![]() Mind maps for documenting meetings/gatherings and training/events These areas are documented in a mind map so that we can quickly see what areas should be consider. These and many more areas give us feedback and clues as to the state of the system, even if they may appear to not be directly related to what we are testing. We typically check these areas no matter what testing is taking place. For example at NewVoiceMedia when we test we always check the “call recordings”, “audit log”, “call quality”, firebug outputs and of course the web server event logs. (some mind maps don’t print well if they are large though).Įvery team I have worked in has had a number of standard (or regular) areas to consider or components to check for feedback when testing. I print this out and stick it on the wall for quick reference. During this mapping I will take notes and typically create another mind map with my test ideas. I can start to build a picture in my mind of how things hang together and what changes/testing might affect different parts of the product. This essentially gives me a more visual representation of the entire system (and sub-systems). ![]() One of the first things I do when working on a new product is to map out the capabilities and structure of that product in a mind map. Tool I use for this : XMind / Pen and Paper I’ve found them less useful in this respect but my needs will differ from others. I know some testers continue to use mind maps for their planning, measuring and reporting too. I typically export the mind map to text and copy/paste this to excel to give me the reporting and ordering aspects that excel can offer. I used to do this process of capturing test ideas in excel which was very effective but the re-ordering and associating process was trickier. I typically do this during story chats and design meetings. I will map out my ideas (no matter how crazy) and then regroup, re-factor and create associations later. I use mind maps to document my thinking around user stories, features or capabilities that I will be testing. I can quickly spin up new nodes, add web links, add resources and create to-do tasks. New ideas will obviously come to light and can be added quickly and easily to the mind map. I typically don’t self edit at this point, instead I choose to let the ideas flow.Īfter a while I will start to drag and drop the ideas in to logical groupings before applying edits to the spelling, typos and removing ideas that no longer make sense. From this central point I can spawn a number of child nodes exploding the idea. It is possible to export (from electronic system) the map in a number of format such as jpg or txt.įor me the central idea for my writing typically forms the central point in a mind map. If you are using paper then this flexibility is less of an option. Most electronic mind mapping software allows you to move thoughts (nodes) around, add notes, add hyperlinks, cut/paste and create relationships (links) to other nodes. , tasks, or other items related to a central key word or idea. Some of my more complicated blog posts start out as a random thought that is then structured, explored, exploded and refined in a mind map.įor those new to mind maps they work (at a basic level) like this – from Wikipedia. I’ve got another book I’m working on that’s been outlined in a mind map also. The outline of “ Diary of a Test Manager” was done in a mind map. Most of my blog posts, books and other content comes from an idea which forms the central node of a mind map. They’ve been invaluable in helping me to generate ideas and connections. I’ve been using mind maps for about 15 years now for brainstorming and aiding my thinking. Mind maps for brainstorming, thinking and writing I’d be interested to hear about other ways people are using mind maps, or other techniques for organising thoughts, data and information. Here are a number of ways in which mind mapping has helped me. Despite my success with them I’m conscious that not everyone works well with a mind map. I’ve learned a lot about how my thinking unravels by using mind maps. Mind maps have long been an important part of my work, right from organising management tasks through to test design and ideas generation. ![]()
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