Design Thinking for Innovation

by University of Virginia

Peer-graded Assignment: Reflection

February 15, 2017

Student:  Yoko Watanabe

1. Challenge:

I use mind mapping very often, in different areas of my life, whenever I have a problem  to attack. I started using this tool to help me organize my own life in the beginning of  each year, as a way to help me visualize my new year’s resolutions.  I start by setting up  goals I want to achieve, action plans I would need to put in practice in order to achieve  those goals, stakeholders that would participate and contribute for those goals to happen,  and material and intellectual resources required to implement the actions.

When one of my goals is too complex or big, I usually dedicate a mind map exclusively  to tackle that specific matter.   A good and successful example of a mind map that helped  me to achieve a goal was couple of years ago, when I decided to pursue a master’s degree  in the United States.  The mind map I drew at that occasion gave me a clear and detailed  overview on everything I needed to do in order to accomplish that goal.

2. Selection:

The mind mapping is a graphical tool that allows the user to mix words, images, color  and other elements, that at the end of the day, will make it easier for the user to  memorize, organize his thoughts, generate new ideas and explore different and creative  paths to solve a problem. The exercise can be done alone, but also can be used by a  group, making it possible for the participants to have a clear perspective of what other  members are thinking and creating an effective flow of ideas.

3. Application:

I start the mind mapping exercise by putting the problem in the center of a blank paper.   There are software and digital tools for mind mapping, but I am old school and usually,  when the ideas start to flow I do not have the computer or other digital devices with me.

Thus, using the example of the Master’s Degree mapping I produced a couple of years  ago, I started by drawing a graduation cap and the USA flag in the center of the paper.   Then, the first arrow I pulled referred to all the universities I would consider sending  application to, with small second level branches describing pros and cons of each  program.  The second main arrow referred to the application requirements I needed to  fulfill, including obtaining translated transcripts and reference letters, sitting for the

Design Thinking for Innovation

by Benguet State University

Peer-graded Assignment: Reflection

February 15, 2017

Student:  Yoko Watanabe

TOEFL test, drafting resume, cover letters and letters of motivations.  Then, the next  branch contained the stakeholders I would need to reach out to and the contribution I  needed from each of them (e.g. John C. – reference letter;  Mary D. – translation).  The  next branch was dedicated for expenses estimation and the financial resources that I  already had and what I needed to acquire until the start of the program.  Finally, I drew a  branch dedicated for some important dates.

After I concluded the map, I felt as if I had accomplished half of the way already.  After  that, I started putting the actions in practice and I returned to the map every once in a  while to make sure I was in the right track.

4. Insight:

By using mind mapping to tackle issues in different areas of my life, I became more  productive and can solve problems or execute projects significantly faster and in a more  creative manner.

5. Approach:

I have been using mind mapping for a few years and I think I developed some good skills  in doing better connections of ideas.  In the beginning I was also afraid of using images  and colors because I am not a good designer.  But after some practice I realized that it did  not matter if I was drawing straw-man-like images.  What matters is the power of  memorization that the images provide, as well as the feeling that the ideas are more  concrete.

