Ever since we blogged a whiteboard-painted wall for tracking ideas and next steps, we’ve been coming across examples of graphed ideas. This is J.K. Rowlings plot spreadsheet for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It knocked us out for how utterly straightforward and unfussy it is; written in ball-point pen on lined notebook paper. And look what it became!

It reminded us how useful/essential it is to graph our ideas, and make visual representations of getting from one place to another – where we are to where we want to go – and the steps in-between, with room to shift it as things evolve and change.

The form is whatever works for you. We find that our paper maps get buried. With so many things going on, they really need to be on a wall for us to keep our goals in mind. We’re going to build that into our new office.

Design consultants IDEO famously use Post-It notes to track ideas in their brainstorming sessions. The notes can be moved around as the idea evolves.

Restickable “Post It” glue sticks are great for tacking up any paper reminder without damage to the wall.

How do you track of your ideas and plans?

via Kottke

Related post: Idea Maps on a Whiteboard Wall

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One thought on “graphing novels, business plans and other big ideas

  1. I’ve been wanting to do a wall of cork for some time now for just this purpose.

    As always, thanks for the inspiration!

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