What is Idea Processing
About the design concepts behind the Axon Idea Processor, a tool that supports the thinking processes...
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Idea Processing is concerned with problems and solutions,
questions and answers, unknowns and facts. Thinking arises when you
have no solution or answer to a problem or question. You need not
think if you already know. The idea behind Axon is to provide an environment
that supports thinking. The design is based upon the cognitive
sciences, which include psychology, anthropology, linguistics,
philosophy, computer science, and neuro-science.
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The Meat Machine
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Everyone has a meat machine - the most complex object in this
universe. Our brain consists of billions of neurons and thousand times
more connecting axons. The Axon Idea Processor shows connections explicitly, while traditional systems tend to hide relations. For example, in a relational database, the relations are not visible unless you know how to issue an appropriate query. Looking at the brain structure of axons and neurons, one can imagine that
new ideas are combinations of existing ones.
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The Power of Vision
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The visual cortex (or hind-brain) has evolved over 100 million years
to become a massively parallel device. In contrast, the logical
front-brain has only 1 million years of evolution, dating back to the ape man. Hence our vision is by far the more efficient and powerful of the faculties. For this reason the Idea Processor exploits all the visual attributes such as shape, color, size, depth, position, links, textures, etc. For example, you can use similar shapes or color to associate ideas, and use a larger size to emphasize an important idea.
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The Problem with Word Processors
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Using a word processor (WP) for creative work like writing is not
appropriate. Writing involves many simultaneous mental tasks such as
setting goals, making deductions, constructing sentences, and correcting
grammar. Our inability to cope with too many tasks results in
mental blocks or even black-outs. You should instead focus your
attention on fewer areas, and at a higher level of abstraction, at
least in the beginning. A WP is mainly concerned with how the finished
product looks, and focuses on low level tasks such as formatting.
Hence WPs are good for formatting or copy typing, after you have
completed the draft.
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Towards Higher Abstractions
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Ideas and diagrams are higher abstractions than words and fonts. The
Idea Processor depicts ideas as graphical objects and its relationship
as links. You get the Big Picture at all times, and details can
be hidden from view. A diagram helps to organize cognitive activities
and select approaches to problem solving. A diagram need not be a
precise representation of all aspects of the real world. Vagueness
helps to distill the generic attributes of the ideas and encourages
exploration. A sketch is often not so much vague as it is something
that stands for a family of precise models.
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Doing Anything at Anytime
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The work of cognitive psychologists suggests that thinking processes
occur in no particular sequence. This suggests the concept of
Modelessness. A modeless system enables you to perform any
task at any time without having to switch modes. Examples of modeless
systems are an aircraft cockpit, a hospital operating theatre, and the
brain. In contrast, a traditional Modal system requires you to enter
different modes to perform different functions. Using Axon, writing, drawing,
organizing, doodling, computing, presenting, etc. can be done concurrently
without having to switch tools. You can work top-down, bottom-up, and not
restricted by fixed procedures.
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Amplifying your Intelligence
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We recall an idea when a cluster of neurons are activated. A neuron cluster can fire only when the number of activating axons exceeds a threshold. Otherwise the billions of brain cells remain dormant.
Prompting is thus an effective way to improve recall and to amplify your intelligence. The Idea Processor uses Checklists for prompting. Checklists are means of abstracting and transferring knowledge. The Idea Processor comes with a library of Checklists useful in many problems solving situations. There are Checklists on generic actions, product attributes, problem solving steps, noun triggers, etc.
For example, a checklist for formulating your goal statement may contain:
- What do you hope to achieve?
- What obstacles prevent you from achieving your goal?
- How you plan to overcome the obstacles?
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Using Prolog
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The Axon Idea Processor is developed entirely in Prolog, an AI language. Prolog is an excellent prototyping language for developing highly abstract systems. Prolog enables the programmer to work at a high conceptual level near to normal precise thought. Prolog rules are fired in the same way as neurons. Prolog is also symbolic, non-deterministic, recursive, and non-procedural, which are useful characteristics for an idea processor.
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Tackling Complexity
"The Synergy between Prolog and the O-O paradigm results in a powerful, extensible, and visually appealing system"
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To tackle great complexity, the Idea Processor is developed using
state-of-the-art Object-Oriented (O-O) technology. Ideas are
implemented as one of the many classes of Objects. O-O methodology has
powerful paradigms such as data encapsulation, polymorphism, and class
inheritance. By avoiding global variables and global functions, a
highly robust system is achieved. Split-screens and multiple editors
come as natural extensions of the O-O design. The synergy between the
O-O paradigms and Prolog results in a powerful, extensible, and
visually appealing system.
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About the Author...
Chan Bok, who founded Axon Research in 1991, has been a professional software developer since the early days of Apple II. Chan holds an honors degree in Mathematics and a Masters degree in Industrial Engineering. After graduation, he joined the Port of Singapore as a R&D Officer. In 1983, he submitted a program to participate in the first National Software Competition. The program won the first prize and was later acquired by the Ministry of Defence. Chan Bok can be contacted at axon2000@singnet.com.sg.
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Axon Research
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