Knowledge Management with Mind Maps

Alain Geenrites shares how mind mapping underpins his personal knowledge management and information organisation across both professional and personal contexts. Drawing on more than three decades in technology consulting, he demonstrates how maps help capture notes, plan presentations, organise technical knowledge, and structure complex thinking. The session illustrates how mind maps act as a practical “information hub,” enabling rapid navigation, retrieval, and synthesis of large volumes of information. 00:00:52 Three Core Uses of Mind Mapping Alain introduces the three main ways he uses mind maps: note-taking and planning, organising information, and structuring complex thinking. 00:02:40 Capturing Notes from Conferences and Learning Events Mind maps are used to record ideas, discussions, and insights from conferences, training sessions, and industry events. 00:05:39 Mobile Mind Mapping for Natural Note-Taking Using tools such as iThoughts on an iPad with Apple Pencil allows Alain to capture ideas naturally and quickly while attending events. 00:07:19 Using Icons and Visual Markers in Maps Icons and visual markers help highlight key ideas and can potentially be used to filter important information within large maps. 00:09:14 Planning Projects, Courses, and Exhibitions Mind maps provide a clear structure for planning complex activities such as exhibitions, presentations, and training sessions. 00:12:09 Structuring Talks and Training Content Maps allow presenters to visualise the flow of a talk or course and quickly identify gaps or missing information. 00:14:41 Structuring Presentations with Clockwise Map Flow Alain explains how presentation mind maps are organised clockwise, allowing speakers to follow a logical narrative during delivery. 00:18:38 Organising Technical Knowledge and Information Mind maps function as knowledge hubs, organising technical documentation, troubleshooting guides, and product information in one structure. 00:20:35 Creating a Personal Technical Knowledge Base A large “link-o-pad” map stores curated links, resources, and reference material gathered from blogs, documentation, and support sources. 00:23:10 Replacing Browser Bookmarks with Mind Maps Mind maps are used as a unified bookmarking system, enabling access to links across multiple browsers and information sources. 00:26:54 Structuring Knowledge Using Logical Levels Alain uses Robert Dilts’ logical levels model (environment, behaviour, capabilities, beliefs, identity) to structure thinking and information. 00:31:32 Applying Structured Thinking to Proposals and Communication This structured mapping approach helps organise proposals, emails, and complex explanations, improving clarity when communicating with clients. Featuring: SimpleMind