Mind Mapping Software
I have been a big user of mind maps for many years starting off with a clean sheet of plain paper and one of the wonderful pens with four ink colours. As I began to use computers more I started looking at the various software tools available and now use them far more than the 'old fashioned' paper method. However, I have never been able to settle on one particular tool for all my mind mapping purposes and this has been a bit of a pain.
For relatively simple mind maps I use MindMeister. This is an online tool which I prefer as I can access my maps from any computer at any time. It is also possible to access my maps offline by installing Google Gears. Another nice feature is the ability to share and collaborate on maps or to give public access. This is a good, if somewhat large, example of a public map. You can get a free version and use three maps or pay $59 per year and have as many maps as you like. There is also a really good iPhone application which synchronises maps and allows you to create new ones and edit on the go.
The only thing I don't like about MindMeister is the lack of formatting - I like to use colours and borders to make my maps come to life. For my larger maps I use Mindjet Catalyst from the makers of Mind Manager which is the big daddy of desktop mapping. This has all the formatting tools I need but a lot more too in terms of team working and collaboration. I don't need these additional features and they are the only negative for this tool as the price is far too high in my opinion at £220 per year.
The one tool which comes closest to the paper experience is iMind Map from Tony Buzan, the creator of all things Mind Map. If ever you get the chance to see Tony tal, take it as he is a great source of information on thinking and learning strategies and has really helped in the world of Dyslexia too. Creating a mind map is very intuitive and easy and the results have the look and feel of a paper based map being colourful and unstructured. My kids love this tool as it is so easy to use and really helps their learning. The picture gallery at the bottom has some examples.
The best part of iMindMap is 'Presentation Mode' which will certainly not fall into the death by PowerPoint trap. When using this, a dynamic map is created on screen which builds as you present and can include links (automatic now) to pictures, files and sites etc. I have used this a few times now and it goes down really well once the audience gets over the lack of bullet points and masses of slides. It also makes me a better presenter as I am talking in a free way and the audience are listening to me instead of trying to listen whilst reading. I'm sure it's not for everyone but I love it.
There is now an iPhone application for iMindMap which has not been released yet but a video of it in action is shown below.
I can't wait to get my hands on this.
I am still stuck with using three different tools although once MindMeister release their formatting tools I think Catalyst will go.
Some of the IFAs I work with use mind maps with their clients to great effect either as a fact find or as a way to present solutions and recommendations. A mind map also makes a great executive summary. The feedback from clients is generally very positive although it is fair to say that visual type clients respond better than analytical clients who can run screaming out of the office in search of an IFA with a spread sheet!
If you haven't tried mind mapping yet, give it a go - it could make a world of difference.
