Brainstorming diagram

Brainstorming (Mind Map) is an effective method for generating ideas and creatively solving problems. It can help you develop any system of related ideas or information, such as new business strategies, book outlines, meeting minutes, or travel plans.

A brainstorming diagram shows the interrelationships among topics in a hierarchy. You can think of it as a graphical illustration of a text outline.

There are two popular ways to create brainstorming diagrams. The first is to begin with a main idea and then generate related topics and subtopics hierarchically. However, during a brainstorming meeting where people are contributing ideas in rapid succession, hierarchies aren't always apparent, and you need to capture ideas quickly. The second way, then, is to capture all of those ideas as they're expressed, and later to organize, revise, refine, and share the results.

Using Edraw, you can quickly create brainstorming diagrams using either method. It's easy to add topics, arrange topics, create a legend, and format the diagram.

Create a brainstorming diagram

If you haven't installed the edraw, you can download the brainstorming diagram software.

Open Edraw. When Edraw opens, all you need to work with is the one titled Template Categories. (Tips: If you already have Edraw open, on the Edraw Main Button, point to New, and then click Choose Drawing Types....)

In the Template Categories list, click the Mind Map category. All of the libraries in the Mind Map category appear in the central window.

You can see the description in the left-bottom corner of the Getting Started window. Mind Mapping Diagram - Create mind maps (graphical representations of thought processes) for brainstorming, problem solving, rational analysis, and decision marking.

Double-click the template titled Mind Mapping Diagram.

When the Mind Shapes library opens, most of the space is taken up with a blank drawing page. Because it is important to line up the shapes when you create a diagram, the page appears with grid lines on it.

Click any shape on the Mind Shapes library, hold down the mouse button, and drag the shape onto your drawing page.

Select the Main Topic shape, Subtopic, and then use the Curve Connector to connect them. A subtopic connects to and is subordinate to the Main Topic shape.

You can add some symbols for the mind map diagram.

To add or edit text in any shape in a brainstorming diagram, select the shape, and then type.

Why use Edraw to create a brainstorming diagram

A good brainstorming diagram is an excellent tool to help your team arrive at the best ideas and plans. Brainstorming diagrams help you develop any system of related ideas or information by showing interrelationships among topics in a hierarchy. They improve clear associative thinking and communication, which encourages creativity and problem solving.

For example, a project manager might use a brainstorming diagram to capture new product or feature ideas in a development meeting. A teacher could organize course ideas and craft a teaching plan.

While creating a diagram using a pen and paper beats linear note-taking, using Edraw to create your brainstorming diagram gives you flexibility not only in sharing your diagram but also in adding more information later. With Edraw, you can:

• Easily add and store new information.
• Distribute visual information to a wide variety of audiences more efficiently.
• Make your diagram look professional.
• Quickly publish your diagram to the Web.
• Export the diagram to Microsoft Office Word or Microsoft Office Excel.
• Export an outline as XML.
• Change the appearance of the diagram.