problem solving

ideas that work

what is our aim?
 we present
some practical methods
of problem solving
what is our approach?
we combine two ideas:
problem solving tools
and
mind mapping
 what are
problem solving tools?
here's a definition
- naive yet useful:

anything that may help

to solve a problem
 examples of problem solving tools
• ask questions:
what? – why? – how? – who? ...
• brainstorming
• break a problem down into parts
• ask a colleague
 here comes a
basic
problem solving tool:
IDEAL
 IDEAL stands for
I identify problems and opportunities
D define alternative goals
E explore possible strategies
A anticipate and act
L look and learn
why is IDEAL useful?
 IDEAL is
• a powerful guide through problem solving
• easy to use
• easy to memorize
• flexible
how to use IDEAL
 we add tools
to each
of the IDEAL stages
identify problems and opportunities
• ask
what? - why? - how? -who? ...
• ask for causes
then ask for causes of causes etc.
• break the problem down into parts
• draw a diagram of your problem
• collect information about the problem
 define alternative goals
• set SMART goals:
S specific
M measurable
A attainable
R relevant
T time bound
• what might a role model do?
 explore possible strategies
• brainstorming
• transfer solutions
from another area to your problem
• talk to others
 anticipate and act
• assess possible outcomes
• make a to do list
• act
 look and learn
• did you reach your goals?
• why or why not?
• potential for improvement?
what is mind mapping?
 mind mapping
is a special form
of note taking
 its basic promise:
to make better use
of your brain
 here are the
classical
mind mapping rules
 use paper
in landscape format
 start in the center
... and let your map grow in all directions
 use a central image

... because brains love images

 use different colours
... to add information
... to stimulate your brain
write basic ideas
round the center
 connect ideas to the center
by "branches"

... and give structure to your map

 add sub-branches etc.
... and order your thoughts in
a meaningful hierarchy
use keywords
 rule of thumb: 1 word per branch

... to save time and writing space

... because single words
produce more associations
use images, numbers, arrows...
... to give further structure to your map

... but avoid cluttering your map

 you can
adapt these rules
here are some
examples
 use only one colour
... to save time
... to avoid distraction
 use nonstandard map layout
... for better structure and overview
 ignore 1-word-per-branch rule
... for more precise meaning
use short links instead of branches
... to save time
 these adaptations
reflect my personal preferences,
nothing more
 how to
combine
tools and mind maps
we present two ideas:
1. IDEAL mapping
2. tool mapping
 IDEAL mapping

use the IDEAL tool

in a mind map
first, state the topic
start with
I = identify problems and opportunities
develop details
proceed with
D = develop
alternative goals
continue with
E = explore possible strategies
again, add details
you may
start a new
IDEAL cycle
 tool mapping

use two mind maps

at a time
 first map:

a problem map
for your actual problem
 second map:

a tool map
with a collection
of problem solving tools
 here's a sample tool map,
using the tools mentioned earlier
how to use
tool maps
 most important:
create your own tool maps!
adapt your tool maps
from time to time
 use your tool map
• as a recipe book
• for inspiration
in case you're stuck
 trust your intuition
- avoid over-formalism
what are the
advantages
of tool maps?
tool maps offer
valuable help
 you get insight
into your
problem solving behaviour
some notes
the IDEAL tool
is presented in
John Bransford / Barry Stein:
"The IDEAL Problem Solver"
Freeman 2002
hasty, narrow, fuzzy and
sprawling thinking:

this analysis comes from

David N. Perkins' book
'Outsmarting IQ'
The Free Press 1995
mind map and mind mapping
are trademarks
registered
by the Buzan Centre, London
please
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