The facilitator reads and familiarizes herself with the content of the protocol in advance. She guides the group through the protocol and notes down the ideas that emerge from the group on one or more large sheets of paper.
Mind maps
- Maintain the bond
- Energize
- Talk
- Create
- Think
- Make decisions
Goals:
Creating a mind map on paper is an excellent way to visually organize ideas and stimulate creativity. The mind map enables everybody to visualize at any given moment the richness and complexities of a situation.Participants:
2 à 6, 7 à 15Duration:
30'Required equipment:
One (or more) large sheet(s) of paper (e.g. A1 flip chart size) (ideally in landscape format for more space). Large markers or pens in different colors.Space requierment:
Any area in which the group can move and discuss.Requirements:
Ideally, the facilitator has already experienced this protocol before leading it. Otherwise, specify that they are discovering it at the same time as the participants.Preparation
Process
Choose a central theme: Place the central theme in the center of the paper, typically as a word or an image. This is the main concept around which all ideas will be connected.
Main ideas: Starting from the central theme, draw radial lines extending outwards to represent the main ideas linked to this theme.
Secondary branches: Create secondary branches by drawing lines connected to the main ideas. These branches represent sub-themes or details of the main ideas.
Use of colors: To visualize different categories or types of information, use different colors. For example, one color for the main ideas, another for the secondary branches, etc.
Keywords and images: Use keywords and simple images to illustrate each idea. This will make your mind map more visual and memorable.
Hierarchy and size: Use the size and position of ideas to represent hierarchy or importance. More important ideas can be placed closer to the center, while details can be placed at the periphery.
Connections: Draw lines to show connections between different ideas. This can help visualize the relationships and interactions between concepts.
Symbols and icons: Add simple symbols or icons to reinforce certain ideas or concepts. For example, an exclamation mark for an important idea or a light bulb for a creative idea.
Review and adjust: Regularly take a step back to examine your mind map as a whole. If necessary, adjust positions, add details, or clarify connections.
Expand and develop: As the mind map grows, feel free to add new ideas, details, or branches to deepen the reflection.
Analyze and discuss: Once the mind map is complete, it generally shows the complexities, richness, and areas of focus of the project in question. From there, it's up to the group to analyze and discuss the actions to be taken, the subgroups to be created, the tasks to be completed, etc.
Notes
Mind maps are flexible and personal tools, so feel free to experiment with different layouts and styles to find what works best for you.
References
This tool was developed in this form by the collective la colle.