Business Modeling with Mind Mapping

Hans Terhurne explores how mind mapping supports business modelling, process improvement, strategy development, and large-group facilitation. Drawing on decades of experience in technical environments and organisational change, he explains how visual thinking transforms dialogue, surfaces hidden issues, and builds shared commitment. The session moves from conceptual foundations to practical applications across consulting, strategy, process mapping, and event facilitation. [00:03:42] Introduction and Professional Background Hans introduces his company Creomatics (creativity + systematics) and explains his role as a facilitator of visual thinking in training and consulting environments. [00:06:13] Why Diagrams Matter in Complex Situations Drawing on his technical background, Hans explains how diagrams prevent errors in engineering—and similarly prevent poor decisions in strategy and business contexts. [00:08:11] From Information to Innovation He presents a visual thinking model: information becomes knowledge through connections, insight through patterns, and innovation through discovering unique relationships. [00:10:05] Dialogue Through Visualisation Working “via the wall” transforms yes/no discussions into dialogue, shifting focus from personalities to shared understanding. [00:11:49] Cognitive Limits and the Need for Visual Thinking With working memory limited to 7±2 elements, complex decisions require visual structuring to avoid instinct-based or reactive decision-making. [00:12:55] Embracing Chaos to Create New Order Hans explains that creative workshops often begin chaotically, but structured visualisation helps teams discover emerging clarity. [00:14:51] Empowering Professionals at the Workplace Inspired by participatory organisational models, he argues that those closest to the work often know best—and mapping enables their voice. [00:17:01] Brainwriting to Balance Group Dynamics Using silent idea generation ensures quieter participants contribute equally, improving quality of outcomes compared to purely verbal brainstorming. [00:23:57] Enhancing the Business Model Canvas with Divergence Hans integrates mind mapping with the Business Model Canvas, using maps to expand thinking before converging into the structured canvas blocks. [00:28:17] Process Mapping: As-Is, Should-Be, Could-Be He describes a three-step process improvement approach—mapping current reality, designing improvements, and exploring innovative alternatives. [00:30:54] Event Mapping and Large-Scale Facilitation Hans demonstrates how live mind mapping during conferences or World Café sessions captures collective intelligence and reinforces learning. [00:33:09] Scenario Mapping for Strategic Futures Inspired by scenario planning, he shows how organisations can map secure and uncertain futures to build resilient strategies. Featuring MindManager