Problem Mapping Tools

A basic requirement for creative problem solving is some form of ‘mapping tool’.  This is because we first need to identify all the relevant factors of the problem and then we play with them to see the relationships that exist or may be created between them.

Mapping is a key tool for tackling difficult problems. It is the basis for a number of data analysis tools and provides a variety of benefits:

1.    A meaningful symbolic model can be constructed
2.    Complex information can be summarized effectively
3.    A variety of information types can be accommodated
4.    Areas of confusion or disagreement are can be identified
5.    Creates a record that people can agree upon
6.    Establishes relationships between elements
7.    Key factors can be identified and highlighted
8.    Complex interactions can be identified
9.    Acts as a prompt to further discussion
10.   The multi-dimensional nature of problems can be meaningfully captured

Whiteboards and flipcharts are typical tools for this. 

In addition, there are a number of software tools, many of them free of charge.  However, probably the majority of them have a drawback when it comes to mapping ideas.  These products force you to start with an initial idea and then relate all subsequent ideas to it in a ‘parent, child, sibling’ structure. The problem is that a strict hierarchy of ideas may not be appropriate, obvious, fixed or even desirable - it may even be advantageous NOT to have ANY implied relationship imposed on the factors, as the relationship between the factors is what you want to discover.  Simply noting the relevant factors and establishing the relationship between them provides much more flexibility.

With this in mind, the product I would recommend is VUE (Visual Understanding Environment), from Tufts University (http://vue.tufts.edu/index.cfm).  However, should you require it, VUE also offers you a Parent, child, Sibling structure.  VUE has too  many additional features to be listed here, but a key benefit is that it is completely free of charge.