If you want to increase your creativity, try out the process known as mind-mapping. A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea. It allows the user to attack a topic without resorting to linear thinking techniques.
In its' simplest form, mind-mapping begins with a blank sheet of paper. In the center of the page is written the main idea or concept. Additional thoughts related to the topic are listed around the page at random. This allows the user to "free think". When the user feels that there are no more thoughts, he links (by drawing a line) any thoughts which appear to be of a similar or related nature. It is helpful to use colored pens or markers to make the connectivity stand out. When all items have been linked, the mind map yields topics or themes that must be addressed to adequately outline or define the original main topic.
Consider the following mind map for establishing a new commercial web site:
Some themes that pop out of the mind map are:
1. Blue - Investigate affiliate marketing and linking to other sites
2. Purple - Legal structure and tax implications need to be addressed
3. Light Blue - Who is going to develop the site?
4. Red - What are we going to sell on the site?
5. Light Orange - Can the site include multimedia?
6. Orange - can the site be accessed globally?
7. Green - Should we pass on development and consider already established tools (i.e. E-Bay)
Very quickly, I have identified main areas that need to be addressed if I want to establish a commercial web site. Certainly, there would be more items to consider. We could also use secondary mind-maps to further process any of the main themes above.
If you are interested in tools to help automate the process, I recommend visiting
http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
This page will also make available an open source software package (FreeMind) that will automate the mind mapping process.
Copyright 2009 - Jim Lindell