It is called mind mapping. People tried them as mind maps. But are they really that what they seem to be?
A few years ago, I wrote together with Wallace Tait the “Visual Mapping: A Systematic Framework for Business Improvement” e-book (interested in this e-book? Send me a message and I send you a copy).
One of the thoughts behind that book was that computer mindmaps are not mindmaps in the traditional sense of the word. It is better to call a computer mindmap a visual map.
I believe that Visual Mapping is more and more a general term for creating a visual overview, whether this is on paper or on a computer. In fact, using the term mindmap for most of the maps created on a computer does injustice to traditional mind mapping. Yes there are some solutions for creating very nice looking maps. They follow the ‘rules’ of mind mapping as described by Tony Buzan. There is in 99% of all cases a clear difference in mindmaps on paper and on a computer. And there should be!
You always have to see (and keep) mindmaps and computer/visual maps in their own arena for them to be effective.
You can experience the same situation with many other applications which have a computer and a non-digital version (road maps, letters, phonebooks, etc). Each has its own charm. You could write a hand written letter to your loved one. Using the hand written letter in a professional environment to exchange information is completely different (although you exchange information both times). When you write a love letter on your Word computer tool, the love letter comes across as cold and distant. No matter how nice the words are and how fast you can email it 
.
My solution: We call hand drawn mindmaps (of course) mindmaps. Call mindmaps on a computer visual maps or computer mindmaps. If you like to call them mindmaps, be sure you understand the boundaries and advantages of the digital version.
Until we have real digital paper, there will always be significant difference between mindmaps on paper and on your computer.
I for one am really glad there is a difference. Both assist me in different ways and offer advantages I can not find in the other.
I learned how to mindmap on paper many years ago. Because of that experience I was introduced to computer mind mapping. I received two powerful tools for the price of one, which both help me move forward. And being Dutch, I like it that I only had to pay for one of them 
.
I have two questions for you:
What specific usages do you have for paper and digital mindmaps?
Is there overlap or do you use it in distinct situations?
Please send your thoughts in the comment form below.
Whether you are creating mindmaps on paper or you are using visualmaps (mindmaps, concept maps, summaps, flowcharts, etc)… make sure your maps work for you.
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Arjen
(my visualmaps work for me)
P.S.: If you are interested in receiving the visual mapping e-book, send me a message via this page.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I tend to use paper mind maps more than digital mind maps. I find that I prefer to keep some activities off the screen. I have a weekly planner mind map in my notepad for tracking my to do list and taking notes through the day.
I tend to use digital mind maps for handling large repositories of information. If I have a project and lots of documents, notes and resources for it, then I will bundle all this information into a single mind map. It then allows me to handle a vast amount of information quickly and easily.
My uses of paper and digital mind maps rarely overlap as I identified from an early stage that both of strengths and weaknesses.
I believe my mindmap usage only overlaps when I use mindmap templates for attending meetings and presentations (for note taking).
As you write, it all starts by understanding the weaknesses and strenghts of the different tools.