A process map is a very simple tool that establishes a visual graphic of an activity. Below you'll find a visual of the tool.
To use this tool, begin by providing the major steps of a process. This would be the completion of the first line of steps.
The key theory that underlies the process map is that as humans, we will cluster or group several ideas into a larger one. Sometimes, this clustering will result in something being overlooked or missed. When I used this tool to practice it, I investigated the process of getting to the car from my apartment with my girlfriend. It seemed like a simple task at first, especially when I laid out the steps. Step 1 was something like get ready to go outside and step 2 was select the car and so on until we actually got the car. The process map revealed that my thinking was just way too simple for such a mundane activity. To get ready to go outside really meant, and these are steps correspond with steps 1.1 to 1.9 on the visual above, that I put on my shoes (step 1.1), get my keys (1.2), open the door to my apartment (1.3), close the door to my apartment (1.4)... I am now enlightened by the steps of getting to the car and how many steps need to be done to complete a "simple" act.
Know if I could get rid of a few steps...