The Brainstorm function speeds the entry of new topics. Following brainstorming principles, the Brainstorm tool lets you quickly record ideas and then group them. When you've finished the brainstorming session you drag the results into the map.
A brainstorming session can be used when starting a new map and to develop new topics for existing maps. While most of the commands for building a map still function while using the Brainstorm tool, the real focus is on the recording and grouping of ideas. Additional annotation and coding can be completed when you return to the normal map view.
The Brainstorm
tool does not work if you have read-only permission for a map. Check with
the map's owner or your system administrator to change a map's permissions.
If you want to limit your session to a certain amount of time use the Timer tool to set a countdown clock that will alert you when the time is up.
On the Tools tab, in the Meetings group, click Start Brainstorming.
The Brainstorming window opens. Note the End Brainstorming command on the Ribbon, and corresponding button at upper-right.
Type each new idea in the Enter all your ideas box and press ENTER or click Insert. A new topic will appear on the left side of the window.
If you mis-type, you can correct the idea by clicking it and editing the text.
If you want to delete an idea, click it and press DELETE.
You can record all your ideas at random, or pause to group or organize them, then enter some more ideas.
Under Define groups to prioritize click Enter Group Names .
Enter the names for all the groups you need (you can always create or remove groups later), then click OK. The Groups topic appears with the group names as subtopics.
Drag and drop each idea onto its group.
You can resume entering ideas, or you can add subtopics directly to your grouped ideas to add more details. You can also drag and drop topics to reorganize them at any time during the session.
Click End Brainstorming at the upper-right corner of the window or in the Tools tab, Meetings group. You'll see your brainstorming results at the bottom of the map.
Drag your brainstorming session results into the main map.