whether they are from reading a book or just stretching your brain for a change. This is the initial response. Once this map is drawn up- with or without software -, it's just an exploded-view or expanded view (map) of what you have just captured. Period! Most kids at primary school level can do it very well.
After the idea- map is done, you step back, take a helicopter view & reflect on it by seeing the bigger & broader picture as well as from the systemic relationships between what has been written or drawn on the map. You then add to or may even subtract from the map. A lot of thinking (& reflection) on your part goes into this stage. Tactically, you also cross-pollinate from what you have read elsewhere as well as from your own &/or other peoples' experiences. This is what I call the reflective response.
Lastly, comes the final response, with which you integrate (or internalise) what you have done in the initial & reflective responses, into what you are thinking &/or planning to do. The resultant outcome is your assimilative response. Using another lingo, this is your strategic model. This is where the actual value of an idea map is primarily located! Not in the beautiful map - with or without software - you have drawn in the first place! (I also note that a lot of Buzan followers simply love to spend time & effort in beautifying their maps! This is really crazy!)
I love to call this end-point process the 'water logic' of idea generation, to borrow a phrase from Edward de bono.
The true value or ROI of an idea-map is WHERE IT LEADS YOU TO.
Of course, having a beautifully drawn or crafted idea-map is good for the ego - looking good, but going nowhere!
Just as I have said earlier, this book has really great stuff for the beginner into techno-savvy mind-mapping. But, please don't just stop here because life as well as business issues are never centralised. So, keep exploring! The world is full of possibilities!
To summarise my review, the author, regrettably with all her good intentions, did not focus on the true power & value of idea-mapping in this book.
Except for one: The author has fully incorporated the use of MindManager software to go with it. Undoubtedly, MindManager can expedite the mind-mapping process. [With all the available third-party add-ons, MindManager is really a godsend!]. In some way, you can say reading this book is like reading any of Tony Buzan's mind-mapping books, syntopically with the 'MindManager for Dummies' book! In reality, this book is not ground-breaking & does not offer any new insights into idea generation.
I must add, however, for a beginner into techno-savvy mind-mapping, this book is still great stuff. I also want to compliment the author for listing out a series of 28 mind-mapping applications & suggested practice activities in the Idea Mapping Menu at the end pages!. For beginners, this is obviously a very good place to start.
My only adverse comment about mind-mapping as envisioned by Tony Buzan & his staunch followers is that every topical idea must seemingly take a radial approach & commence from the centre. This book doggedly follows the same approach.
Nancy Marguiles, in her debut book, Mapping Innerspace, during the early eighties, took a radical departure from the Buzan routine. She created 'mind-scaping' - your topical idea can start from anywhere you like - which I thought is really great!.
To some extent, 'Idea-mapping' as the book title is quite a misnomer. It is obvious to me that the author has a somewhat narrow perspective, arising from her only chosen exposure to Buzan's mindmapping routines & the MindManager software.
A truly 'idea-mapping' book should provide readers with a smorgasbord of options to go beyond traditional mind-mapping &/or just MindManager alone. To illustrate a quick point, 'mind-scaping' routines appear exceptionally wonderful with SmartDraw (with its abundant templates & cliparts) or even Microsoft Visio.
'Concept mapping' routines, with the topical idea starting from the super-ordinate hierarchy as postulated by Joseph Novak, & 'causal loop diagramming' routines (from the field of systems thinking) are pieces of cake with 'Inspiration' software. 'Fish-bone diagramming' & 'flow-charting' (which are other forms of idea-mapping) with either 'Inspiration' or 'SmartDraw' softwares are some good examples. There are too numerous other software examples to cover in this review. [For readers who are visual thinkers with a high propensity towards conceptual modeling, I would even suggest the AXON Idea Processor. It has an impressive 3-D modeling capability, with a 500-level depth migration. Incidentally, it's also a Singaporean thoroughbred!]
In the course of my work, I have come across a lot of followers who are simply indoctrinated by the mindsets of mind-mapping as envisioned by Tony Buzan.
I would like to share with readers the true power & value of idea-mapping:
An idea-map is just a visual tool to jot down & organise ideas & then use it to generate more insights, irrespective whether they are from reading a book or just stretching your brain for a change. This is the initial response. Once this map is drawn up- with or without software -, it's just an exploded-view or expanded view (map) of what you have just captured. Period! Most kids at primary school level can do it very well.
After the idea- map is done, you step back, take a helicopter view & reflect on it by seeing the bigger & broader picture as well as from the systemic relationships between what has been written or drawn on the map. You then add to or may even subtract from the map. A lot of thinking (& reflection) on your part goes into this stage. Tactically, you also cross-pollinate from what you have read elsewhere as well as from your own &/or other peoples' experiences. This is what I call the reflective response.
Lastly, comes the final response, with which you integrate (or internalise) what you have done in the initial & reflective responses, into what you are thinking &/or planning to do. The resultant outcome is your assimilative response. Using another lingo, this is your strategic model. This is where the actual value of an idea map is primarily located! Not in the beautiful map - with or without software - you have drawn in the first place! (I also note that a lot of Buzan followers simply love to spend time & effort in beautifying their maps! This is really crazy!)
I love to call this end-point process the 'water logic' of idea generation, to borrow a phrase from Edward de bono.
The true value or ROI of an idea-map is WHERE IT LEADS YOU TO.
Of course, having a beautifully drawn or crafted idea-map is good for the ego - looking good, but going nowhere!
Just as I have said earlier, this book has really great stuff for the beginner into techno-savvy mind-mapping. But, please don't just stop here because life as well as business issues are never centralised. So, keep exploring! The world is full of possibilities!
To summarise my review, the author, regrettably with all her good intentions, did not focus on the true power & value of idea-mapping in this book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I've been impressed by Jamie Nast and her philosophy of Idea Mapping. I especially like the concept that you can put a complex idea on one page, and Jamie is running with it. I don't know about you, but I'd rather see a business plan on one gorgeous map than 50 droning pages. I'm also happy that Jamie considers software a legitimate venue for mapping (I especially like MindManager, which Jamie endorses at her website). A resource idea mappers at all levels need to checkout.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a most accessible book. Almost by stealth, it introduces people to a very powerful personal and business tool. Idea mapping can help put the fun and creativity back into work - and open your mind to a technique to access ideas you didn't know you had.
The book takes an evolutionary approach to teaching mapping. Concepts and rules are introduced, examples given and lessons reinforced - then on to the next concept. Happily it's in plain English, with no business consultant-speak, and is easy to read and comprehend. Rules are introduced at the beginning to help the novice get started - later on these are overturned as experts are encouraged to be flexible and take account of the situations they are in and the purpose of their maps.
The focus is very much on business applications of the tool. Guidance is given on how to approach creativity, strategy definition, planning, preparation for presentations, planning and drafting articles and papers, organising your schedule and even 1-1 meetings with staff. One of the most powerful applications of idea mapping is in learning and memorising information, books and manuals - whether simply to help retain more for day-day application or for passing professional exams or achieving certification. Maps provide visual clues to aid memory and readers are encouraged to embelish their maps with colour and images to enhance retention and recall.
What really makes the difference here is the inclusion of many real life examples. These are not dusty academic references but actual maps produced by real people to help them achieve more in real life business situations. More examples can be found on the author's website - extending the value of the book.
One of the recurring themes throughout is to consider the purpose of a map before you start it. Often maps will be fast and furious scribbles by way of an instant brainstorm, such as last minute preparation for an imminent meeting. At other times they will be developed with care, full of colour and images, as an aid to learning and recall.
Jamie Nast also introduces us to situations where maps need to be refined, developed and shared - and for which mapping software is a must. Advice is given on how to choose your software, the benefits and concerns and when and how to use.
Elsewhere in the book Jamie also explains how teams can use mapping collaboratively. A software tool is invaluable for such work. As a professional facilitator, I use software idea mapping with my groups. The map is projected onto a wall and ideas are captured, reviewed, restructured and so on interactively until the group are happy. Because the map is captured electronically it can be distributed immediately after the session as a map or exported into a text file, presentation or project plan.
Jamie also gives us a tool to help with group brainstorming. If you have caught the increasing number of articles on 'why brainstorming does not work', you'll know that getting every person to shout out every idea they have is unrealistic. Idea mapping offers a perfect solution where the brainstorm begins with individuals getting their thoughts down on paper before sharing with the group.
As mentioned earlier, idea mapping puts mind mapping firmly in the realm of business. In addition to being a tool to help organisations and teams, it is also a personal tool which managers use to identify and review their personal goals, manage their schedules and prepare their individual plans and presentations. Many of us are becoming increasingly aware of the inter-relationship between work and the rest of our lives (Doh!). There are examples given in the book of how people have assessed their careers and life goals using these techniques.
This book offers real encouragement to people to try the technique and access the creativity and fun they could experience in even the crustiest of workplaces. It's easy to learn following Jamie's well thought out step-by-step guide. Inspiration is offered by the many real life examples included - all of which can be viewed in colour on Jamie's web site. I have come across people at work who have seen mind mapping as something to be used by creative, clever people. You don't have to be clever to use idea mapping but you might become so if you do.
The book takes an evolutionary approach to teaching mapping. Concepts and rules are introduced, examples given and lessons reinforced - then on to the next concept. Happily it's in plain English, with no business consultant-speak, and is easy to read and comprehend. Rules are introduced at the beginning to help the novice get started - later on these are overturned as experts are encouraged to be flexible and take account of the situations they are in and the purpose of their maps.
The focus is very much on business applications of the tool. Guidance is given on how to approach creativity, strategy definition, planning, preparation for presentations, planning and drafting articles and papers, organising your schedule and even 1-1 meetings with staff. One of the most powerful applications of idea mapping is in learning and memorising information, books and manuals - whether simply to help retain more for day-day application or for passing professional exams or achieving certification. Maps provide visual clues to aid memory and readers are encouraged to embelish their maps with colour and images to enhance retention and recall.
What really makes the difference here is the inclusion of many real life examples. These are not dusty academic references but actual maps produced by real people to help them achieve more in real life business situations. More examples can be found on the author's website - extending the value of the book.
One of the recurring themes throughout is to consider the purpose of a map before you start it. Often maps will be fast and furious scribbles by way of an instant brainstorm, such as last minute preparation for an imminent meeting. At other times they will be developed with care, full of colour and images, as an aid to learning and recall.
Jamie Nast also introduces us to situations where maps need to be refined, developed and shared - and for which mapping software is a must. Advice is given on how to choose your software, the benefits and concerns and when and how to use.
Elsewhere in the book Jamie also explains how teams can use mapping collaboratively. A software tool is invaluable for such work. As a professional facilitator, I use software idea mapping with my groups. The map is projected onto a wall and ideas are captured, reviewed, restructured and so on interactively until the group are happy. Because the map is captured electronically it can be distributed immediately after the session as a map or exported into a text file, presentation or project plan.
Jamie also gives us a tool to help with group brainstorming. If you have caught the increasing number of articles on 'why brainstorming does not work', you'll know that getting every person to shout out every idea they have is unrealistic. Idea mapping offers a perfect solution where the brainstorm begins with individuals getting their thoughts down on paper before sharing with the group.
As mentioned earlier, idea mapping puts mind mapping firmly in the realm of business. In addition to being a tool to help organisations and teams, it is also a personal tool which managers use to identify and review their personal goals, manage their schedules and prepare their individual plans and presentations. Many of us are becoming increasingly aware of the inter-relationship between work and the rest of our lives (Doh!). There are examples given in the book of how people have assessed their careers and life goals using these techniques.
This book offers real encouragement to people to try the technique and access the creativity and fun they could experience in even the crustiest of workplaces. It's easy to learn following Jamie's well thought out step-by-step guide. Inspiration is offered by the many real life examples included - all of which can be viewed in colour on Jamie's web site. I have come across people at work who have seen mind mapping as something to be used by creative, clever people. You don't have to be clever to use idea mapping but you might become so if you do.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Idea Mapping - fantastic! Tracey Berry
A fantastic book that helps improve productivity and use less brainpower. It helped me to learn faster using idea maps. Read more
Published on 30 Jan 2007 by The Learning Consortium
Idea Mapping is a must have!
If you want to learn how to organise yourself super efficiently, think far more creatively and drastically improve your ability to do business and manage your personal life this... Read more
Published on 26 Jan 2007 by Ms. S. J. Brown
Idea Mapping
I have had the pleasure of working with Jamie for the past 14 years.
I have seen her taking tired, disillusioned and highly sceptical people and gently show that there... Read more
I have seen her taking tired, disillusioned and highly sceptical people and gently show that there... Read more
Published on 10 Jan 2007 by Vanda North
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