Ah… the age old question, which one is better: making mindmaps on your computer or using the wonderful method of mind mapping on paper. In this article you will learn the definitive and correct answer. That means next time you see articles on this topic again, you don’t have to read them. So besides useful knowledge, you will also gain time from reading this one article.
There are 3 factors influencing the outcome of this question. These are:
- The goal of the map
- The person or people mapping
- The situation
We will have a look at all 3 of them and give you insight in which method for mind mapping is better.
The GOAL
Always know why you are making a mindmap. Many people just sit down and start mind mapping. Don’t you ever do that again. You and I are not in the business of making mindmaps. We are merely using them because we want to get a good insight or overview in information, ideas, thoughts, conversations, projects, etc.
That is exactly the goal of a map. To summarize (lots of) information and to have a better understanding of it and to create peace of mind when you are faced with it again.
You see, most people have lots of stress because of too much (scattered) information.
The moment we create a clear and practical overview… the stress is removed.
When you are just mind mapping your thoughts and you only need the map once, and you don’t need to re-arrange the information too much, a paper mindmap is fine.
When your goal is to map out lots of information, update it and move topics around, you should definitely use a software tool.
The PERSON(S) involved
Are you the only person who will be using the mindmap? If so, most of the time, with simple mindmaps, you can create one on paper. Just as long as you don’t have to re-arrange the information, you will be fine.
If you want to share, collaborate with others or simply want to show maps to many people, a computer map is better. The reason for this is simple. A digital mindmap is shared easily and you can work on it faster when working with others. The font is also much easier to read when compared to handwriting.
The SITUATION
Where are you when you create the mindmap? Where are you when you show the mindmap to others?
A mindmap that you have to present is often clearer for the audience when you use a digital/computer mindmap. The traditional Buzan mindmap style may look good or impressive, but it is usually not really clear enough for presenting information.
Of course there are exceptions to this ‘rule’, but I am sure you understand what I mean with this.
Also, where are you when you create the mindmap? Mapping out your information on paper is easier when you are away from your desk or laptop. Even when you could use a tablet or a mobile phone, you would outline information faster on paper.
Take also into account that a computer usually needs time to boot and you have less freedom when creating the map.
So what is the answer to this 30+ year old question…
Mindmaps on paper, the traditional and practical versions, are easy to create and often more a personal kind of overview. You can make them anywhere you want and take them with you by simply folding it and putting it in your pocket. The disadvantage is that it is more ‘challenging’ to edit the map and to use it for presentations.
Digital Mindmaps are very powerful when you have lots of information, when you want to share the map or work on it with others. The disadvantage is that you may not have the map ready to use it when you want to because you need an additional device.
Conclusion: When you want to use a map simply to keep overview in your own project, thoughts or studies, you are fine using a paper mindmap
When you need to update and edit the map and collaborate with others… a computer map is something very valuable.
Now it is up to you.
Add your thoughts on this topic below and make this topic clearer for people looking for a good solution.
Tags: computer mindmap, digital mindmaps, hand-drawn mindmap, mindmap software, paper mindmap
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