Slide show on problem solving. The main idea is to combine problem solving tools and mind maps. Focuses on the IDEAL problem solving tool and on ideas on tool mapping, where you use two mind maps at a time: one problem map for the actual problem, and one tool map with a collection of problem solving tools. There is a video on YouTube based on this slideshow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-6b4LA8Dqo

1. problem solving
ideas that work

2. what's our aim?

3. we present
some practical methods
of problem solving

4. what's our approach?

5. we combine two ideas:
problem solving tools
and
mind mapping

6. what are
problem solving tools?

7. here's a definition
- naive yet useful:
anything that may help
to solve a problem

8. examples of problem solving tools
• ask questions: what – why – how – who...
• brainstorming
• break a problem down into parts
• ask a colleague
• sleep over it

9. here comes
a basic
problem solving tool:
IDEAL

10. IDEAL stands for
I identify problems and opportunities
D define alternative goals
E explore possible strategies
A anticipate and act
L look and learn

11. why is IDEAL useful?

12. IDEAL is
• a powerful guide
for problem solving processes
• easy to use
• easy to memorize
• flexible

13. how to use IDEAL

14. we add tools
to each
of the IDEAL stages

15. identify problems and opportunities
• ask what? - why? - how? -who? etc.
• 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

16. define alternative goals
set SMART goals:
• S specific
• M measurable
• A attainable
• R relevant
• T time bound
what might a role model do?

17. explore possible strategies
• brainstorming
• transfer solutions
from another area to your problem
• talk to others

18. anticipate and act
• assess possible outcomes
• make a to do list
• act

19. look and learn
• did you reach your goals?
• why or why not?
• potential for improvement?

20. what is mind mapping?

21. mind mapping
is a special form
of note taking

22. its basic promise:
to make better use
of your brain

23. here are the
classical
mind mapping rules

24. use paper
in landscape format

25. start in the center
... and let your map grow in all directions

26. use a central image
... because brains love images

27. use different colours
... to add information
... to stimulate your brain

28. write basic ideas
round the center

29. connect ideas to the center
by quot;branchesquot;
... and give structure to your map

30. add sub-branches etc.
... and order your thoughts in
a meaningful hierarchy

31. use keywords

32. rule of thumb: 1 word per branch
... to save time and writing space
... because single words
produce more associations

33. use images, numbers, arrows...
... to give further structure to your map
... but avoid cluttering your map

34. you can
adapt these rules

35. here are some
examples

36. use only one colour
... to save time
... to concentrate on thoughts

37. use nonstandard map layout
... for better structure and overview

38. ignore 1-word-per-branch rule
... for more precise meaning

39. use short links instead of branches
... to save time

40. I have to apologize.

41. these adaptations
reflect my personal preferences,
nothing more

42. how to
combine
tools and mind maps

43. we present two ideas:
1. IDEAL mapping
2. tool mapping

44. IDEAL mapping
use the IDEAL tool
in a mind map

45. start with
I = identify problems and opportunities

46. analyse the problem

47. next
D = define alternative goals

48. proceed with
E = explore posssible strategies

49. develop your ideas into more detail

50. if you encounter an obstacle
- start a new IDEAL cycle

51. this example
for all its shortcomings
shows the flavour of the method

52. tool mapping:
use two mind maps
at a time

53. 1.
one problem map
for your actual problem

54. 2.
one tool map
with a collection
of problem solving tools

55. here's a sample tool map,
using the tools mentioned earlier

57. how to use
a tool map

58. create your own tool maps!

59. adapt your tool maps
from time to time

60. use your tool map
• as a recipe book
• for inspiration
in case you're stuck

61. trust your intuition
- avoid over-formalism

62. what are the advantages
of tool maps?

63. tool maps offer
valuable help

64. you get insight into your
problem solving behaviour

65. some notes

66. mind map and mind mapping
are trademarks
registered
by the Buzan Centre, London

67. the IDEAL tool
is presented in
John Bransford / Barry Stein:
quot;The IDEAL Problem Solverquot;
Freeman 2002

68. hasty, narrow, fuzzy and
sprawling thinking
this analysis comes from
David N. Perkins' book
'Outsmarting IQ'

69. a plea

70. tell me about
your problem solving methods