How not to lose a good idea?

How much time has passed from the initial idea to its
implementation? Most often it is a lot of time, which can be
divided into three stages:

The emergence of the idea => Design idea as a model =>
Practical implementation.

I propose to focus on the second and third steps. Often a good
idea has not leading to implementation is due to a poor study of
the main ways for implementation. Losing a good idea or its
underestimation can been critical.

In the beginning, the idea is blurred and therefore it is
difficult to describe. In this case, we advise you to take a look
at Mind Maps. What are they? Mind Maps are various schemes,
invented by Tony Buzan as a way to represent and bind thoughts.
Togeher with other authors he also wrote some books, which can help you in your first
steps^[1].

Mind mapping is a great way to brainstorm, make a plan, or turn
ideas into the steps needed to make them real, for understanding of
the processes.. This method of graphic representation is a powerful
tool that provides a universal key to unlocking the potential of
the brain. This method makes it possible to involve the whole team
in solving the existing problems and in elaboration of new ideas
and projects. Mind Maps can be applied to any aspect of life where
you need a clear understanding of the ways of solving problems.

Examples of using Mind Maps:
1. Designing a test case
2. Communication establishment
3. Team building
4. Preparing a presentation
5. Increasing your team’s motivation
6. Increasing your personal motivation.
7. Static testing

Mind maps can be drawn by hand, either as “rough notes” during a
lecture, meeting or planning session, for example, or as higher
quality pictures when more time is available. This is some
programs, which can help you to create your mind maps:

Mindjet^[2] (Windows/Mac/iOS)
XMind^[3] (Windows/Mac/Linux) (my
favorite)
Coggle^[4]
(Webapp)
Freemind^[5]
(Windows/Mac/Linux)
MindNode^[6] (Mac/iOS)

Mind maps can be drawn by hand, either as “rough notes” during a
lecture, meeting or planning session, for example, or as higher
quality pictures when more time is available. This is some
programs, which can help you to create your mind maps:

How to work with Mind Maps? They are drawn is
very easy:
– Start in the CENTRE of a blank page turned sideways. Why? Because
starting in the centre gives your Brain freedom to spread out in
all directions and to express itself more freely and naturally.
– Use an IMAGE or PICTURE for your central idea. Why? Because an
image is worth a thousand words and helps you use your Imagination.
A central image is more interesting, keeps you focussed, helps you
concentrate, and gives your Brain more of a buzz!
– Use COLOURS throughout. Why? Because colours are as exciting to
your Brain as are images. Colour adds extra vibrancy and life to
your Mind Map, adds tremendous energy to your Creative Thinking,
and is fun!
– CONNECT your MAIN BRANCHES to the central image and connect your
second- and third-level branches to the first and second levels,
etc. Why? Because your Brain works by association. It likes to link
two (or three, or four) things together. If you connect the
branches, you will understand and remember a lot more easily.
– Make your branches CURVED rather than straight-lined. Why?
Because having nothing but straight lines is boring to your
Brain.
– Use ONE KEY WORD PER LINE. Why Because single key words give your
Mind Map more power and flexibility.
– Use IMAGES throughout. Why Because each image, like the central
image, is also worth a thousand words. So if you have only 10
images in your Mind Map, it’s already the equal of 10,000 words of
notes!

That’s all! Try it – you will succeed. The Mind Map can be
applied to every aspect of your life. For example – my map at the
end of this article: a model of testing Apple products. More
interesting articles you can find in the blog^[7].