Why MYmap?
Does this sound familiar? You would like to develop a concept or get a grasp of a subject area. In order to do so, after initial research you write down your ideas in no particular order. Then you enter the relevant items into the computer and arrange them, creating a reasonable structure. Also, you add references and notes. In order to pass your results to others, you finally create a presentation. You enter the same pieces of information multiple times.
There is a better way: MYmap. The software lets the principle of single entry become a reality by integrating the three stages of knowledge management: from (1) brainstorming and developing concepts to (2) organizing and (3) sharing knowledge. You will save time, get a grasp of complex, large amounts of information (and keep it) — and, at the same time, have a powerful decision tool at hand.
The Workflow
- Brainstorming and developing concepts: Begin your work by entering a generic term. It is shown in the center of your document. Add keywords describing the subject, and MYmap connects them to the center by drawing lines. Describe the ideas you have just entered in greater detail, and a tree structure emerges: the map.
- Organizing knowledge: Move elements inappropriately assigned within the logical structure or badly positioned within the graphical layout, delete irrelevant aspects and add ideas not yet captured. MYmap arranges the elements in the map automatically, creates a traditional outline and updates it in real time. Changes to the map affect the outline immediately — and vice versa.
- Sharing knowledge: Pass your work results to others. The on-screen presentation feature contains tools for speeches, such as a way to display comments that are only visible on the host’s screen. Of course, you can also export the traditional outline to your word processor with a few clicks or save your map as an image (for inserting it into a web page, for example).
Even if the stages of knowledge management are generally performed in the order just explained, in no way does MYmap bind you to it. For example, it is of course possible to change the structure and layout of a map even after presenting it.
Your Benefits
- Quick overview: Usage of keywords leads to concentration on the essentials, so you can quickly recall knowledge stored in maps. Your audience can rapidly get a grasp of the basic idea.
- Mental framework: Structurization and hierarchization aid in presenting the relative meaning of a thought and revealing gaps. Interrelated ideas can be highlighted and linked.
Overall, you can obtain a considerable increase in efficiency compared to a way of working that does not make use of mapping.