Problem Solving Techniques: 5-Why-Method, Flowchart, Mind-Map

Problem Solving Techniques easy explained with a real application: 5-Why-Method, Flowchart, Mind-Map

[avimehenwal]

Wow! this is nice, could help me crack some problem solving interviews. Thanks

[thomasteepe]

How can we use mind maps for problem solving?
I've done some experiments - here's a short summary.

I use the following three building blocks, which I can combine in different ways.

Building block 1 - the sheet layout:
I use an A4 sheet in landscape format and divide it in 3x3 boxes of equal size - there's no need for exactness and I do it without a ruler.
Alternatively, I can use 3 columns and make boxes of different sizes - but at the beginning, 3x3 boxes are easier to handle.
I fill the boxes in column 1, then in column 2 and then in column 3.

Building block 2 - the box layout:
I use each box for a simple small mind map. The size limit of the box will come as a surprise, but it has a number of advantages which I will describe in a moment.
Instead of mind maps, I can use diagrams, ordinary text with indentations or math terms.

Building block 3 - thinking tools:
I can use thinking tools as topics for the small mind maps, to stimulate my thinking about the problem, like: What are key questions? What are my options? How can I split the problem into smaller parts?
I find a personal collection of thinking tools very useful - I have a corkboard over my work table and can access dozens of tools and stimuli with one glance.

For me, this process has four main advantages.
First, a conventional mind maps works best with a couple of main branches of equal size. In problem solving however, I often want to develop only one or two branches over many steps, and this leads to an unsymmetrical, unbalanced mind map.
Secondly, moving from one box to the next needs a moment of orientation - where do I stand, and what can I do next? This re-orientation happens much more often in the 3x3 layout than in an ordinary mind map.
Thirdly, I find it easier to reflect on a previous thought in a new box than in a branch of an ordinary mind map.
Fourth, the combination of mind maps and thinking tools seems very powerful to me.

Some remarks:
Depending on handwriting size, paper size and personal taste, we can experiment with 2x2, 3x3 or 4x4 boxes.
As a fourth building block I'm using a zettelkasten to organize my sheets - but that's outside the scope of this comment.

[TOPFACTS-ngtf]

Please make a mind map about MS. Office

[blameviolet]

thank you so much, i learned a lot from this :D