Mind mapping and real world. Where is the boundary?

Discover a unique and creative map, filled with emotions and stories, made of real objects that evoke the Biggerplate Unplugged conference in ParisVisitez ici la version française du billet

After a long period of inactivity on the blog that I devoted to the creation of a non-profit association, I wanted to share with you a nice experience I recently lived in Paris with the « Biggerplate Unplugged Paris », a conference where I was invited to talk about mind mapping.

Last year, Jean-Pascal COTE (emapsfree.fr), with whom I'm used to talk about cognitive science, informed me about a possible event in France dedicated to the mind mapping. He told me at the time that he would be happy to see me participating.

And they did it! The Biggerplate team, led by Liam HUGHES and several other French contributors mobilized by Frédéric VEVE gathered on March 21st 2013, nearly 70 persons at the « Laboratoire de l’édition » in Paris for a great afternoon event. Among the participants, application users, developers,  leading software companies, bloggers, trainers, consultants who wanted to exchange their experience, expertise, and perspective on the past, present, and future of the mind mapping world.

Invited as an expert for a round-table discussion, I had the opportunity to officially announce the foundation of the non-profit association « Dessine-moi une idée asbl», present its goal, inform about Tony BUZAN and ThinkBuzan support as well as explain what motivated me to launch such a project. You will get soon more details about this association.

The day was memorable, tinged with various souvenirs that I wanted to capture with a creative and unusual mind map. This time, no papers or software (almost) but real objects placed on the floor, remembering the event.

Biggerplate Unplugged Paris - Mind map with real objects
High resolution image available here

I show with this mind map that we are far beyond a single centric and hierarchical diagram, it is a true state of mind. I'm pleased to build and communicate with this technique. I can express emotions and generate some in the audience. Were you in Paris or in London for the conference? What do you learn, feel or remember when looking at this map?

As I often say, the most important when drawing mind maps, it is not the outcome but the journey. Imagine yourself in my place putting together the different objects that evoke or have made this conference a pleasant memory. Let me take you for a walk through this conference day.

When I install this beautiful shirt « Woo4men », still ruffled, it reminds me the story with its Belgian designer and many moments of laughs it caused during the day. My friend Matthieu COTTARD was wearing a nice one as well, but might think about a different brand.

Then, when I put these train tickets, I remember the constant stress of missing a start. But in the end, the trip was well prepared and schedules aligned. I finished my route on foot, under the sun, in the charming streets of the 5th arrondissement.

In making this reproduction of the conference room, of course I remember the place, perfectly fitted for the occasion, but also the presentation of the « Labo de l’édition » a neutral and open space including co-working dedicated to publishing professionals. It aims to support new and innovative young structures.

When I arrange my notes, I think about various meetings with Frederick and Jean-Pascal for the preparation of our interventions. I remember making a mind map in the Thalys train and this boy who looked at me with envy. I said to him, "He are some pencils and a sheet of paper so you may express your creativity." His mom was happy and controllers laughed our drawings making no sense to them. I think also about my presentation of the association "Dessine-moi une idée asbl" and my ambition to help children to learn better thanks to mind mapping at school. I could not hide my emotions when evoking this project in front of everybody.


By adding Biggerplate folder, I remember Liam, his good humor and his introduction in French, his brother who loved my shirt, the many photos he took and which allow us to relive now the atmosphere of the day. Of course, I cannot forget its platform sharing thousands of mind maps and I congratulate him for his ability to unite players in the field.


When reading the schedule, it remind me Mister MC Frédéric VÈVE (communiquons) on his chair, ensuring a perfect orchestration. He played a crucial role in the success of the event because he managed to stick to a tough schedule I thought unrealistic while ensuring continuity in the discussions. He is a great professional of communication.

With the photo of the speakers, each presenting one of the three sessions, I recall some of their mind maps, some pertinent questions the audience asked and   some great testimonials. Patrick NEVEU (Signos) explained us what are the common barriers when you sell mind mapping to customers. He helped us, based on his experience, to understand which approach has more chance to succeed. Jean-Pascal COTE presented a model of maturity in mind mapping for an individual or collective usage. He deserves to launch the debate around issues of communication and responsibility between actors in the field. Finally, Jérôme DARD and Lionel MASSON (CARTES sur TABLES) introduced with good humour and realism, the session dedicated to softwares. MindJet, MindMeister and Matchware, many solutions and technological advances with markets and visions of mind mapping very different and sometimes tightly closed. iMindMap was not represented but Chris Griffiths from ThinkBuzan led a session during the London edition.

Browsing the business cards I collected from my peers, I think about all these people that I finally met in person whereas we are already exchanging our views on social media. I have the souvenirs of persons such as Julie CUMMINGS-DEBROT who encouraged me for the association, or Sébastien MARTINEZ who follows my evolution via the blog or professionals such as Denys LEVASSORT (mind-mapping-decision) who wants to collaborate with me in the future. I will not forget Pascal BERNARDON (www.human-connect.com) who called out for the creation of an official mind mapping communities as well as the presence of my Belgian colleagues Marco BERTOLINI (Formation 3.0) and Fabienne DE BROECK (Optimind) who travelled to Paris.

And « last but not least », we all met for a drink in this beautiful French brasserie "La Contrescarpe", facing a nice square with the same name. A nice moment of sharing in a pleasant atmosphere, before taking the night train back to Belgium.



You may understand now how a mind map, whatsoever, may convey more than just structured information.  The one I presented today tells a story and engraves the memory of my visit to Paris. Tell me what it evokes to you?

Hope to meet you soon.
Be open minded.
Be creative.