associates.infonomics.ltd.uk

In response to client requests for qualitative methods we've developed a range of tools that we are sharing with our associates.  We hope that you're interested in using these approaches in your projects.

Qualitative data is typically provided as passages of semi-structured text.  That text can be researched and analysed, qualitatively and quantitatively.  The matrix below lists possible techniques for each approach.  This bulletin focusses on the qualitative analysis of qualitative data: mind-mapping.

In response to client requests for qualitative methods we've developed a range of tools that we are sharing with our associates.  We hope that you're interested in using these approaches in your projects.

Qualitative data is typically provided as passages of semi-structured text.  That text can be researched and analysed, qualitatively and quantitatively.  The matrix below lists possible techniques for each approach.  This bulletin focusses on the qualitative analysis of qualitative data: mind-mapping.

Why mind map?

Mind maps help to communicate qualitative data because they can:

• collect ideas without needing prose - allowing a structure to evolve
• express complex relationships

• make a visual impact

These features are demonstrated by a series of infographics under the title "Making Sense of the Financial Mess" that have been designed to explain the current economic situation to the layman with the help of rich pictures.

Mind maps are common because they're easy to produce.  They're not always the best form of communication however.  I've heard people liken mind maps to ugly children as they are always beautiful to their parents (i.e. the author)!  Effective mind maps must be easy to write and easy to read.

Patterns make mind mapping faster and more effective

Mind mapping is a way to organise ideas.  A typical structure connects topics with lines in a nodal system, optionally labelling the connections to describe their nature.  By using established structures and patterns, authors can create effective mind maps quickly.  The periodic table of visualisations is a useful starting point for finding patterns to express your ideas.

The idea clustering process is important

Idea clustering should be a familiar process to anyone who's run a post-its and markers workshop.  Participators generate ideas and write them onto post-its, the facilitator must organise these (often overlapping) thoughts into a coherent set of conclusions. 

• The typically approach is affinity analysis: gathering similar ideas together into themes.  Thematic clustering is simple, but may be too simple to deal with contradictory interpretations, causal relations or minority concerns;
• An associate recently suggested story-based clusters: gathering ideas from across themes into logical stories;
• Comments on this discussion on the e4innovation blog suggest using the Prince2 Work Breakdown Structure for collecting and categorising ideas.

Examples of mind-mapping at Infonomics

Explaining Terminology

The diagram provides a clear definition of worklessness and how it relates to other labour market indicators. This simple diagram was created in MS Powerpoint.

Dialogue mapping consultancy methodologies

We've used these maps in our proposals to relate the work/ product breakdown structure to the tender brief using a question-answer pattern built into Compendium.

Communicating personalised messages to a range of stakeholders

We processed literally 100's of programme indicators down to a select few.  Rather than sending each project the full dataset we created a personalised mapping with the relevant details.  This was created directly from our dataset using translations scripts and the dot language.