From Mind Maps to Knowledge Graphs

In this reflective and forward-looking conversation, Hiro Daryanani shares his journey from traditional mind mapping into the emerging realm of personal knowledge graphs. Drawing on over two decades of using MindGenius in professional settings, Hiro explains how limitations in scalability and interconnection led him to explore tools like Workflowy, LogSeq, and AI. The session explores the intersection of outlining, mapping, and AI-driven knowledge organization, culminating in a personal system that supports continuous learning and agentic AI experimentation. Timestamped Themes & Topics [00:00:00] – Introduction & Hiro’s Background Career summary: telecom sector, business analysis, 25+ years using MindGenius; early exposure to mind mapping during postgraduate studies in Singapore. [00:02:15] – Mind Mapping as a Learning & Workplace Tool Initially used for note-taking; later applied to business requirements and team collaboration. [00:05:35] – Overcoming Document Complexity with Mind Maps Used mind maps to simplify 10–14-page requirement tables; project teams preferred the visuals. [00:06:55] – Corporate Resistance & Shifting Perceptions Early skepticism around “mind maps” as a label; now better accepted, but still not widely adopted. [00:08:20] – MindGenius Advantages Early adoption due to robust outlining, note-taking, export to Word, and user interface suited to large-scale documents. [00:10:04] – AI & Productivity Expectations Organizations must modernize or risk falling behind; AI enables faster mapping and iteration. [00:11:47] – Broader Visual Methods: Whiteboards, Kanban, Workflowy Discusses integration of different tools and spatial thinking beyond traditional mind maps. [00:12:41] – Visual Format Flexibility in Modern Tools MindGenius, Workflowy, and others offer switching between radial, outline, and fishbone formats. Limitations of Traditional Mind Mapping [00:14:02] – The ‘Islands of Information’ Problem Mind maps remained isolated files; lacked cross-map linkage; ineffective for long-term knowledge management. [00:15:44] – Desire for a Connected “Second Brain” Sought tools that allow persistent, connected knowledge across time and topics. [00:16:35] – Inspiration from Tiago Forte & the Second Brain Concept Embraced the idea of knowledge systems for lifelong learning, not just short-term productivity. Transition to Knowledge Graphs [00:18:27] – Enter LogSeq and Workflowy Moved away from MindGenius to tools that support connected, scalable note-taking. [00:19:12] – Blending Tools for Different Needs Google Tasks for short-term; LogSeq for in-depth learning projects (e.g., e-bike conversion). [00:21:00] – Workflowy for Quick Sharing Use for mobile-friendly, web-based outlines; easy to share and publish structured notes. Hands-On Demo & Tool Tour [00:22:10] – LogSeq Demo: Personal Graphs & Daily Use Shows knowledge graph for personal research and link-rich note-taking. [00:24:22] – Markdown & Linking in LogSeq Demonstrates internal and external links with contextual info stored locally. [00:25:12] – Map View Plug-in in LogSeq Outline structure instantly transformed into a mind map via plug-in—illustrates interface flexibility. [00:26:50] – Open Source Cautions LogSeq’s development is community-driven; users must be aware of sustainability risks. [00:27:41] – Corporate Tool Restrictions & Confluence Struggled to get mapping tools approved in workplace; Confluence used instead despite limitations. Other Tools in Use [00:28:27] – OneNote as Shared Knowledge Base Collaborative note-taking with family; supports infinite canvas and user-friendly interface. [00:29:09] – Publishing Static Sites from LogSeq Can make specific pages public and export content to static websites for sharing or reference. [00:30:04] – Site Contents Page & Infinite Goals Demonstrates personal use of LogSeq to track values, life goals, and interests via graph view. [00:31:51] – Navigating Knowledge Graphs Visuals enable deeper contextual navigation, though filtering/tagging remains limited. AI Integration & Automation [00:37:24] – Using AI to Build Structured Notes AI (Leo) used to generate Markdown-ready outlines for pasting directly into LogSeq. [00:38:59] – Human Editing & Curating AI Output Refines structure, adds indentation and context manually—AI supports thinking but doesn’t replace it. Philosophy, Future & Agentic AI [00:39:36] – Daily Journaling as a Foundation Regrets not journaling earlier; sees it now as a key use of LogSeq and reflective practice. [00:41:23] – Workflow > Tool Emphasizes that process and technique matter more than specific software. [00:44:19] – Future Interest: Agentic AI Excited about autonomous AI agents that act as life coaches or advisors; sees knowledge graphs as their memory space. [00:46:51] – Personalization & Secure AI Assistants Dreams of an AI assistant trained only on his data—delivering suggestions tailored to his goals, habits, and interests.