Mind Mapping Software Tools for BrainstormingThere are many benefits of mind mapping that are enhanced by having computer software to organize and save your mind maps. Just some of the benefits are: Online Mind Mapping during Initial BrainstormingMind mapping software is helpful during the brainstorming process to document everything if the person adding the keywords and comments is highly skilled and fast. If not, ideas can be lost while the person is typing.It is also helpful when the brainstorming is being done individually to be combined with others into one large mind map. When one works alone and is skilled in using the software it is easy to keep typing and not worry whether you spelled right, finished that thought, or have it in the right place initially. All that is easily adjusted when the storm of ideas subsides. Mind Maps during the 'Step Back' & Organize StageDuring this stage mind mapping software is immensely helpful. It is easy to move subtopics around, to add pieces where ever needed, to decide to expand a particular topic and to get a 'big picture' look at what you have, so far.It is also easier for everyone to see all the results and start piggy backing on other ideas or see where combinations could be especially relevant. The sections or subtopics of an online mind map can easily be divided up and assigned to different people to work up further ideas. Online Mind Maps for Sharing Across Remote OfficesEmployees or participants in remote offices can participate because they can see the map developing in front of their eyes and can add items themselves if the software allows it or submit suggestions in real time.When done with the session, everyone can have their own copy and keep thinking and adding ideas. A list of mind mapping software to get you started.It is a sign of the growing popularity of the mind mapping process that there are so many computer programs available with more still coming. Some get downloaded; some are used online; some work only on MACs; some work only on PCs; some on both. There are now some MM programs that work on an iphone or blackberry or other mobile phones. So here is a partial list to which I will keep adding. Please drop me an email if you find one I haven't listed and tell me about your experience with it or any other MM program.Novamind IMindmap Mindmanager comceptdraw Mindgenius ThoughtOffice Mindola TheBrain IThought MindMeister MyThoughts NovaMindNovaMind runs on both Windows and MAC systems. It was the only mind mapping software program I could find a few years ago when I first switched to MACs (We still have PCs and MACs in every office. You can ask me about that some time.) The graphics and templates are fantastic. It also comes in several versions so a beginner, someone with a smaller budget, or someone who wants to try it out at a simpler level can purchase the lowest price version. Someone who wants all the bells and whistles can choose the top of the line. They have an education discount for schools and teachers. Check it out at NovaMind.
MindMeister - Use it Online and ShareMindMeister is an interesting mind mapping software option because it is set up to use online and share with others. You can, with some of the versions, work offline. Click here to check out their web site and levels of use you can purchase
MindManagerMindManager from Mindjet is optimized for the business world and sharing among employees and offices. It has graphics too, though more subtle and subdued than NovaMind. It is easy to get started with simple mind maps though, as with all the mind mapping software, to get elaborate, large, and interesting results it takes reading the instructions, going through a tutorial, and plenty of practice.MindManager 8 Now Compatible with Windows® 7TheBrain SoftwarePersonalBrain is considered a solution for information overload, providing an intelligent and insightful way for users to integrate and understand information. With PersonalBrain users can link unlimited amounts of information into a network of logical associations, like their own mind or business process. For some having so much information okn one map may be more confusing than helpful. For others it will be the perfect solution. These dynamic relationship maps provide users with new insights and enable them to rise above the fray of information overload to get the big picture on their projects and ideas.PersonalBrain’s information networks are created with a simple drag and drop and all files can be easily integrated.Described by Wall Street Journal as, “software that thinks like you do”, PersonalBrain lets people capitalize on their greatest asset, their thinking. SmartDrawSmartDraw is more than a mind mapping software package. You can draw and diagram lots of things businesses need, especially for presentations. Here is a chart done with SmartDraw
Go to this link for a free trial if you would like to try it out. No obligation.
SmartDraw
doesn't work in the MAC environment unless you have one that also runs Windows. It does, however, work beautifully on a Windows PC.
iMindMapTony Buzan 's contribution to the list of software for mind mapping focuses on being able to use all the directions he feels are important. There is complete freedom and encouragement for using lots of color. The connecting lines curve and are totally flexible. Single keywords (or very short phrases) are necessary as they fit along the connecting lines. If you have read any of his books you will want to look at this mind mapping software before you make your final decision on what to buy (I haven't limited myself to only one, I have 4 different programs.)iMindMap by Tony Buzan
Visual MindVisual-Mind is mind mapping software for Windows. It doesn't have a MAC version. It is optimized for businesses, has a PC and a server version. You can download a 30 day free trial. Click here to take a look at the visual-mind.com web site.MyThoughts for MAC - “Mind Map Magic Made Easy”Uses the look and feel of MAC. Very intuitive. Integrates with iPhoto, Finder, and other MAC software.MyThoughts for Mac is a mind mapping software application that has been designed and developed for Mac OS X and therefore provides the features Mac users have become accustomed to. It has an intuitive user interface with iPhoto integrated into it's media browser and comes with over 3000 images and icons to add visual clarity to your mind maps. MyThoughts for Mac produces mind maps that have the visual appeal of the hand drawn mind map, with flexible branch lines and the ability to have any image you wish as the central thought image. MyThoughts for Mac has been designed for flexibility and ease of use. Visual MindPC only. They have several different ways to purchase, all the way from a single user basic version to a multi-user professional version. Permanent Licenses can be purchased or sign up for a monthly subscription. I do not have first hand experience with this product but the company has been in the mind map software business for a long time.More reviews coming...Another terrific web site on mind mapping is The Organic Mind. Return from Mind Mapping Software to Home Page
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