REFLECTION – MIND MAPPING TOOL

Challenge

Over the course of my works as an engineer, I had the opportunity to make use of the 4 taught tools.  In my opinion, the selection of tool will very much depend on the target audience and their  understanding of the topic at hand.

Quite some time back, a team of various job functions staff, including myself, was formed to explore  on how the different function groups could collaborate to further enhance our work productivity.  We had to provide our inputs within two weeks to the management.

Selection

Given the short assignment duration to brainstorm for feasible ideas, we opted for mind mapping  tool as it could break the mind barrier easily and freely bring out the thoughts from the team,  especially we were of a diversified one, without the concern of any right or wrong input at the on  start. The feasibility of the pool of inputs could be examined along the way.

Application

The team started off by putting up a problem statement and the team members were given a few  minutes to think through. After which, we wrote our thoughts / suggestions on the sticky notes  provided. Once done, the members pasted the notes onto the whiteboard and shared on the inputs  to the rest of the team. After one round of presentation, the sticky notes on the whiteboard were  grouped into cluster of similar aspects. Each cluster was being further examined and discussed for  any fruitful insights, which could be used to effectively address our challenge.

Insight & Approach

With the mind mapping tool application, the team was able to within a short period of time,  identified the various ideas and solutions to further enhance the work productivity. This tool enabled  the team to produce a vast pool of feasible inputs, which the management was glad to hear, but  with some additional inputs given by them. The project was a success as our inputs were put in- placed with commendable results.

The whole process could be further improved and be more comprehensive by also adopting the  mind mapping tool with the management during the presentation. The management could also  provide their inputs during the discussion, which could spark a more thought-provoking discussion.

This course has given me a better insight of the various tools, on what is design thinking as well as  the correct mindset when approaching a challenge. The knowledge gained will definitely be useful in  my works.

