problem solving
ideas that work

what's our aim?

we present
some practical methods
of problem solving

what's 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
• sleep over it

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
for problem solving processes
• 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? 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

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 concentrate on thoughts

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

I have to apologize.

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

start with
I = identify problems and opportunities

analyse the problem

next
D = define alternative goals

proceed with
E = explore posssible strategies

develop your ideas into more detail

if you encounter an obstacle
- start a new IDEAL cycle

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

tool mapping:
use two mind maps
at a time

1.
one problem map
for your actual problem

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

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

how to use
a tool map

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

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

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'

a plea

tell me about
your problem solving methods