Mind mapping is an effective tool for brainstorming. I regularly use a mind map on large piece of paper to think through the structure of a large piece of writing.
The problem with paper-based mind maps is that once written they are hard to modify. It would be nice to be able to rearrange the branches and leaves. This is where software like Mindjet MindManager 8 comes in.
It’s very easy to use. You can click on icons like Topic and Subtopic but I find it easier to use the keyboard: return to create a sibling, insert to create a subtopic and the arrow keys to move around the different nodes.
Having brainstormed to my heart’s content, rearranging the map is very easy. You can drag leaves onto other leaves.
Normally, I use a Word document to take notes and track sources for a document. (See my earlier post: What’s the source?) However, I’m experimenting with using MindManager for a current project. It’s easy to include web links – the software has a built-in browser – and notes.
Sharing files is also straightforward. MindManager exports to PDF, images, Word, PowerPoint, Visio as well as exporting task info into Outlook. There is a viewer program that lets people read (but not edit or create) mind maps.
You can see fully-fledged mind map in this post: How to close a billion-dollar deal.
It’s a useful tool and at £199 good value. (Buy online from MindJet.)
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Hi Matthew
Glad to see you have got it.
My tip for writing is:
Brainstorm the ” project.” Then organise it into a few main topics e.g. audience. research, content and promotion. You can send these to sub maps (Right click > Send to new map) and focus on them.
You can drag & drop hyperlinks from webpages.
Have you tried the free on-line mind-mapping tool at http://www.bubbl.us/ ?
Not only tried it but linked to it back in 2007! It’s fun, free and cute. http://www.badlanguage.net/three-cute-online-services. I also looked at ConceptDraw a while back: http://www.badlanguage.net/three-cute-online-services.