About mind maps and megaprojects

Participation in two organizational projects in February-April of this year showed the indispensability of using mind maps for the purposes of successful project management. I share my experience of using mind maps in my professional field. The reason for preparing this article was a provocative invitation received by mail to a webinar from one of the software developers for creating maps. The invitation had the colorful title "Sharpen your project management axe."

Fig.1 Invitation to a webinar on mind maps

Mind maps are an excellent tool for visualizing complex projects, assistants during brainstorming sessions, and templates for formal project documents. Creative simulators of the work of project teams. Skills in working with mind maps will be useful for managing large and megaprojects (Fig. 2).

Fig.2 Application of mind maps in megaprojects

Prepare a visually understandable plan map of the megaproject

Megaproject - a complex control object and when developing it, a systemic, but limited in scale (one-page) model is in demand. A mind map is an ideal solution, especially if your management prefers visual perception of information. In practice, such documents are called project plan maps.

Develop hierarchical megaproject structures

We use the mind map decomposition function to prepare ordered structures for the work, risks, and resources of a megaproject. We form an organizational model of the project. Using visualization elements we add "traffic lights", "alerts", stickers and other artifacts.

Create a template for a megaproject schedule

Software for preparing mind maps MindManager allows you to link the formation of a project WBS and export of information to the MS Project data format. The approach makes it possible to make the process of planning a complex project a collective event, which significantly reduces the risks of missing out on necessary work.

I will provide feedback from an expert on using MindManager software.

Fig. 3 Opinion of Jeff Kimes, PMP

Use a mind map to present a project to management

Modern mind map development tools support a sequential presentation function, which can significantly save time for the project manager. There is no need to transfer the project plan map to MS PowerPoint format.

Submit project information to interested parties

Multiple Stakeholders megaproject expect to receive a variety of information about the project. Often not limited to a boring project status report. Mind maps will make it possible to provide the necessary information in the required format, increasing the degree of satisfaction of megaproject stakeholders.

Conduct brainstorming sessions

With MindManager, you can effectively conduct brainstorming sessions, including collecting and recording ideas based on timing, filtering and categorizing them. Visualization of the results of the assault.

Fig. 4 Result of the risk response storm

Enrich the methodological support of the project

Implementation megaproject enriches the company's methodology with approaches, practices, and effective tools. Mind maps are an excellent tool for creating "checklists" and short work procedures for project teams. The developed maps can become elements of methodological recommendations and business processes of the company.

Visually capture lessons learned

Using mind maps removes the barrier to preparing quick documents such as weekly lessons learned. Teams using flexible AGILE/SCRUM methodology are especially friendly with mind maps. For them, mind maps are the basis for creating backlogs and conducting retrospectives of each sprint.

Use patterns from the library

The huge number of patterns in software libraries for developing mind maps allows you to "not reinvent the wheel." Use the desired model option, for example, SWOT analysis or Ishikawa diagram.

Fig. 5 Map with an example of SWOT analysis

Instill skills in working with mind maps in the team

Practice shows that the acquired skills in working with mind maps remain strong competencies for use in various projects, as well as for writing articles and books, traveling and hobbies. Help your team become creative people and actively use the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Confirmation of interest in the issue was the holding of a seminar "How to win at mind cards" at the Coordination Center of the Government of the Russian Federation.

Fig. 6 Seminar fragment

In conclusion, I note that the discoverer of mind maps, Tony Buzan, said that:

Fig.7 Quote from Tony Buzan

Several books to help project managers hone their mind mapping skills.

Further reading

1. Bekhterev Sergey. Mind management. Solving business problems using mind maps, 2013
2. Buzan Tony. Overthinking. Mind maps for effective problem solving, 2022