1. For Better Programming
Mindmaps
For Better Programming
Michael Smith
TeraTech, Inc.
CFUNITED – The premier ColdFusion conference

2. Overview What are is a mindmap? Why mindmap? How to mindmap Resources
June 28th – July 1st 2006

3. Speaker Information 25 years programming 10 years with ColdFusion
7 years with Fusebox
Custom development
Teach one-on-one and custom classes
Fusebox and Process Methodology
MDCFUG, CFUNITED
June 28th – July 1st 2006

4. What is a Mindmap?
A mindmap is a visual way of organizing ideas in a web-like structure.
June 28th – July 1st 2006

5. Sample hand drawn mindmap
June 28th – July 1st 2006

6. Why mindmap?
Use right brain (visual, intuitive) as well as left brain (logical, linear)
increase thinking and remembering
Improve developer and business discussions
Make new connections between ideas
Fast and easy to create
Easy to learn
Fun!
June 28th – July 1st 2006

7. Benefits of Mindmaps Visual Hierarchical
Easy to connect “distant ideas”
Like an outline
Brain dump first, then easy to rearrange ideas
June 28th – July 1st 2006

8. Mindmap Parts What constitutes a Mindmap? Center word and image
Branches
Sub-branches – less important info
Single keywords
Images and color
June 28th – July 1st 2006

9. Mindmap Circuits and Fuseactions
June 28th – July 1st 2006

10. How to create a Mindmap Paper on side (landscape) Draw Central image
Add key words and branch lines
Add sub-branches, associate ideas
Print
Add emphasis
June 28th – July 1st 2006

11. Central Image
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12. Branches
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13. Sub-branches
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14. Link ideas
June 28th – July 1st 2006

15. Mindmap design tips
Not perfect – a draft – can redraw more organized when done
“Beginners mind”
Keywords - Single words
Use colors
Use pictures and symbols
June 28th – July 1st 2006

16. Key words One word! Forces you to think before you write
June 28th – July 1st 2006

17. Exercise – Draw a mind map
Pick a topic or question that is important to you.
Questions before we start?
How to pass the shush
Five minutes in silence to mind map your topic or question
June 28th – July 1st 2006

18. Mindmap Steps Prepare Generate map Associate freely Review
Incubate – take a break!
Re-organize
New map in clockwise sequence
Act
June 28th – July 1st 2006

19. Uses of Mindmaps Planning Brainstorming Group thinking; meetings
Documenting
Note taking and review
Resources
June 28th – July 1st 2006

20. Mindmaps in Programming
Requirements gathering
Fusebox Architecting
Development brainstorming
Testing and debugging
Project management
Questions and resources
June 28th – July 1st 2006

21. Tools Pen and paper! Yellow sticky pad/ whiteboard
Mindmapper
Open mind
Freemind freemind.sourceforge.net
June 28th – July 1st 2006

22. Resources Tony Buzan www.mind-map.com
Fuseminder and mindfuser
Innovation Tools mindmapping.asp
Google Directory
Fusebox core files are free.
A very active community tests and improves Fusebox functionality while improving ease of use and simplicity of learning.
June 28th – July 1st 2006

23. Mind mapping Books
“Mapping Inner Space” by Nancy Margiulies and Nusa Maal
“The Mind Map Book” by Tony Buzan
“Use your Head” by Tony Buzan
June 28th – July 1st 2006

24. Conclusion Mindmaps: increase thinking and remembering
Improve developer and business discussions
Easy to use
Fun!
June 28th – July 1st 2006

25. Questions? Ask now or Email me at michael@teratech.com
June 28th – July 1st 2006