Do you use mindmap to brainstorm ideas before coding? Should I and why?
+2
A:
Mind maps are great for brainstorming, but fall down when attempting to actually build a model for your software.
So great as a first step, if it helps you. But use it as a reference and pick up a different tool when you're ready to actually design your system.
Randolpho
2010-07-23 14:59:49
+2
A:
I wrote a blog post on this very subject:
http://daveswersky.com/2009/09/25/deconstructing-my-learning-process/
Mind maps are useful for organizing your research. They help me to understand where I'm strong and weak on a subject.
Dave Swersky
2010-07-23 15:05:30
it's just like a SWOT report?
Truong Ha
2010-07-23 15:06:29
I'm not familiar with SWOT reports, but after a quick glance at the definition, I'd say not really. I think of a mind map as a tree-structure of major aspects with minor aspects hanging off them. My Silverlight mind map in that blog post is a good example. Once I have the mind map created, I have a good feel for where my own strenghts and weaknesses are in my understanding of the subject overall.
Dave Swersky
2010-07-23 15:14:53
+1
A:
UML is a bit like structured mind-mapping. Why wouldn't you use UML notation to do mind-mapping?
S.Lott
2010-07-23 15:08:29
@Truong Ha: Then you're doing it wrong. Seriously. Mind-mapping has a bunch of standardized symbols which are different from the UML symbols. Other than that, you should be able to use UML syntax/symbols instead of mind-mapping syntax/symbols for the same purpose.
S.Lott
2010-07-23 15:23:51
@Truong Ha: I disagree. A simple class diagram with each class representing a mind map key word and associations representing links between keywords is easy to do in most UML tools. That said, it's more work to build the map than it is with most mind mapping tools. So if you have one available, use a mind mapping too. But if you only have a UML tool and want to do a mind map, it's very much possible.
Randolpho
2010-07-23 15:27:47
I usually use UML just after figure out what to do and how to do. Have to admit that UML is the greatest tool, but it kinda tool to model what you've already brainstormed.
Truong Ha
2010-07-23 15:33:20
@Truong Ha: I agree. UML is a more structured ruleset, and the tooling reflects that. But if you lack a mind mapping tool, you can mind map in UML. Case in point: I wrote the same simple mind map with [an online UML tool](http://yuml.me/66526d99) (yuml.me) and [an online mind map tool](http://i.imgur.com/tapiH.png) (bubbl.us), and I can tell you it was much easier to use the mind map tool for building the mind map.
Randolpho
2010-07-23 16:05:33
A:
I don't use them, I rather write dummy classes which force me to think about the actual problems I will encounter. Mindmaps are more for the "creative" types ;)
Blub
2010-07-23 15:09:46
+3
A:
As always, use the right tool for the problem. I find mind maps ideal for complex problems, because they have a free format, so it frees your mind from formal diagramming methods. Never worry about using (or not) mind maps. If the problem is too simple, you'll find out very quickly. If the problem is complex, your diagram will start to grow more and more with questions and things to research.
UML, DFD, ER, etc. are good diagramming methods, and they have their purpose. If you have built a mind map, it will help you to use other diagramming tools.
luiscolorado
2010-07-23 15:20:02
A:
It all depends on the problem/solution you are looking for. Where I work we have built a workflow automation engine around MindMaps and thus our MindMapping efforts go beyond thought organization and actually help drive our applications.
Kevin
2010-07-23 15:42:47