What is Google Concept?
Google Concept is a software tool that combines the Google search engine with a mind-mapping application.
Mind mapping, otherwise also known as concept mapping, is a method used in business, training and education to put thoughts onto paper. It is often seen used as a means of recording brainstorming sessions, project planning and analysis.
Traditionally, such mind mapping has been done on flip charts or paper but increasingly a range of computer programs has been available to enable maps to be produced on a laptop or desktop computer.
To look at, a mind map would often seem to resemble a tree or a spider web. At its center is a central topic or idea. From this central topic, lines shoot out like branches. Each line links a subtopic or theme. Further lines emanate from each subtopic and link to smaller subtopics or ideas. As you move along a line from the center outwards, you see your original topic broken down further and further into more precise concepts.
Each topic and subtopic is represented by a word, a phrase or an image, or a combination of these. The power of a mind map is that a large, complex or, maybe, vague, central topic can be explored and broken down into smaller, manageable and more tangible ideas. A mind map can also show the relationship between ideas and the original topic. Another power of mind mapping is that one’s thoughts can become more focused upon specifics rather than trying to grapple with a large vacuous concept.
Essentially, mind maps deal with ideas and information. These ideas and information become more focused and specific as the topic becomes more broken down.
The idea behind Google Concept is that it takes the central topic and the subtopics and treats them as keywords. These keywords can then automatically be used in a Google search, the results of which can be linked into the mind map. When complete, the mind map has not only broken down the original topic into subtopics but it also has links to information at each point in the form of related websites.
In this way, a business man can plan a new project or explore a new proposal using a mind map in the usual way but also, instantly, he has a collection of links to related websites from which to gain further information. Including, one supposes, information about similar projects, rival firms and possible alternatives.
A student or school kid could use a mind map to explore ideas around a topic of study. As they break down the topic, Google Concept will provide links from which the student or pupil can gain more information and background material to support their study.
All in all, Google Concept appears to be a powerful new tool with a lot of potential. As more and more people learn about mind maps and use them, so Google Concept could become a more natural way of searching for information on an ever expanding Internet.
There is only one problem. Google Concept does not yet exist. I write this article in the hope that it finds its way in front of the guys at Google who might take it up and invite me to discuss it with them.
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