Taxonomy & Creativity July 22, 2009
Posted by afoote in : Knowledge Management , trackback
With mindmaps a structure of the connections of concepts is developed. Based upon this diagram of concepts a taxonomy is developed connecting the concepts of a domain. This domain can be data in a database, project tasks for a computer project or the concepts that are involved in learning a subject. With the concepts displayed in a taxonomy, others can understand the structure and the relationships involved. One of the negative effects of studying the taxonomy and becoming very knowledgeable about the concepts in the structure is the boundaries that can develop on what the user of the taxonomy understands. This results in a silo style of thinking and limits opportunities for creativity.
To encourage creativity it is necessary to develop another seemingly unrelated taxonomy of concepts. This means that there are two taxonomies and analyzing ways to relate the two taxonomies are an opportunity for creativity. As an example of this in the Networking course (IS231), students learn and work with the binary and hex numbering systems. Students learn binary and hexadecimal numbering systems that are used in computer networking and other computer related processes. A taxonomy is developed connecting the concepts of the numbering systems and computers. Another completely unrelated taxonomy is family birthday celebrations. Traditionally there are lighted candles on a birthday cake to help celebrate the age of the individual celebrating a birthday. The two taxonomies seem unrelated, but the binary numbering system can be used to indicate the age of the individual celebrating the birthday. Using the binary technique of lighting or not lighting candles, the person’s age can be represented in a limited number of candles.
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