Mind Map:
Helpful for initiating ideas. Develop the map quickly then synthesize connections and directions. Color and adding dimension are other tactics. These are best to hand write because it provides spontaneity and easy flow of the mind. The central word should represent a central topic, subject or question. Another way is doing an image map, the same format and idea just with drawings or images.
Concept Maps:
These are used for more thorough investigation and analysis than mind maps. They show more of a systems thinking and relationships of concepts in a hierarchical order, from general to specific. This map shows how concepts were developed.
Freewriting:
Brings hidden ideas into the visual world. It’s not judged and should be for personal use. It can be unfocused or focused writing. Write about anxieties or questions about the project. One should be relaxed to stimulate more productivity when writing freely. It is best to set a time of about 10-15 minutes and write without stopping, not worried about spelling or structure. Write what is known about the given topic, related things etc. Looping should be used, meaning go back through and reread then circle interesting things then develop those more. (I found that this was not as helpful as the other exercise)
My three novellas by Francine Rivers are moving stories about women who fought against the odds to follow their hearts. The hearts of these women were written on and designed to do wonderful things and to play a part in history. All of them, Tamar, Rahab and Bathsheba, beautiful women from unfavorable circumstances led to Jesus the Messiah. They were not compeletely righteous or perfect women but the opposite. Tamar was stubborn and did many things against her father’s will and even presented herself as a harlot to receive the promise of carrying on the name of Judah. She was blessed with twins and was shown mercy and grace by Judah for her game but she was the one who did the just thing. Rahab was a prostitute in the city of Jerico who worked as a spy for the king. She would summon men who would carry information and be of interest to the king, then reported back. Her whole life she was convicted and felt like her life had been taken away from her by the king and her father. She never ceased to believe in the God of the Hebrews just from the stories she was told. She took the side of the Hebrews in hopes she could become one of them by hiding them in her house to prevent their death. In the end she was saved from the rubble and welcomed into the tribes of the Hebrews. Bathsheba grew up admiring David as the leader of their people. Eventually she caught David’s eye when he became king and became pregnant and became his wife. Destruction came and took their sons life but they were shown grace and mercy and were blessed again.
These stories are all examples to anyone who reads them, not just Christian or Jewish but to everyone as a history and moral story. They show many virtues when their culture was corrupt, similar to our own sometimes. Here they found God as their peace where people now try to find it other ways. Overall people are searching for something to believe these women find it in their hearts.
Brain-writing:
a way for a group to write ideas down and pass it on for other to add on.
Word List:
A concise and quick way to write words that come to mind. After the list is made group the words for a better visual, understanding so can pick a direction. Use metaphorical, oppositional words. Look over list and circle words that you can use for other exercises.
Outlines:
They are a plan or guide to address the idea. They provide organization and a framework. In a design standpoint use a grid structure that is flexible where you can move text and images around then impose grid.
Critiques:
Allow for input as work through a project. There are several tactics such as sticky notes, feedback questions, peer response, round-robin comments, voting, or online things such as a blog or flickr.
Reflective Writing:
Write accomplishments and what else you could do after the project to make it even better. Take 10-15 minutes to write about what is strong what isn’t etc, very informal writing.
Sketchbooks:
It is best to carry a sketchbook around all the time as a place to put thoughts any time. It can be for sketches, notes, freewriting, or ideas. Doing this daily strengthens the ability to brainstorm and be creative.
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