Video summary

Part 4: Tree Map - Thinking Maps with Excalidraw in Obsidian

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main ideas and lessons

  • “Tree Map” as a Thinking Map: The video introduces the tree map as a tool to classify, sort, group, categorize, and elaborate ideas in a structured way.
  • Series context (8 thinking maps): This is Part 4 of a multi-day series introducing eight thinking maps, with videos released daily.
  • Combining thinking maps: The tree map can be used together with other maps. The video demonstrates:
    • Using a circle map first to generate ideas
    • Then using a tree map to organize those ideas into categories
  • Iterative clustering → refinement: The workflow emphasizes:
    • Starting with rough groupings based on perceived relationships
    • Observing commonalities
    • Evolving groups into a clear hierarchical structure
    • Applying formatting for readability

Methodology / step-by-step instructions (as shown)

  • Skip the brainstorming step (for the example):
    • Instead of generating ideas from scratch, the presenter assumes ideas already exist from a circle map.
  • Transfer ideas into the tree map:
    • Drag ideas from the circle map one by one into the tree map.
  • Initial clustering:
    • As items are added, look for groups to cluster related items.
    • Example grouping:
      • Some items relate to software development
      • These are grouped with:
        • Process maps
        • Organizational charts
      • Rationale: both may support business process re-engineering (BPR)
  • Discover additional clusters:
    • Continue observing patterns as more items are placed.
    • Identify other related items, including those tied to illustration and other content types.
    • Examples mentioned as found in the brainstorming set:
      • Thinking-related items
      • Elements related to illustration
      • Meeting notes
      • Presentations
      • Project-related drawings
  • Create the hierarchical tree structure:
    • After initial groupings, organize the groups into a tree.
    • Throughout, look for commonalities between groups to refine the hierarchy.
    • Example resulting higher-level categories:
      • Left side: Programming and BPR
      • Other categories: Tools for Thought and Meeting Notes
  • Promote and merge related categories:
    • Identify similarities across groups and create broader categories/designations.
    • Example:
      • Promote illustrations into a group title
      • Place storytelling and presentations next to illustrations due to similarity (to help align text)
  • Formatting in Excalidraw (implementation details):
    • Use Excalidraw grouping and alignment:
      • Group items using the Ctrl+G shortcut
      • Align objects to the top (the subtitle wording appears imperfect, but the intent is alignment under the relevant category)
  • Finalize readability:
    • Complete remaining categories and add formatting so the tree is more readable.
  • Close-out:
    • The presenter highlights Excalidraw’s capabilities and notes that three maps are excellent for classifying, grouping, and categorizing ideas.
    • Teases the next lesson: Brace maps in Part 5.

Sources / speakers featured

  • Unnamed presenter/speaker (the video host/instructor).

Original video