Exercise
Mind Map.
Time Limit
30 minutes to 1 hour.
Aims and Objectives
It’s important to know your purpose, your why when starting a new photography undertaking. But it needs to be fleshed out to determine the possibilities. Mind mapping is one existing tool — and a good method to visualise your inner process. The root and branch structure of the exercise allows an organic flow of ideas. It can be a valuable way to document and communicate patterns of thought.
The main objective is to take a central task and generate a series of possibilities through a divergent approach. This could be anything from brainstorming the prospects of a new photography project, or workshopping potential art directions for a commercial assignment. Whatever your starting point, defer judgement on what makes sense until each idea naturally concludes.
The mind map form is reflective of patterns in nature — there’s a synergy of creativity and process in each one.
Requirements
A board application in the digital space, or a white board/chalk board in the physical space.
Output
Write (or type) a theme or challenge in the centre of the board. Branch out some initial thoughts and build on each one. This can be done individually, as part of a team, or in collaboration with a stakeholder or client. If working in a group environment, allow each participant to explore their ideas, branching off in their own direction before connecting common patterns or ideas. Once the board is full and the creative energy has subsided, save, screenshot, or photograph the board as a usable document.
Mind maps can turn those gut feelings into a visual record that makes sense for them to be acted upon.