> We should either generalize the meaning of outline, to break its
> association with serial order, or use another word to describe the
> software and what should be done with it. "Jumbler" would emphasize
> movement and non-serial linkages.
I think the word you're looking for could be MindMap. MindMaps are open,
flexible associative structures of branches, keyword and pictures,
symbols, colours ....
MindMapping can help a lot to understand systems, as it can clearly show
interdependecies, connections and the most important: you always keep the
overview on the 'big picture'.
They are also a great help in *any* learning process! And for
preparing presentations.
I use them a lot during workshops. You can introduce the technique
in about 1/2 hour and everybody can use it easily from then on,
individually and in groups.
There's also some MindMapping sowtware available, although I
generally prefer to do it 'by hand', because it's much more of my
work then.
If you want to know more, please feel free to contact me.
Lit: Tony Buzan, The MindMap Book, BBC Books, London (1993)
-- YoursRoland Foerster
"Die Zeit ist so gross, wie man sie sieht, und an der Groesse der Zeit waechst der Mensch" C.G. Jung
Dr. Roland E. Foerster, Open Dialogue Consulting, Management Consulting & Development Bueelisackerstr. 28, CH-5622 Waltenschwil, Switzerland voice: ++41-57-23 14 68, fax: ++41-57-22 83 65 e-mail: foerster@dial.eunet.ch (NeXT & MIME-Mail welcome)