Mind Mapping: A Design Tool

Challenge and  Selection

Working as a Graphic Designer, an exchange of ideas with a client is very important to   have a common understanding of what is the desired outcome or a product. Design  includes elements quite similar to problem solving as we need to sort out an entangled  problem by providing a solution and present it in the manner which is easily understood.

I often communicate the ideas and options tailored as per the client's requirements. For  example: creating a logo. As a lot of details are to be discussed and it's not possible to  perform the entire task to provide the client the end product in the first round, as that will  lead to wastage of resources, time and energy, as changes keep happening throughout  the process of working. Hence, the task is made easier with a design tool called 'Mind  Mapping'.

Mind Mapping is a technique comprising of graphical elements such as word bubbles,  pictures, drawings/ doodles and any such thing that could create a visual stimuli to help  share a thought process amongst a group of people or team working together to reach a  particular goal. It helps to share the thought process with a client so that don't feel lost  and can't form links of reasoning. Mind Mapping plays a big role while brainstorming for  ideas. Even working by myself, Mind Mapping helps to choose and find answers to the  problems being faced. It helps a lot in decision making.

Application

A logo design requires work on elements like shape and style, color scheme and how  the desired message is being conveyed. I start out by jotting down the points as  discussed in the brief provided by the client which starts the brainstorming session. A  Mind Map is created by writing down the first word that matches the brief. It could be an  emotion, a place , a person and then the maps starts to expand on the word that was  initially selected. Further, some images can be attached to them to narrow down the  solution with visual aid of colored pictures and moodboards. It keeps the thought  process very clean and organized.

I've applied the technique of Mind Mapping by making use of word chains and collage of  pictures. Word chains have helped to work on goals to be achieved and expel out ideas  with precision. Collages and Mood Boards help to maintain a vibe using color schemes,  theme of the project and creates a concise background to build your work on.

Insight and Approach

Design thinking has helped me channel my thoughts in a productive manner and keep  the process flowing. It has helped to collect and have an organized presentation to be  shared with other parties. Not only does this save time while working but also adds  interesting things to the presentation that catch the viewer's eye and grasps their  attention- making them more engrossed and be attentive towards the discussion. This  helps when communicating with people who aren't necessarily from a creative  background. It opens a door for endless possibilities yet maintaining the path of 'what is  wanted' by the client, which is a great dynamic for creative problem solving.

I've experienced that different applications of Mind Mapping works differently in every  scenario. Enabling yourself to know what kind of thing is to be used with what kind of  interaction is very important. Mind Mapping is a versatile tool and should be used often  to covert thoughts into plans.

