As I was tidying up my digital life this weekend, I stumbled upon a relic from my university days—a third-year project titled “Flexible Mindmaps.” Written in Java, this software was designed to merge multiple mindmaps, creating new, interconnected webs of ideas based on shared concepts and commonalities. The program would scan through each mindmap, using dictionaries and thesaurus to identify and suggest overlapping themes.
Looking back at this project now, with the perspective of years spent in the tech industry, I can’t help but admire at how it symbolised the essence of abstract thinking I used for many years following. If I were to tackle this project today, I’d be intrigued to see how AI could enhance its capabilities. But more than that, this rediscovery got me thinking about the broader importance of abstract thinking and cross-industry insights in our field, especially as we transition from hands-on engineering roles to leadership positions.
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