Collaboration and Knowledge Mapping

Manel Heredero, based in Barcelona, is founder of Evoca and a consultant with 15 years’ international experience in construction, automotive, and engineering industries. In this session, the first guest webinar for BiggerPlate, he introduces knowledge mapping as a way to move from traditional hierarchical organisations to network-based, collaborative ones. He explains how mind maps serve as platforms for capturing and sharing “knowledge assets” and illustrates the approach with a real case study from WeShare, a global collaborative economy network. Key Themes & Topics: [2:59] Purpose of session – To show the value of collaboration, connectivity, and using maps as platforms. Frames why knowledge management is central to resilient organisations. [4:49] Airbnb vs Marriott example – 30,000 rooms in 2 weeks vs a year. Illustrates network power and exponential organisational models. [5:44] From hierarchies to networks – Moving away from machine-like structures toward empowered individuals. Shows how knowledge sharing transforms adaptability and resilience. [7:01] Defining knowledge – Distinguishes data, information, and actionable knowledge. Helps companies focus on what truly supports decisions. [9:03] Tacit vs explicit knowledge – Experiences in people’s heads vs documented assets. Clarifies why explicit knowledge needs managing and sharing. [10:00] Knowledge assets – Examples: recipes, architectural diagrams, facade drawings, job descriptions. Turns abstract “knowledge” into tangible, reusable items. [13:34] Benefits of knowledge management – Efficiency, consistency, support networks, institutional memory. Explains direct organisational payoffs. [17:43] Navigation vs search – Maps enable discovery and context; search only retrieves. Highlights why maps are better suited for evolving knowledge bases. [19:36] Ontology vs taxonomy – Maps allow multiple paths to assets, unlike rigid folder structures. Makes knowledge easier to find and more adaptable. [22:37] Case study: WeShare festival – Using MindMeister for a global collaborative event. Shows how distributed teams capture and share assets live. [25:19] Practical application – Example of a new graphic designer using the map to access branding assets instantly. Demonstrates immediate productivity gains. [48:43] Human factors – 80% of success depends on behaviour, not tools. Advice: focus first on high-value domains and empower small volunteer groups. Featuring: MindMeister, Freemind