The Investigate Your Problem IQ Matrix throws you into research mode, where you take time to investigate the intricacies of your problem in thorough detail. This is the second of a five-part series of mind maps that explore the creative problem-solving process. The purpose of this step is to gain more clarity about your current reality as it relates to the problem at hand. To do this you will need to undertake some research and, maybe, a fact-finding mission. This will help you collate all the information you need to effectively solve your problem.
This process sounds quite straightforward. It is, however, typically not the information you collect that helps you solve the problem, but rather the insights you gather from this research. That is what makes all the difference. It’s therefore of paramount importance that you’re able to organize this information in a way that helps you make sense of the facts surrounding the problem.
As you work through this map you are provided with a series of questions that help you explore the facts surrounding your problem. Once you are clear on the facts, the map guides you through another series of questions to help separate facts from opinion. This is very much like a critical thinking exercise. Finally, when you have gained enough clarity, the map helps you organize and sort through all the data you have collected. This lays down the foundations for the creative problem-solving process.
Here is a quick breakdown of each branch of the Investigate Your Problem mind map.
- The Purpose: The first branch of this map Briefly outlines the purpose of this specific stage of the problem-solving process.
- Fact-Find: Every solution to a problem is built upon clear and concise facts that you must identify and explore. Within this branch of the map, you are provided with a set of questions to help you explore the facts surrounding your problem. Use these questions as a guide for working through the fact-finding stage of the problem-solving process.
- Gain Clarity: Once you are clear about the facts, you must now gain clarity about these facts. Here is where you search for meaning using a logical sequence of questions. These questions will help you separate fact from opinion, which will help you gain the clarity you need to organize the data logically and rationally within the next step.
- Organize Data: Having gained clarity, your final step within this part of the problem-solving process is to organize and sort through all the data you have collected. This will help you lay down the foundations for the creative problem-solving process.
This map provides a roadmap and framework for thoroughly investigating your problem in preparation for the problem-solving process. Referencing it regularly and committing it to memory will help you to embed these concepts and ideas into your subconscious mind.
A mind map, of course, does this beautifully because it mirrors the synaptic connections made in your brain as you try to establish new habits of thought and behavior. It brings together key concepts and ideas that help your brain to fully integrate and process this information. The brain, subsequently, rewires itself as it attempts to establish new habits of mind. It’s an ideal tool for creating lasting change and transformation.
Stick with these principles, memorize and incorporate them into your life, and you will progressively develop the necessary habits-of-mind to help you gain deeper levels of clarity about your problem.
Below you will find links to all five problem-solving mind maps. Together they will provide you with a comprehensive outline of the creative problem-solving process.
- Define Problem
- Investigate Problem
- Re-Imagine Idea
- Engineer Plan of Action
- Execute and Master
- BONUS: Solving Life’s Problems provides a solid introduction to the process and the mindset required to help you solve your life’s problems most effectively.
When you purchase the Investigate Your Problem IQ Matrix you will receive:
- A PDF copy of the IQ Matrix, which you can use for printing in high resolution.
- A JPG image file of the IQ Matrix, which is ideal for viewing on tablets and mobile devices.
- A Desktop Background version of the map you can use for reference on your computer.
- A MindManager file for those who wish to edit the content of the IQ Matrix.
- A printable PDF summary of this IQ Matrix to help you better understand each concept.
- A printable PDF summary of this IQ Matrix to help you better understand each concept.
Additional visual resources and variations of this IQ Matrix might be added to your account page at no extra cost in the future.
