An existing trend in business analysis is the use of the mind map technique. It has various areas of application such as planning, taking notes, organising ideas, creative problem solving, collaborating, summarising, and so on.

Throughout the analysis phase, the primary role of business analysts is to investigate, evaluate and scrutinise information obtained from stakeholders as well as any relevant project documentation. This can be simplified by applying mind maps to structure the information obtained through a carefully thought-out representation of ideas, concepts, thoughts, and problems.

The fast-paced business environment of today also requires that BAs save time, enhance their effectiveness, and become more creative in their thinking. Mind maps are useful in organising thoughts in a visual and efficient way. An example of its use is in preparing and delivering presentations. It is important to note that the mind map is not a deliverable of the business analyst but is instead, used in the process of understanding the business in order to proffer comprehensive business solutions.

Mind maps may be used to display the connection between images, colours, texts, thoughts and ideas in a non-linear form. Keywords may be used on connections to explain the relationship between parts. It can be drawn manually on paper or by using online software like Lucid chart or Canva, a free online graphic design tool to summarise complex thoughts and ideas.

Creating a mind map requires carrying out the following steps:

Establish the dominant idea and include it in the mind map

Depending on the requirements of the project, the BA should first identify the dominant idea for further exploration and investigation. This idea is placed at the center of the map.

Classify the factors that influence the main idea/problem

After establishing the dominant idea on the mind map, the business analyst should include additional ideas behind the dominant idea. At this stage, the BA may for instance, employ different categories of problem or idea description. These categories aid structuring.

The diagram below depicts a mind map:

Central image represents the Main idea; Branches represent the main themes or categories of the problem or idea; Branch lines contain keywords that explain association; & Twigs represent sub-topicsSource: Mindmapping — Central image represents the Main idea; Branches represent the main themes or categories of the problem or idea; Branch lines contain keywords that explain association; & Twigs represent sub-topics
Source: Mindmapping

Discuss the main areas suggested above

This stage requires that the main ideas presented are carefully thought-out to offer the best possible ideas aimed at solving existing problems/exploiting opportunities by organizing ideas and identifying the root cause of existing problems.

Though the mind map technique is useful in organizing ideas, it has been criticized for easily being misused as a brainstorming tool (creating relationships between ideas may impede idea generation) and often requiring the illustrator to interpret what has been drawn, since a shared understanding of the mind map can be difficult to communicate.

Mind Mapping Applications

FreeMind

FreeMind is one of the most popular mind mapping software applications available today. It runs on nearly every operating system in existence, is completely free and open source, and there’s a large community around it releasing updates and providing user support. It’s particularly useful for getting organized and keeping track of multiple tasks and projects. Analysts may use it to map out requirements, categorize user feedback, or prioritize their to-do list.

XMind

A polished alternative to the free mind-mapping software FreeMind is XMind, a freemium mind-mapping solution for Windows, macOS, and Linux. XMind has a modern user interface, comes with an abundance of clip art, and automatically synchronizes files across computers. It also works on iOS devices.

Featured

8 Steps To Developing A User Story Map

User story maps are an interesting and collaborative way of eliciting user requirements. One of the reasons why I find it so powerful is because it provides a unique approach for aligning discussions relating to the user, their goals, the process that supports the accomplishment of their predefined goals; and the requirements that need to be addressed to solve business problems.

Introduction To Data Mining

Data mining can be described as the process of improving decision-making by identifying useful patterns and insights from data.

Why Bother With A Data Dictionary?

A data dictionary holds data about the fields in a database, such as field definitions, meanings and allowable values that reflect how data is used within a domain or organization.

What Is A Concept Model?

Are you a business analyst involved in the documentation of business rules and creation of complex decision tables?

A concept model provides a great way of documenting definitions and communicating precise meanings of terms to stakeholders.

Quick Tips For User Journey Mapping

Employing the user journey mapping technique involves adopting a user-centric approach to product design, revealing opportunities to delight customers and identifying pain points that can be addressed thereby creating a product with an improved user experience.

Demystifying The Product Backlog

Within the context of agile software development, the product backlog is a platform where all the potential work (product backlog items) that need to be delivered are recorded, tracked and prioritized. Though owned by the Product Owner, anyone may suggest items to add to it.

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA): A Beginner’s Guide

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a proactive technique that can be applied to the early detection of failures or defects in products and services. It is a systematic risk assessment process used by analysts looking to reduce the chances of faults by detecting problems and their possible repercussions in time for remediation.

Cause And Effect Analysis

If you are in business, here is a brief overview of how cause and effect analysis helps you find viable business solutions. Guest post by Lucas Cappel.

Roles And Permissions Matrix

A roles and permissions matrix, an audit requirement in some organizations, is used to ensure that business activities are covered by identifying the responsibilities and roles linked to them.

Introduction To BPMN 2.0

Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) is a global standard for constructing process models, with more organizations using it and schools teaching it as a subject.

BA Techniques

Mind Mapping