Concept Mapping
Janice Szalkowski
" Concept maps are tools for organizing and representing
knowledge." (Michigan State University)
What I enjoy about concept mapping is the fact that they can
can be utilized in almost any situation. Whenever we have a
project in mind, it is alway wise to lay it out ahead of time. In the Back of the
Napkin, the author discusses the "Four Cardinal Rules for Better Looking".
1 Collect Everything You Can
2 Lay It All Out Where You Can Look At It
3 Establish Fundamental Coordinates
4 Practice " visual triage".
I can see where concept mapping could be useful in laying out
the information so it can be examined ( providing there is not an overwhelming
amount), and establishing fundamental coordinates. I am thinking of my never
ending project list, home repair, starting an asthma education program at
my hospital, or putting together my final project for my social research class.
In each area, I could utilize concept mapping to help me take my ideas and
put them in an orderly fashion. Without order, the chances of the projects
running smoothly are unlikely.
As a side note, I recently had to do a two hour observation
assignment for my social research class. I utilized the "Better Looker" rules
and found it very helpful!!! Thank You Info Design Class :)
References
www.msu.edu/~luckie/ctools Making Concept Maps - Michigan State University
Roan,D. 2008. The Back of The Napkin. NYNY, Penguin Press
Information design is the skill and practice of preparing information so people can use it with efficiency and effectiveness. It sounds as though you are doing this before submitting your information of design. I myself gather my tools to organize them before starting a project. This proves to be very useful and takes less time to get the information out. You have surely grasped the idea for information design tools. Great blog, I have enjoyed reading it.
ReplyDeleteHi Janice,
ReplyDeleteConcept mapping is nothing without looking and gathering all the information you can and seeing what information is useful to then formulate your map. I too find it astonishing how something like a concept map, which I would normally associate with a business environment, can be used in other situations as well. This class has taught me a lot as well and has made me a better observer and thinker.
Great post,
-Anthony