graphical scenario outliner

Posted by Dr Andus
Oct 26, 2013 at 10:19 AM

As Franz suggested, the main question with these kinds of tools is what is the nature of the task to be solved.

These tools could be ranked within a matrix where one axis has speed of use at one end, and presentability (making the output consumable by others) at the other end. The other axis would go from solving simple problems to complex problems.

E.g. if you have a relatively easy problem, need to solve it quickly, and there is no need to communicate it to others later on, nothing beats a big piece of paper and coloured pencils, or a whiteboard with markers, or some software for hand-drawing (a tablet with a pen).

If the problem is more complex and needs to be analysed in depth over a longer time, with nodes needing to be split, repositioned, maps duplicated etc., then concept mappers and mind mappers would be better (some of which may also have decent export options).

If the problem is already solved and it’s about communicating it to others, then a pretty flowchart-maker with nice templates would be the most appropriate, such as SmartDraw (which however would be too slow for brainstorming and analysis).