Today we were introduced to online tools for generating concept maps. I have used concept maps before and found them quite useful as well as slightly frustrating! As a conceptual artist I have used concept maps to work through as many angles, ideas, words, mediums, methods etc. in order to consider what and how my art will convey the concept that I am after. The downside to concept maps are that they can lead a person too far away from where they started as well as squelch creativity in that they are so organized and analytically laid out, the use of creative thinking is at times pushed aside. There are definite bonuses and drawbacks to concept maps, knowing when and where to apply them is probably the best place to start. I found the concept map programs interesting, Inspiration and Bubble.Us, as they would probably be great if one were creating a diagram for a presentation, however, I personally prefer to create concept maps by hand as it allows me to maintain the creative, conceptual aspect throughout the analytic process of concept mapping.
Do you have a similar or alternative point of view regarding Concept Maps? I would love to hear it!
- Jen Marie