This first concept describes the way that APT uses boxes to represent ideas and other forms of thinking.

To use this concept, you simply draw a box and write a few words in the box.

These words either name the essence of an idea or describe it in some way.

If you understand the concept you are thinking about, your descriptions may be very clear. However if your thinking is fuzzy, your box names or descriptions may be general or even vague. This is not a problem.

The good news
As we progress through the process steps, you will see that there is a system to translate fuzzy thinking into clear organised thinking.

In the next frame, I will show you some typical examples.

As you can see from the examples, a wide range of desirable situations can be represented with simple boxes.

Later on, you will see how solutions can be identified and represented in a simular way.

Is this like mind mapping?

If you are familiar with 'mind mapping', you may see similarities to begin with. However, as we proceed, you will notice a more disciplined approach as important structuring rules are introduced.

A different tool for a different job

Many find mind mapping an excellent tool  to develop and express conceptual thinking. APT's job is to convert the conceptual into the very practical.