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Last week we had a look at the mindmap showdown between mind mapping on paper and on your computer. Very interesting feedback, thanks a lot! It seems that most people are only using one of the two types of mapping information.
I have to admit that of my first 100 maps I created only 4 mindmaps on paper. These 4 were created during the training I took to learn how to mindmap and speedread. Then I arrived home after the training day and searched online for software tools.
Back then, there were not that many tools available. We didn’t have any online tools(right now I created my own online tool)! I downloaded a few of the tools and tested them. And you know what… the two tools I liked best then are the ones I still use.
Often, when people start working with a tool, the mind tends to favor that (first) one. We like what we know and are much more hesitant towards new tools (this sadly enough also applies to all other areas in our lives).
In fact, I’ve seen many people use tools they don’t really need, yet keep on using. This is even when there are other (much more capable) tools are around.
As I wrote in the last article, computer mapping is in my opinion not really mind mapping. It is visual mapping (creating a visual overview of information). Sure, the maps tend to look more and more like mindmaps. The purpose of visual mapping on a computer is often different.
Most people create computer maps for:
- data mining,
- over viewing,
- project management,
- article writing,
- etc.
These are all activities which require a lot of data to be displayed and probably need lots of flexibility in their presentation. You might have to export to Word, Project, PowerPoint (don’t get me started about exporting to PowerPoint…).
On the other hand, a hand drawn mindmap is use more in:
- creative processes,
- triggering your mind and memory
- studying,
- etc.
Most of the time (yes, I know I have to be careful here), the hand drawn mindmap is more a personal tool whereas the computer map is more a business tool.
That’s why I use both the paper as well as the computer versions. Even though I have a computer tool at my disposal, I don’t mind taking a sheet of paper or using a whiteboard to map out my thoughts.
When brainstorming with my team and clients, we don’t limit ourselves to computer maps only. Sometimes the best tool is simply a black marker and a whiteboard (even if the map not really obeys the ‘mindmap rules’).
We conceive, we connect and we create.
The goal is getting overview and (new) insight.
The goal is NEVER to create a mindmap or visual map.
Today’s software solutions are great! They allow you to create maps like we’ve never seen before. You can even create maps which look like hand drawn maps! Still, they do miss one essential thing for me to make them real mindmaps.
The words and images are NOT YOURS. The map is not using your hand writing and the images are not drawn by you. Perhaps this is something which can be added later on. Perhaps it is better we don’t have this.
Computer maps are created with a different purpose in mind than hand drawn maps.
I firmly believe that most people don’t use the tools they have to the fullest. Sure, we create maps, add some notes to the nodes and perhaps even create hyperlinks to other information. Most of the time we use our mindmap tools like we use for example Microsoft Word – we use only 5 to 10% of the available features.
I have a few questions for you. Hope you can answer them:
- Which tool are you using?
- Why are you using this tool?
- Are you REALLY USING the tool and all its features?
- What are essential features for you in your tool?
I really look forward to seeing your thoughts. Later this week I want to have a look at the way people (mind)map their thoughts.
Let your mindmaps work for you!
Arjen
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Arjen,
I rarely use hand drawn as I need to share information electronically with others.
I use X-mind because of being able to changes branches, Hide thoughts when presenting using a map. I use some of the markers and shapes to change the presentation.
I use the map as a summary tool to share information – 12 pages to 1 map.
Thanks to your online course I am using a computer mindmap.
Hi Kathleen,
Great to hear you use your mindmaps this way!
Hello, stumbled across your article.
Am using MindManager (company supplied) – not duly impressed, also experimenting with NovaMind Platinum (got a trial copy) – impressed but frustrated. Have been a keen user of MindJet in the past, will probably switch back… Haven’t yet because my new company insist on using Apple MACs (what a pleasure). New platform, new horizons. I am experimenting towards finding the optimal platform for my application.
I fully agree – Computer Maps = sharing/manipulating/portraying mass info. Mind Map = conceptualization/development/”triggering”/etc.
I’m looking for a map tool which gives me extreme flexibility in organizing & re-organizing info. I also want to export data seamlessly into Word processor & Project Management tools.
As a consultant I use MMs extensively for capturing minutes, planning, lay-outs of documents, conceptualization (together with team driven white board sessions) and planning in general. My clients – all of us using a common second language to communicate – are totally NOT MM orientated and want “paragraphs” – so far NovaMind seems to do the job to pull my MMs into “paragraphs” on which I can expand once in WP format.
I do not yet use the tools available to full potential. My next step is to see how I can optimize the MM in use with time line settings, resource allocation etc in order to populate a Gant Chart with as little post-export effort possible.
Please let me know more about your on-line course?
Best,
Sybie, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Hi Sybie,
Thank you for your thoughts. Indeed, there are not that many tools you can use on a MAC… yet.
I believe that MindManager for Mac and NovaMind are the most capable mindmap tools.
When these don’t seem to give you what you need, I would suggest you look into installing a windows emulator on your MAC. Yes, I know this is not what your MAC is for. Still, there are more options for mind mapping on a PC than on a MAC.
One other tool you might want to investigate: XMIND – open source and works on your MAC as well!
What would you like to know about the online course?