Skip to main content
Why SubmitSubmit

Where Good Ideas Come From

simonjagerssimonjagers

Loading preview...

Use cases

Book notesBook notes

About

Steven Johnson's 'Where Good Ideas Come From' mind map distills 87 nodes across 9 key concepts from his book on innovation. It explores how ideas emerge from 'The Adjacent Possible', 'Liquid Networks', and 'The Slow Hunch', with specific branches on 'Serendipity', 'Error', 'Exaptation', 'Platforms', 'Reef, City, Web', and 'The Fourth Quadrant'. The map includes striking definitions like 'a new idea is a network of cells exploring the adjacent possible of connections that they can make in your mind' and cites that 'over 50% of Google's new products are derived from 20% time'. This template serves as a comprehensive cheat sheet for understanding the patterns behind creativity and innovation, ideal for entrepreneurs, educators, and knowledge workers.

Terms and Conditions

When to use this template

Product managers and innovation teams

Kicking off a creative brainstorming session for a new product or service

Educators and facilitators

Designing a workshop or course on creativity and innovation

Writers, artists, and independent creators

Reflecting on personal creative habits and building a more idea-friendly routine

How to use this template

Step 1

Open and Explore Core Concepts

Launch the template in Xmind to navigate the nine key innovation concepts like Liquid Networks and The Slow Hunch.

Step 2

Review Detailed Notes and Definitions

Click on individual nodes to access embedded definitions and specific examples from Steven Johnson's research on creativity.

Step 3

Personalize and Apply Your Ideas

Customize the branches with your own brainstorming notes to use the map as a practical innovation study guide.

Frequently asked questions

The template covers 9 key concepts from Steven Johnson's book, including The Adjacent Possible, Liquid Networks, The Slow Hunch, Serendipity, Error, Exaptation, Platforms, Reef City Web, and The Fourth Quadrant, with 87 nodes of detailed explanations and tips.

Open the .xmind file in Xmind, then explore each branch to understand the principles. Use the tips (e.g., 'go for a walk', 'write everything down') to apply the concepts. Customize the map by adding your own ideas under each node.

Yes, the template is free to download and fully editable in Xmind. You can add, remove, or modify nodes to suit your personal or team innovation process.

Use the template to track your own hunches over time. Create a branch for each hunch, add notes as they evolve, and look for connections with other hunches. The template's structure reminds you to incubate ideas patiently.

Absolutely. The Liquid Networks branch highlights the importance of physical location and spillover. Customize it by adding your team's meeting spaces, coffee table discussions, or digital collaboration tools to mimic the neural network effect.

Got an inspiring template?

Share your mind map templates with creators around the world and start earning from your work.

Free template