The Mind Mapping Software Weblog

How to use mind mapping to identify hundreds of new writing topics

Have you ever experienced writer's block? It's a pain, especially when you need to produce, but your creative muse seems to have left the building.

Darren Rowse, writing on the ProBlogger website, has come up with a marvelous technique that uses mind mapping to help you to generate fresh ideas for your writing. His article deals specifically with brainstorming topics for a blog, but this tactic can be used for almost any kind of writing. Here's how it works:

1. Take the last five topics you have written about and place them within five circles.
2. Spend time brainstorming on ways that the topic can be extended. How can you cover different aspects of it more deeply? Think laterally, too: What topics are closely related to the one you're considering? What do your readers need to know about that topic?
3. Map any ideas you generate as subtopics to the existing topic.
4. You may also want to consider each of the new ideas you've generated and brainstorm ways that they, in turn, can be extended.
5. Evaluate your ideas. Not all of them will be worthy of an article or a blog post. But at the end of this exercise, you will end up with a fresh stock of top-notch ideas for your writing efforts.

This is a terrific use of mind mapping, and one that I plan to use in 2008!

IdeaTree combines concept mapping, blogging and social bookmarking into unique collaborative workspace

IdeaTree is a new visual, team-based tool for capturing and structuring information and knowledge. It enables you to collect images, files, web pages and other bits of information into a visual map; other users can then attach comments to the map or add to it. Each node in an IdeaTree map can contain text, links to web pages or links to documents, spreadsheets and other types of files.

IdeaTree workspaces are browser-based; there is no software to install. Anyone to whom you give a username and password can share the workspace. Users can comment on each others map nodes and can rearrange them, but cannot delete them.

IdeaTree's developer calls it a valuable alternative to the disjointed collection of e-mails that typifies most workgroup communication today, replacing it with a shared visual workspace where the group's collective knowledge is represented and refined visually. The result is a higher level of shared thinking.

I created an account and played around with IdeaTree for a bit. It has some intriguing functionality, but I think it may have a few usability issues. For example, if you create an "internet node" (a web page link) and a document link (to an uploaded Word document, for example), there is almost nothing to distinguish between the two. In fact, in the screenshot above, the top child topic ("2007 top blog posts") is a document node and the one below it ("2007: The year in review") is an "Internet node" (a web page link). The only visual difference is the shade of tan/brown background color of each node - not very intuitive.

Also, the process of creating new nodes is done entirely via dialog boxes. Compared to some of the new generation of web-based mind mapping tools that have emerged during the last year, where topic text can be entered directly in the workspace and new topics can be added via keyboard shortcuts, IdeaTree's implementation makes it more time consuming to add topics to a map.

Finally, in a collaborative workspace, it would be nice to know who added each element to the map, and who last edited a node. This functionality isn't available in IdeaTree yet, and won't be easy to do if everyone on your team is logging in with the same username and password.

On balance, this is a version 1.0 service, with lots of room to grow and improve. The idea is quite compelling. It will be interesting to see how IdeaTree evolves in 2008!

2007: The year in review

2007 was an amazing year in the evolution of mind mapping software, and this weblog was there every step of the way, alerting you to the latest news, research, trends and best practices in this software genre. Here are some of the most important posts of 2007 from the Mind Mapping Software Blog:

January

• I reviewed NovaMind v3.2 for Windows, which contains many valuable features for business users.
• Nick Duffill shared with us a template for outcome-based planning.
• I interviewed Peter Maddern from Speech-Enabled Computing about utilizing speech recognition software with mind mapping software – a very cool combination!
• I interviewed Tony Buzan, the father of mind mapping. Read on to hear his surprising thoughts about mind mapping software.

February

• I shared with you an intriguing method of improving your decision making with mind mapping software, from Marcus Ingemann, author of the Mind Mapping Power Pack.
• I launched a “lens” about mind mapping software on Squidoo, which contains an executive summary of the best resources for mind mapping software in one convenient location.
• Wallace Tait outlines his valuable T.A.P. process for creating effective mind maps. You read it here first, folks!

March

• I reviewed Open Mind 2 Business Edition, a full-featured, business-focused program that could challenge MindManager for leadership at the top end of mind mapping software market. Read on to learn why.
• I published a chart that compares four web-based mind mapping applications.
• I published the results of a survey of users of mind mapping software. Issues covered in it included the biggest benefit they’re getting from utilizing mind mapping software, the issues they’re struggling with, and the future functionality they would like to see.

April

• I provided you with tips on how to manage meetings using mind mapping software.

May

• E-productivity expert Eric Mack explained how he utilizes MindManager for knowledge management.

June

• I previewed PersonalBrain 4.0, a new version of a unique visual mapping/knowledge management tool that offers some powerful new features.

July

• I launched a significantly expanded and updated Second Edition of my popular e-book, Power Tips & Strategies for Mind Mapping Software, which features 20 case histories submitted by real-world users.
• I gave reviewed Ontaris’ intriguing new OutlookLinker add-in for MindManager, which enables you to access all of your Outlook e-mail messages, contacts, tasks, notes and appointments without leaving MindManager.

August

• I shared with you 10 mistakes that you should avoid when working with mind mapping software.

September

• I reviewed MindMapper 2008, which I christened “the most improved program of 2007.” Read on to learn why!
• I gave you a preview of a fascinating new mind mapping tool developed by a group of Bulgarian college students. Called Bookvar, it integrates images into visual maps in a distinctive way.

October

• Wallace Tait issues a challenge to the developers of mind mapping software: embrace elements of concept mapping and flowcharting software to spur future growth of visual mapping.
• I reveal how to utilize mind mapping software to improve your life planning – you know, your personal goals and your plans to achieve them?

November

• I published my review of XMIND 2008 Pro. In a word, wow!
• I published the results of my survey of users of web-based mind mapping tools. This research shed some light on the advantages, disadvantages and future potential of this exciting new technology.
• VizThink, a new conference for visual thinkers, was announced. I gave you all the facts directly from Tom Crawford, the conference organizer.

December

• I revealed to you the 8 best ways to improve your mind maps. Don’t miss this important post, so you can start out 2008 on the right foot!

Happy New Year!

XMIND 2008 v2.1 released with five new features

Mango Software has announced the launch of XMIND 2008 version 2.1, which offers five new features:

• Free positioning of branches: Using the Alt key when moving branches, you can freely position them in this new version. If you don't like the result, you can choose a "rearrange main branches" command to restore them to their old positions.
• Align floating topics: You can now left/right/center/top/bottom align floating topics. I'm not sure how useful this is to most users, unless your maps tend to have a lot of floating topics.
• Wallpaper: You can now select from over 30 image backgrounds for your maps, or add your own image as the background.
• Presentation panel: A new presentation panel gives you controls to move the focus of the presentation, filter the map, zoom and more.
• Save for drilldown: The drilldown function of XMIND has been improved. When you drill down into a topic, you can save this as a new map directly in context menu. I think this functionality could be very useful, especially if you have drilled down into a particular topic, added a lot of detail to it and then decide that it really needs to be "broken off" into its own map.

Click here to read my review of XMIND 2008 - I think it's an impressive mind mapping tool, and it keeps getting better with each frequent update.

Comapping update features numerous enhancements

Comapping recently released a major update to its online mind mapping application. Among the new features are these:

• Create your own template maps: When working with a visual map in Comapping, you can now select a new "save as template" command so that you can utilize it as a starting point for new maps.
• Chat with collaborators: The "co-" in Comapping means collaboration; as part of this new release, you can Click on a "chat" button in the Comapping interface, which opens a chat window and enables you to have a text chat with anyone on your list of collaborators.
• E-mail your maps: You can now e-mail your map as a "static HTML picture" (a grouping of GIF images sent within an HTML message). I tried it, and it was very simple and straightforward to do. This is a nice way to share your map with others.
• Export map as web page: You can now export your map as an HTML web page, with all of the formatting and layout intact.
• Attach preview of map when sharing: When you share your map with others, Comapping now gives you the option of including a preview of your map in the invitation e-mail that gets sent to your collaborators.
• Task dialog box enhanced with visual calendar: In the past, the task dialog box required you to type in a date; the new release now includes a visual calendar from which you can select a deadline date.
• Format multiple topics: You can now select multiple topics and apply formatting to them at the same time - a nice time-saver.
• Insert a map within a map: I'm not sure how often users would need to do this, but Comapping now enables you to insert a map within a map.

I continue to like Comapping's design, which build maps with all topics and sub-topics branching to the right, because it makes excellent use of limited screen real estate. Also, the interface makes good use of a tabbed ribbon toolbar. The "home" tab contains the commands most commonly used for creating a map, while some of the more advanced functionality is "hidden" within "presentation" and "advanced" tabs. Here's something else I never noticed before: The presentation view enables you to take "snapshots" of your map, which can be saved into a succession of slides. This gives you total control over the map views you're going to present to  your audience, and eliminates the need to fumble around with opening and closing branches during a presentation. I think this will especially be appreciated by people who are new to mind mapping.

Comapping also plans to launch a major update in January, but no specifics are available yet. Watch this blog for more details as they are announced!

NovaMind 4 Platinum for Windows released

A recent post in the NovaMind News Blog indicates that NovaMind 4 Platinum for Windows has just been released. It includes all the features of NovaMind 4 Pro for Windows plus:

• Task information recording for start and end times, percentage complete, priorities, and resource assignments,
• Presentation functionality similar to the Mac version, and
• Screenwriting functionality

This marks a change for NovaMind Development, because they used to offer a special screenwriting version of the program. Instead, this functionality is now bundled into the Premium version. I'm afraid that their naming convention may cause some confusion among potential buyers, however - normally, a developer's top of the line product is called the "professional" version. But in this case, NovaMind Development is positioning the Platinum version above that, with even more features.

Writing with your mind mapping software

Steve Rothwell, writing in his Peace of Mind blog, recently posted a very concise, well organized description of how he utilizes MindManager for writing (these principles apply no matter which mind mapping program you use). Here is an overview of the steps he takes:

1. Create an overview map containing the main events or elements as first-level topics
2. For each topic in the overview, create a linked map and add detailed notes to these maps
3. When all of the topic maps have been completed, he consolidates all of their contents back into one large map.
4. He exports the contents of this mega-map to Microsoft Word for editing and formatting.

This "how-to" post is copiously illustrated with images depicting each step in the process. Nicely done!

New resource page provides information about web-based mapping tools

Vic Gee, author of The Mind Mapping Blog, has developed a set of resource pages on his website that provides very detailed information about web-based mind mapping tools. It's very comprehensive; especially notable is a detailed table that compares the features and functionality of these online applications and a neat flowchart that shows which programs can import and export with MindManager and FreeMind - very cool! Thanks for putting this set of resources together, Vic!

The 8 best ways to improve your mind maps

Mind mapping software is one of those software tools that can be used to create clear, concise visual maps that communicate information and knowledge with great clarity. But all too often, they aren’t as effective as they should be. Here are eight top ways to supercharge the effectiveness of your software-produced mind maps:

1. Use a master map. A master map is a map of all of your mind maps. In other words, it’s a single mind map that enables you to organize and quickly access all of the visual diagrams you have created with your mind mapping software. It enables you to organize your knowledge and projects in a way that makes the most sense to you – in other words, a visual representation of your work. This personalized, organic repository of links to your mind maps (and other files) can provide you with a quantum leap in productivity.

2. Stick to one map, one purpose. A mind map should be focused on a single topic or purpose – which should be clearly defined before you begin mapping. For best results, stay focused on the map subject and let its content speak to the issue. Avoid irrelevancy. If the information in your map becomes too complex or starts to “branch out” into several widely divergent areas, consider breaking that map into several sub-maps.

3. Use icons in your maps. They add visual context to your map topics, and actually give your maps database-like qualities. In other words, you can utilize them to filter your map's content - to zero in on the tasks it contains, or only the follow-ups assigned to a particular person on your staff, for example.

4. Optimize the content of your maps. If you’re planning to utilize your mind maps to communicate information to others, you must review them with a critical eye. Do they communicate clearly and unambiguously? If I was someone seeing your map for the first time, would I be able to make sense of the hierarchy of topics and sub-topics? Would the wording and placement of each topic and sub-topic make sense to me? Neatness is also important. Like it or not, people make judgments based on the visual appeal of what you’re trying to communicate to them. Here are some tips for optimizing the visual appearance of your maps:

• Are all of the topics and sub-topics where they should be within your map? Or are there items that seem out be obviously of place? Don’t be afraid to move topics around to see if they would make better sense in a different area of your map – sort a visual “what if” process that enables you to reassess that information in a different context. This process of “refactoring” is explained in greater detail in my e-book, and is an excellent way to increase the value and completeness of your maps.
• Collapse your map until only the first-level topics are visible, and then look critically at your map’s central theme and first-level topics. Ideally, your map should be self-explanatory at this first level.
• Consider the order in which your primary topics appear. Do they follow each other in a logical sequence? If not, rearrange them until they are in a more explicit sequence that will make sense to others who may be seeing your map for the first time.
• Don’t leave stray topics scattered around your map. Make sure that all of the primary and secondary topics are arranged neatly.

5. Avoid clutter and unnecessary detail in your maps.  Often, users of mind mapping software develop maps that are so cluttered that they get “stuck” and aren’t sure how to fix them. As a general rule, you should develop your ideas in topics using brief key words. Ideally, your topics should be summarizing statements, like brief, persuasive headlines. If you want to add details, they should be placed in topic notes – so you can easily “drill down” to view them if you need to, but most of the time they are “hidden” to minimize visual clutter.

6. Consistency is critical. Be consistent in your use of color, shapes, line styles and other visual elements of your map. Each of these can help to convey additional meaning or context, if used consistently and systematically. If they are used haphazardly, on the other hand, they may confuse you and other people with whom you share your maps.

7. Leverage the power of images. To get the biggest benefit out of your maps, be sure to include relevant images in them. This technique will enhance their creative impact by appealing to both sides of your brain. Remember: a picture is worth a thousand words!

8. Consider creating a personal dashboard map. A personal dashboard is a mind map whose function is to consolidate information from multiple places. Its purpose is to show you a streamlined view of information from many places in a single map. Ideally, it should help you to connect the dots between previously disparate pieces of information, leading to better decision making. It should contain the information that is most important to you, including:

• Life roles and goals (work, personal, spiritual, etc.)
• Major projects and tasks
• Links to your key files and software applications

One powerful, ready-made set of dashboard maps is Kyle McFarlin’s Visual Strategist Solution, a set of free templates that is designed to be a complete personal and professional framework for your visual mapping activities. It not only incorporates best practices for visual mapping, it also includes a framework to house your maps and any supporting files and folders on your PC.

In closing, remember that mind maps are much more than a tool for creatively and visually capturing your ideas. They're business tools that can be used to drive strategy, manage projects and produce superior results.

For more productivity-enhancing tips like these, consider investing in my e-book, Power Tips & Strategies for Mind Mapping Software - Second Edition.

Check out Kyle McFarlin on The Productivity Show podcast

Kyle McFarlin, the Visual Strategist and author of The Underlying Blog, was recently featured on The Productivity Show, a weekly podcast that covers technologies and methodologies for getting things done more efficiently. In this one-hour conversation, host Tony Goodson talks with Kyle about a wide range of mind mapping topics, including:

• The current state and desired future functionality of MindManager 7
• The future of visual mapping
• How Kyle implements David Allen's Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology
• GyroQ and ResultManager, two MindManager add-ins Kyle uses as part of his GTD workflow
• Kyle's new "VSS" map template set, which is designed to be a complete personal and professional framework around which you can build your mapping activities (they're a free download from Kyle's site)
• And more!

What's particularly unique and refreshing about this podcast is that it is very much a dialogue between Kyle and Tony, rather than a monologue or a more traditional interview, where the host asks a brief question and the guest offers a detailed answer. This is more of a conversation, which is quite entertaining and informative! It helps that both gentlemen utilize mind mapping software extensively, which enables them to get beyond the basics and into some deeper mapping-related topics.