38. THE CENTRAL IDEA SATELLITE SYSTEM
* Sometimes an idea isn’t an idea on its own. Instead, it is interrelated with others, or has a number of sub-themes.
* If that is the case, then you can organise the various parts with The Central Idea Satellite System, which links them together in a layout reminiscent of satellites orbiting around a central planet.
* The hub of the idea sits in the centre, and is represented by the largest circle to denote its importance.
* Smaller satellites are then spun around it, normally a minimum of three and a suggested maximum of six. If there are less than three satellites, then the idea might not be as fertile as you first thought.
* Thematically the satellite ideas must be related to the central one.
* Use the diagram to explain the idea to others, and if necessary populate it with directional arrows to show what has an influence on what.
EXERCISE: Place the main idea in the centre of the system. Draw up a list of related sub-ideas. Arrange them in smaller bubbles around the central thought. If you run out of sub-ideas quite fast, review whether the central one is as full of potential as you originally thought. Otherwise, use the diagram to demonstrate to others the breadth and application of the main idea.