Synthesis maps and decision maps
Two advanced formats: the map that summarises ten sources, and the one used to decide.
The synthesis map
Use. You have read ten articles and three books and interviewed four people on a subject. You have to come out of it with a clear position.
Centre: the question, not the subject. Should we bring customer support in house, not customer support.
Branches. CONSENSUS, what all the sources agree on. DISAGREEMENTS, the points of divergence with who says what. DATA, the numbers with their sources. BLIND SPOTS, what nobody addresses, often the most valuable branch. MY POSITION, your synthesis in three points.
The blind spots branch is what separates a synthesis from a summary. Actively hunting for what is missing is a reflex you can acquire.
The decision map
Use. Choosing between several options, alone or as a group.
Centre: the decision to be taken, with its deadline.
The rest is part of the Mind Mapping & Note-Taking module
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