Challenge & Selection

The tool I decided to use was the mind map tool, in order to understand a specific topic, analyze  it, see possible alternatives and finally, improve processes thanks to design thinking.

I have been using this tool on several occasions with different projects in which I have been able  to participate. I have generally used it in the implementation of new systems that seek to  improve process times in different areas of my work. For long hours, we have used a blackboard  and markers of various colors, while we contribute ideas, everything is recorded on the  blackboard so that nothing is overlooked. We do this mainly so that we are all aligned and follow  the same project path.

Mind maps provide many more ideas than what one expects, and through mind maps we can  define the functionality of each of the processes that we seek to understand or improve.

Mental maps start from a What is it ?, identifying in detail each step of our subject to be treated,  that is, what does an action do within the process, or what is said action for, or what is the  purpose To do it that way? Only once the functionality of the processes has been clearly  understood and reflected on a mental map, can we start with the classification of ideas  according to the topics to be treated.

I know that the mind mapping tool will help me a lot when I want to establish an activity that  takes me more quickly and easily to my goal without affecting the rest of my processes.

Application

Together with my work colleagues, we met for several weeks in a room with a blackboard, a  projector, and many colored markers. Mainly, we began by explaining in a very brief way the  process that we sought to improve, it is important to emphasize that the first explanation was  brief, however, on the blackboard a map was drawn with the different steps that integrated the  process of paying teachers, this with the purpose that we all understand and be aligned.

During the first sessions, doubts were cleared about the project that was going to be improved,  however, once we all understood the process, we began to detail each step of it.

From each step of the teacher payment process, a new mind map was drawn, taking into  account the two most important questions on the mind map, What is? And What if? For a better  explanation, real cases were presented of how our system was currently working or how we  carried out our activities manually. Several databases were presented for a better understanding  of the teacher payment process, until finally on a blackboard full of details, a new mental map  began to be drawn with new ideas that sought to improve each step of the process.

After the various proposals for ideas about improvements, a consolidated of all viable ideas was  prepared and reflected in a final mental map which had to be very clear since it would be  presented to the corresponding authorities for approval.

At the time of the presentation of the different mind maps that were made throughout the  sessions, the authorities had several observations, which served as feedback for our project.  Finally, once all our maps were approved, they were presented to the systems department, so  that they could translate these maps into a new system that promised to improve the teacher  payment process.

Insight & Approach

During the execution of this very important tool that is the mind map, I managed to obtain a lot  of professional and personal information, I was able to realize that seeing a process from  another point of view can contribute in a great way, I was also able to realize that by Using a  mind map, it is easier to explain a specific topic, in addition to providing clear information to all  participants in a project. Thanks to mind maps I was able to identify various problems that were  slowing down my processes and in the same way I was able to solve those problems. In addition,  together with my colleagues we were able to find several variables that could help us carry out  our activities in a more effective and efficient way, and obviously the benefit that was obtained  with the application of mind maps was for all my colleagues.

In my next project in which I participate and in which I apply mind maps again, I will try to take  into account more the details since these were the ones that the authorities made observations.  In addition, I will be able to apply a new tool that is Storytelling with the new people I work with,  explaining what my experience was like and how the mind maps contributed to my work

