A challenge to mind mapping software developers

Business mind mapping expert Wallace Tait has thrown down a challenge to the developers of mind mapping software: In a letter recently posted to the MindManager Users group on the Ning social networking site, Wallace stronply encourages them to expand their programs to include concept mapping and flowcharting. His post has generated a very interesting discussion thread, which I encourage you to read.

In a separate e-mail conversation with me, I asked Wallace what the benefit of such an integrated software solution would be? He indicated that all three types of visual mapping tools are already widely accepted in their own right - flowcharting for business process mapping, concept mapping for root cause analysis and representing organizational knowledge, and mind mapping primarily for brainstorming and organization and sharing of information. In his opinion, making it possible to embed files, links and other metadata into a visual map - regardless of whether it is a mind map, concept map or flowchart - would add tremendous value to businesses that are increasingly dependent on the ability to create, manage and present information and knowledge effectively. And the ability to shift seamlessly from one type of map to another would be very valuable.

So what do you think? Would you find such a mind mapping/concept mapping/flowcharting application to be of value? While I would appreciate you posting your comments here, please be sure to also add your thoughts to the discussion thread on the MindManager Users Ning group. I look forward to reading your thoughts!

Comments

[Erin Antonius]

This post caught my attention because Inspiration 8 International Edition does all the functions Mr Tait requests. In fact, I believe the concept map you posted along side your blog entry about the challenge was an Inspiration concept map. I encourage you to check out the new features in Inspiration 8 IE. You can see them here:
http://www.inspiration.com/ie
As you will see Inspiration 8 has a mind map environment for traditional Buzan-style mapping, and it has the traditional Diagram View which allows for concept mapping and flow charting and which made Inspiration the number one visual learning tool in schools.