Process Mapping
Quickstart In 7 Steps
• Start in the middle of the paper.
If you are working on an 8 ½ x 11 sheet, turn it sideways. It is easier to have room to spread out the lines and to read what you’ve written. Don’t turn the paper around while you are writing. Maintain one orientation, so it will be easier to read.
• Print the words.
It makes it easier to read! Don’t sacrifice legibility for speed. Use mostly upper and lower case letters. Put key ideas in CAPITALS to make them stand out. It is easier to read lower case letters on a hand-held chart.
• One word on each line.
If you need more words, draw new lines. Try to limit the number of words you write. Select the fewest necessary to remember the idea.
• Use color.
Color is great to highlight and differentiate one group of words from another. Color helps highlight illustrations, action items.
• Draw icons as you have time.
Pictures anchor the key points. Pictures connect with ideas and emotions. Keep it simple. The icon will capture the essence, and the viewer’s mind will fill in the rest.
• Stay horizontal.
Keep the orientation of the map in one direction. This makes it easier to read as you’re creating it. And it makes it easier to use as a reflection and reference. Resist any temptation to move or rotate the paper. You’ll just create a mess and add one more obstacle to using the map.
• Be true to your idea.
Make sure the map reflects what you are saying. This is the detail and big picture that makes a map have meaning. Use colors and icons that are important to them. It’s their map.
