What is Google Concept?
Google Concept is a software tool that combines the Google
search engine with a mind-mapping application.
Mind mapping, otherwise also known as concept mapping, is
a method used in business, training and education to put
thoughts onto paper. It is often seen used as a means of
recording brainstorming sessions, project planning and analysis.
Traditionally, such mind mapping has been done on flip charts
or paper but increasingly a range of computer programs has
been available to enable maps to be produced on a laptop
or desktop computer.
To look at, a mind map would often seem to resemble a tree
or a spider web. At its center is a central topic or idea.
From this central topic, lines shoot out like branches. Each
line links a subtopic or theme. Further lines emanate from
each subtopic and link to smaller subtopics or ideas. As
you move along a line from the center outwards, you see your
original topic broken down further and further into more
precise concepts.
Each topic and subtopic is represented by a word, a phrase
or an image, or a combination of these. The power of a mind
map is that a large, complex or, maybe, vague, central topic
can be explored and broken down into smaller, manageable
and more tangible ideas. A mind map can also show the relationship
between ideas and the original topic. Another power of mind
mapping is that one’s thoughts can become more focused
upon specifics rather than trying to grapple with a large
vacuous concept.
Essentially, mind maps deal with ideas and information.
These ideas and information become more focused and specific
as the topic becomes more broken down.
The idea behind Google Concept is that it takes the central
topic and the subtopics and treats them as keywords. These
keywords can then automatically be used in a Google search,
the results of which can be linked into the mind map. When
complete, the mind map has not only broken down the original
topic into subtopics but it also has links to information
at each point in the form of related websites.
In this way, a business man can plan a new project or explore
a new proposal using a mind map in the usual way but also,
instantly, he has a collection of links to related websites
from which to gain further information. Including, one supposes,
information about similar projects, rival firms and possible
alternatives.
A student or school kid could use a mind map to explore
ideas around a topic of study. As they break down the topic,
Google Concept will provide links from which the student
or pupil can gain more information and background material
to support their study.
All in all, Google Concept appears to be a powerful new
tool with a lot of potential. As more and more people learn
about mind maps and use them, so Google Concept could become
a more natural way of searching for information on an ever
expanding Internet.
There is only one problem. Google Concept does not yet exist.
I write this article in the hope that it finds its way in
front of the guys at Google who might take it up and invite
me to discuss it with them.
Douglas Woods is a teacher, ICT trainer and Life Coach in
the UK who uses mind mapping as a tool. You can find out
more about him on his website.
http://www.dougwoods.com
