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| An Introduction to Mind Mapping Software Updated |
In this guide, we will discuss about mind mapping. Our objective is to understand mind mapping, the value of mind mapping, and the available software that can be used for the said activity. Read the entire article to get an overview of how mind map can help you to get ideas organized for seamless follow-ups.
While you may understand the purpose of your blog or the best web hosts to use, you will not be able to make the most out of the task without organizing your ideas.
Mind mapping simplifies the brainstorming of ideas to handle and organize information properly. A mind map uses a diagram to represent ideas, concepts, abstracts, tasks, and schedule in a non-linear graphical approach. This way it is easier to add branches and sub-branches of the main topic or the central theme. Mind mapping is an important tool in studying and researching, in critical thinking, decision-making, and problem solving processes.
The emergence of new technologies made people think that mind mapping is a thing in the past. But surely, it is not. There are available mind mapping software that provide a visual map of ideas in a digital form. Instead of manually drawing the diagram, mind mapping software allows you to arrange and re-arrange concepts, add new ideas, and expand the task schedule easily.
Here are some of the ways mind mapping software can help you:
Planning. When you are planning to build a website, you need to write details in black and white. This way you can effectively prepare prior to the kick off of the project. A visual map on what you must do, what you must manage, and how to organize your ideas can help you to avoid unnecessary shortcuts and activities. A plan helps to associate your thoughts with your actions – and to create an associative relationship between concepts, tasks, principles, and ideas.
Thinking. Brainstorming is a great advantage of a mind mapping software. Mind map connects a thought to another to avoid any stray subjects or topics. Sometimes, planners fail to acknowledge important concepts because things are not written down. A mind map details what you are thinking, and you can review everything afterward. Instead of worrying about the quality of thoughts, you can easily place everything into a simplified map, and just re-visit them again after a time. In the end, it creates a succinct intellectual memory that can be used for the accomplishment of goals and objectives.
Information Volume. If you are in a group, ideas and concepts may diverge and converge. Mind mapping software allows users to summarize information or concepts. Efficient summary greatly helps in making information usable and accessible. The never-ending flow of information must be sifted into a funnel to eliminate unnecessary and weak ideas and thoughts that can be incorporated to more important concepts.
Flexibility & Complexity. Creating a flexible and organized system to single out problem can help you to focus on it for solution. Instead of just making a mental map of what you should do to resolve the issue, a mind mapping software puts everything into a visual diagram which can be viewed and reviewed by anybody else. It is easier to build a closer understanding of a problem or a challenge within the business.
Ways of Working. Seeing the future is a great part of success. A mind mapping software offers you a s systematic scheduling of activities and tasks. You don't have to beat the air. A timeline can be created through the mind mapping software to guide you on what tasks must be done – and if you are hitting the target of the project. This way you can prioritize the right activity at a time for the achievement of goals. Meetings, and their agendas, can be completed efficiently to make the job easier and faster.
So what are the best available mind mapping programs you can possibly use for brainstorming, creative thinking, planning, and scheduling? I am recommending the following mind mapping software, but you are free to add any preference you want.
- XMind. The open source or free XMind is the initial offering of Professional XMind software. The free version has the same features and capabilities as the premium version. XMind is written in Java, which makes it efficiently compatible with almost any platform. This mind mapping software offers five types of map structure you can use for scheduling, inter-relating concepts or ideas, and organizing activities. Through handful of mouse gestures, it is easier to create a fishbone, a logic chart, and an organization tree. The intuitive and collaborative feature of XMind allows you to share it with other users for expansion of ideas.
- FreeMind. This free mind mapping software gives you full control or management of your thoughts, concepts, and actions. Topping a user-friendly interface that allows you to add text and hyperlinks, it is easier to create a map structure with graphical presentations. You can introduce numbered images, bubbles, and visuals with different colors, node lines, and inter-relationship structures. FreeMind prides in its interface that eliminates overwhelming menus that may baffle your mind. Instead of focusing on the technical aspect of the mind mapping software, users can handle and organize thoughts conveniently and extensively.
- MindMeister. If you want the simplest mind mapping software, MindMeister is the best. It is a cloud or web application that requires you to log in to the system before you can use its readable and simple interface. This mind map helps you to share concepts and information with the focus to make a project more useful to several users at the same time. Because it can be used by anybody anywhere at anytime, you can pro-active discuss projects with your peers in real time. Unlike desktop-based applications, web applications don't require uploading and downloading of files for sharing. Plus, you can export the mind map in many formats to incorporate with your documents.
