Is Mind Mapping Worth The Effort? (Windows Wednesday)

Maybe it is and maybe it isn't.

Mind Mapping seems to have somewhat of a cult following. Not that many people use it but those who do are really into it. When I bought MindManager, I thought I would use it all the time. What I found was that although MindManager is a fabulous product with great integration to Microsoft Office, I don't use it every day. On the other hand, when I need it, I find it indispensable.

What do I use it for? When I am brain-storming a new speech, class, or group of either, I love to use it. Recently, I was planning for a new 12 week class I'll be teaching at church next year. One Sunday morning I used MindManager to outline the classes and add notes to various ones. It worked great.

Do you need it? If you speak or write for a living or a hobby, I would recommend that you try it. Also, if you manage projects but don't use project management software, I think you would love it.

Want to know more?

The Mind Mapping Software Weblog – the mother of all Mind Mapping blogs.

The Underlying Blog – another excellent blog with a Mind Mapping focus done by my friend Kyle McFarlin.

MindJet.com makers of the market leading MindManager. You can download a trial version of the software.

What about you? Do you use Mind Mapping either on paper or on the computer? Do you love it? Hate it? Let me know.

Comments

[Marc Orchant]

Great question Craig. I think mapping is a learned habit much like any other computer-based behavior. I tend to map almost everything I do but I do know quite a few people who, like you, find the sweet spot to be brainstorming. I was first introduced to mind mapping (it wasn't called that way back when) while in high school on the mid-70's as a paper exercise. I first saw MindManager in use in 2001 and have been using it ever since.

One of the first things I do when beginning a new project is build a project map that aggregates all of the information, events, tasks, and people associated with that project into a dashboard. I discuss that in an article I just wrote which will appear in the December issue of the Mindjet newsletter (shameless pitch I suppose).

[Craig Huggart]

Marc:

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

I think you are correct. And I think I probably haven't worked with Mind Mapping enough to really learn the skill.

I remember when I first started using a word processing program, it was HARD.

One thing that holds me back in learning the skill is not having the software at work. Hopefully I can get it in next year's budget and correct that.

I'm looking forward to reading your article.

Craig

[Omar]

Here is another tool worth looking at called comapping.com.

Unlike other mind mapping tools, it has been specially designed for human-computer interface. Nearly all computer based mind mapping tools just replicate paper based mind mapping techniques. Comapping is different in a number of ways. It makes scrolling non-existent by using a unique auto layout algorithm that displays maximum infomation on the computer screen. The design element has been carefully thought through in that it uses left to right mind mapping which provides an enhanced overview of the semantic structure. These and many more features make it quicker and easier to document and share infomation.

Have a look at comapping.com and let me know what you think.

Regards
Omar

[Craig Huggart]

Omar:

Thanks for the comments.

I will have to check out comapping. Sounds like a great app.

Craig