“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. Mind maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.”

[source: http://j.mp/mindMaP]

Now that we’ve had our lesson on mind mapping, or as I call it keyword sketching, we can proceed. Prior to starting any identity design, I jot down as many words as possible that relate to the name of the company and feelings/emotions that the client expressed in the Project Worksheet. This helps to start getting a visual/symbol/icon for the direction I would like to take with the logo. While at times this can be easy to generate hundreds of keywords within minutes, other times it can be quite daunting. NOTE: Even though you may not use any of the keywords that are generated, mind mapping is still a great exercise for getting creativity in motion.

social designing

Oh, the power of Twitter! Instead of spending an hour trying to drum up keywords that came to mind when I thought of the word ‘triumph’ — the companies name is Triumph Services — I asked my Twitter followers to participle in a collaborative mind mapping session by tweeting the first word/symbol/icon that came to mind when their heard the word triumph.

Within ten minutes I had over thirty or more responses and plenty of resources to get my mind going in the right direction. Even more importantly, working as an independent designer this allowed me to get feedback and assistance from my peers — a collaborate effort, and essentially “user feedback.”

Over the past year I’ve come to appreciate the power of Twitter more and more, and have added yet another reason to the list. Interact with your followers and they will interact back.

Thanks to everyone that participated. Your feedback was greatly appreciated. I will keep you all posted on the progress of the logo as I move forth.