“White space” ideas are those that fall in between existing products, services, or ideas. In a business setting, white space opportunities are those that may lie between two existing business units, divisions or departments. Because both groups are so busy trying to keep up with their existing tasks and responsibilities, they tend to give little time or thought to the unmet customer needs or untapped possibilities that reside between existing products, services and businesses.
Mind mapping software is a perfect tool for exploring white space opportunities, because it leverages the brain’s powers of association. Tony and Barry Buzan point out in their highly-regarded The Mind Map Book that a great way to coax new ideas forth from your marvelous brain is to insert several blank branches in your hand-drawn map. Your brain, which can’t stand to see any pictures be incomplete, will usually comply and generate ideas to fill those blanks.
Why question to you is this: I know this technique works with hand-drawn mind maps, but have you tried it with mind mapping software? I look forward to your thoughts!
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