The Mind Mapping Software Weblog

Update of ConceptDraw MINDMAP supports OPML outlining format

CS Odessa has just announced a new upgrade to its well-regarded ConceptDraw MINDMAP application. Version 4.2 now supports the OPML outlining format, which means that this mind mapping software program can both import text outlines from OPML-compliant outlining programs and export to this format. This update is free to existing users of ConceptDraw MINDMAP v4.

In addition, CS Odessa has added some new shape libraries to ConceptDraw MINDMAP, including up-to-date computer and network symbols, plus shapes that can be utilized by school teachers and students. Text wrapping is now supported, and text boxes attached to relationship connectors can be rotated in version 4.2.

For more information, please visit the ConceptDraw MINDMAP update page. To read my review of ConceptDraw MINDMAP 4, please click here.

A Whole New Mind - in mind mapped format

Dan Pink's best-selling book on preparing for the future, A Whole New Mind, recently inspired blogger Steve Richards to create a mind mapped summary of it. This post contains 2 maps: One provides a high-level overview of the contents of the book, while the other one summarizes the exercises that Pink provides at the end of each chapter to help readers learn how to thrive in the Conceptual Age. Steve has thoughtfully provided links to PDF and MMAP (MindManager format) versions of these maps for downloading. Thanks to the Mindjet Blog for uncovering this!

Mindmap software podcast has ceased publication

During 2005, Arjen ter Hoeve's weekly MindMap Software Podcast was the place to learn about the latest developments in mind mapping software. It featured interesting interviews with developers, and thoughtful guest commentary from mind mapping expert Wallace Tait. However, new shows stopped appearing in late December, as Arjen got busy with some other projects. This week, he has announced that he has decided to cease publication of this popular podcast, but will continue to operate the All MindMap News blog where the podcasts were based.

I'm sorry to see this excellent mind mapping resource get scaled back, but I do understand how much time and energy it must have taken Arjen to produce this audio program on a weekly basis. I'm glad to report that he remains active in the area of mind mapping. In addition to the All MindMap News blog, Arjen still operates the MindMap Training website and is selling an e-book on business applications of mind mapping. I wish Arjen continuing good luck in his ventures!

Mindjet seeks beta testers

Mindjet's development team has been busy lately! In the Mindjet Blog, the company recently posted a request for beta testers for a WebEx (conferencing) add-in for MindManager. In its latest issue of the Mindjet Insider e-newsletter, published on Feb. 17, it is also soliticing beta testers for French and Japanese versions of MindManager for Windows, as well as a planned Mac OS X version of MindManager. Both web pages contain links where you can sign up, if you're interested.

The Mac version of MindManager is particularly interesting. To date, only CS Odessa (developers of ConceptDraw MINDMAP) has offered a cross-platform (Windows/Mac) mind mapping software solution. It was only a matter of time until the folks at Mindjet decided to port MindManager over to this popular (and highly graphical) operating system!

Project management 'front end' for MindManager

A recent topic of discussion in the Yahoo MindManager group has been a tool for MindManager called Visual Project Maps Pro. It acts like a "front end" for this popular mind mapping software program, by providing a dialog box where you can define the key parameters of your project. This "wizard" then generates a "project dashboard" with links to sub-maps for each aspect of your project. I strongly urge you to take a look at the demo of this tool, because it does a marvelous job of explaining what Visual Project Maps Pro does, and the elegance with which it does it. Once you have added content to the structure it creates for you, Visual Project Maps Pro also helps you to export your project data to Microsoft Project - very cool.

I can see how this program could be a real time-saver for project managers!

Recommended reading list from Mindjet

Recently, Mindjet added a "recommended reading" page to its website, which contains a list of books (both physical and e-books) that address issues of relevance to users of its MindManager mind mapping software. It contains some valuable resources, including books on mind mapping, collaboration, project management, collaboration and getting the most out of the Tablet PC. I'm pleased to report that my Power Tips & Strategies for Mind Mapping Software e-book is listed here - thanks Mindjet!