Brainstorming & Problem Solving with Mind Maps

Jayne Cormie of The Thinking Business shares her creative process for brainstorming and problem solving using mind maps. Drawing on her experience as a trainer and consultant for global brands like Disney, Jayne demonstrates how to go from a blank sheet of paper to detailed planning using templates, hand-drawn maps, and software. The session includes live examples and practical techniques to inspire structured creativity. Timestamped Themes & Topics: [00:00:06] Welcome & Introduction Liam from Biggerplate kicks things off, introduces Jayne, and explains the format and housekeeping. [00:04:43] Jayne’s Background & The Thinking Business Jayne shares how mind mapping helped her launch her business and how it's central to her work. [00:06:52] The Power of Mind Maps for Brainstorming Why mind maps beat the blank page syndrome and how Jayne uses Kipling’s “6 Serving Men” (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) to structure ideas. [00:08:30] Real-Life Example: Community Film Festival Jayne live-demonstrates how she uses mind maps to plan a local film festival – from the initial brief to detailed ideation. [00:14:38] Going Deeper with Multi-Maps How to extract branches from your main map and explore them further. [00:17:48] Unlocking Creativity with Random Input Jayne uses De Bono’s random word technique to spark new ideas for the festival theme using objects like juggling balls and Disney toys. [00:24:51] Developing a Concept: Circus Theme Jayne connects the random inputs back to the map to form a strong thematic idea for the festival. [00:25:42] Pitching Ideas Using the Six Thinking Hats She shows how to structure a persuasive pitch using De Bono’s Six Hats method mapped out visually. [00:33:14] Mind Mapping as a Communication Tool Examples of using maps to create training materials, business proposals, and psychological models. [00:39:02] Q&A: Structuring the 6W Map, Prioritizing the “Why” Discussion on different entry points into a brainstorming map based on the project or client. [00:43:12] Facilitating Brainstorming with Groups Jayne shares tips on using flip charts and mind mapping to guide group thinking through each of the Six Hats. [00:46:33] From Big Ideas to Action Turning creative ideas into realistic, budget-conscious plans using software and practical mind mapping. [00:49:46] Pen vs. Software Mapping Why Jayne starts with hand-drawn maps and shifts to software for planning and communication. [00:50:28] Sourcing Images for Maps Tips on using stock image libraries (and copyright cautions) to enhance visual maps. [00:52:43] Tool Selection: iMindMap vs. MindManager When and why Jayne uses each tool depending on the task—communication vs. planning. [00:55:11] Trends in Creative Thinking in Business Jayne’s perspective on the growing need for creativity in business, despite uncertain times and tight budgets. Featuring: iMindMap