Concept mapping to deepen project/product requirements Part 2

This is the second part of my blog on concept mapping and I will provide some details on how I have used concept maps to my advantage.

Constructing Good Concept Maps

1. Identify context: Concept map structures are dependent on the context in which they will be used and a good way to define the context for a concept map is to construct a Focus Question, that is, a question that clearly specifies the problem or issue the concept map should help to resolve. Every concept map responds to a focus question, and a good focus question can lead to a much richer concept map. These questions are maybe less important when the outcome is meant a overall documentation but e.g. "What external factors can we influence to enable a better product execution?" could lead to more insight in financial, environmental, logistical... factors that influence your customer/project.
2. Brainstorm concepts: The next step is to identify the key concepts that apply to your subject. Usually 15 to 25 concepts will suffice but make sure you keep them as concise as possible.
3. Sort concepts: These concepts should be ranked from the most general, most inclusive concept, for this particular problem or situation at the top of the list, to the most specific, least general concept at the bottom of the list. Although this rank order may be only approximate, it helps to begin the process of map construction.
4. Start connecting: You can now build a preliminary concept map and move these concepts into the map as you determine where they fit in. Some concepts may remain in the "parking lot" as the map is completed if you see no good connection for these with other concepts in the map.
5. Iterate and revise: It is important to recognize that a concept map is never finished. After a preliminary map is constructed, it is always necessary to revise this map. Other concepts can be added. Good maps usually result from three to many revisions. This is one reason why using computer software is helpful. After a preliminary map is constructed, cross-links should be sought. Cross-links are links between concepts in different segments or domains of knowledge on the map that help to illustrate how these domains are related to one another. Cross-links are key to provide insight in the relationships between the sub-domains in the map.

Concept mapping tools.

Concept maps are graphical by nature but PLEASE don't use Powerpoint or Visio as these office tools will require you to draw the graphics first and add the text later. Essentially they will bog you down and make you lose focus.
Concept mapping can be done by writing all of the concepts on Post-its(TM) and putting them on a white board or on butcher paper to move concepts around easily. I prefer using a tool like the FREE IHMC CmapTools [1] computer software program. Easy concept replacement is necessary during the initial process of building a good hierarchical organization and CmapTools allows me to move the concepts or groups of concepts together with linking statements to restructure the map. When CmapTools is used in conjunction with a computer projector, two or more individuals can easily collaborate in building a concept map and see changes as they progress in their work. CmapTools also allows for collaboration between individuals in the same room or anywhere in the world, and the maps can be built synchronously or asynchronously, depending on the mapmakers’ schedules.

Amongst its many superb features, CmapTools supports the possibility to link files, urls and other Cmaps to a concept (see icons at the concepts in above picture). The look and feel of the map is editable and making a concept map is just about automated: most mapping effort is click and drag. See the youtube movie for a first glance (click on picture).

CmapTools also has a life saver feature called 'Nesting nodes' that enables me to group closely related concepts into 1 box (can be clicked to 'close' or 'open'). Especially for documentation purposes this is an extremely interesting feature as the base concept map can be saved with nesting 'closed', making the overall story easier to grasp.

Some tips and pitfalls

1. Although concept mapping will become easier with practice, never forget your own first steps as you are presenting the method to your colleagues. Not everyone can easily handle the 'meaningful linking structure' of concept mapping. Some people have a more linear way of thinking and will require more coaching. Others will require more assistance in the way they define the concepts.  Take some time browsing the web for supporting resources that explain how to get started with concept maps.  This information will provide sufficient triggers for an information briefing/session in which you can reveal the method, its benefits and use.
2. It is important to keep in mind that all concepts are in some way related to one another. Therefore, it is necessary to be selective in identifying cross-links, and to be as precise as possible in identifying linking words that connect concepts. In addition, one should avoid “sentences in the boxes”, that is, full sentences used as concepts, since this usually indicates that a whole subsection of the map could be constructed from the statement in the box.
3. Although the digital canvas is endless, make sure that the concept map will fit with readable font size on a piece of paper supported by your printer. For most concept maps related to building understanding of a 'limited topic' this should not post much of a problem. For concept maps that are destined as documentation, you could embed the following features:

• nesting of concepts
• linking to documents, web sites or other concept maps containing more detail or linking main conceptual elements of your map to their same level siblings in other maps.
• use of a 'table of content' concept map that has each concept link to a sub-map much like a chapter in a book.

Finally, next to CmapTools you will for sure find other tools for concept mapping like Inspiration, Compendium,... on the web. The choice is not unlimited but you will hugely benefit from a concept mapping specific tool as the workflow is distinctly different than e.g. mind mapping. The 'other' tools lack the supporting workflow, often force you into a mind mapping mode and will be very inefficient in solving the graphic stuff for you. After all, you want to document the concepts, not design a fancy graphical chart. So go and download [2] Cmaptools for Windows, OSX, Linux or Solaris and check the videos on their web site [3] and on YouTube [4].

Happy mapping, let me know how it goes!

[1] http://cmap.ihmc.us
[2] http://cmap.ihmc.us/download
[3] http://cmap.ihmc.us/Support/Help
[4] http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=cmaptools&aq=f