Step 1 in mindmaps. watch this
video explanation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlabrWv25qQ
Step 2: Either do your own
research, or get a head start by reading this article I've written........
This entry is all about the
various software for MindMaps!
A future entry will cover the
basics of /different kinds/ of mind maps, techniques on drawing
them, and how to catigorize your little bubbles of information.
Paraphraise version of what
one blogger said about mind maps: "People misinterpret mindmaps
as simply a different form of hierachy. Mindmapping is far far
different than a simple tree of data. Mindmapping is about the
thinking and ASSOCIATION of that data. Grouping! Linking of concepts
and ideas relevant to the texture of YOUR own mind. Colors, experiences,
symbols, hooks, triggers, emotions and context that enable you
when you look at the page take you back to that moment when you
created the note and relive the experience."
I often mention mind mapping
to my friends, but I'm not an industry leader, so few actually
listen to me when I mention how amazing and powerful mind-maps
are. I've collected here a few bits of information about mind
maps. To kick things off, here are some links to MindMap software
my fellow bloggers have found critical in organizing and maintaining
their high-pace environment. The following list is far from complete,
so to be safe you might just stick to pen and paper.
Here are some of the basic
software used to MindMap...
* Mindmanager by Mindjet: http://www.mindjet.com/us/
(i hear its great, i've not tested it).
* OpenSource/Free: FreeMind (Royce's personal favorite tool,
but perhaps soon to be changed!): http://freemind.sourceforge.net/
* Mind Genius: http://www.mindgenius.com/ (i've not yet tested
this).
* MS Office Groove (i dont recall what this is for).
* MindManager X5 Pro (im not sure what this is).
* Online drawing boards such as the awesome GroupBoard: http://www.groupboard.com/demo/
* A blogger offered this software for flowcharting/mindmapping:
http://www.inspiration.com/productinfo/inspiredata/index.cfm
An incredible entry (and awesome
blog!) about the wonderous mind maps: http://headrush.typepad.com/creating_passionate_users/2005/04/why_i_want_a_ta.html
For the PalmPDA I hear you
can use: Mind Image, Idea Pad, and Inspiration.
For the Mac I've heard you
can use: Nova Mind (http://www.nova-mind.com
* Note: TabletPC's with touch
screens are wonderful for mindmapping because you can draw and
edit your mind-map right on the screen, fast as paper and pen.
Much faster than a computer mouse. TabletPC's are expensive though.
A workaround is getting a Wacom tablet mouse (a digital pen that
requires a big bulky digital mousepad), although it takes up
quite a bit of room on your desk. Paper and pen is ok, but you
cant easily transfer/edit/email the content to coworkers. Apple
seems to be makng a tablet pc, but I've not read up on it. Perhaps
the iPhone will eventually connect to a high resolution projector,
where you could use a lazer pointer (or i already have a gyro-mouse!!!)
as the mouse. Gyration motion sensing mouse (fairly similar to
nintendo wii controller): http://www.gyration.com/en-US
Videos of mind mapping:
http://www.thepodcastnetwork.com/tabletpc/
Here are some simple Explanations
of what MindMaps are. Remember, the following websites are priceless
for doing any sort of research, so please bookmark them after
reading up on what they say about MindMaps.
* Wikipedia says about
MindMaps: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map
* WikiHow says about MindMaps: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Mind-Map
* Delicious says about MindMaps: http://del.icio.us/search/?fr=del_icio_us&p=mind+maps&type=all
* About says about MindMaps: http://search.about.com/fullsearch.htm?TopNode=%2F&terms=mind+map
* eHow says about MindMaps: http://www.ehow.com/how_134207_organize-thoughts.html
* HowStuffWorks: (search brought up no results).
* Googe says about MindMaps: http://www.google.com/search?num=100&e=LabratControl&hl=en&safe=off&rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-us%3AIE-*
SearchBox&rlz=1I7GGLR&q=mind+map
* YouTube says about MindMaps: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mind+map
* Google Video says about MindMaps: http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=mind+map
* GoogleGroups says about MindMaps: http://groups.google.com/groups/search?q=mind+map
* YahooGroups says about MindMaps: (nothing special on
first look): http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=mind+map
* YahooAnswers says about MindMaps: http://answers.yahoo.com/search/search_result;_ylt=AkHnY2ZWDUZqn1d2f7th_Gnpy6IX?p=mind+map
* GoogleScholar says about MindMaps: http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=mind+maps&hl=en&lr=
* Answers: http://www.answers.com/Mind%20Maps?gwp=11&ver=1.1.0.364&method=3
* Flickr(gallery of mindmap examples!!!): http://flickr.com/photos/vaxzine/sets/72157594178041853/
* Deviantart says about mindmapss: http://search.deviantart.com/?section=browse&qh=boost%3Apopular+age_sigma%3A24h+age_scale%3A5&q=mindmap
Completely Random Links
about MindMaps, from unknown unchecked websites:
* http://abonasoft.netfirms.com/linksMindmaps.html
Ok now here is where I give
you the warning. Dont let mindmaps start you on the path of obscessing
about archiving and organizing. Wisdom is vital; while knoweledge
is different and somewhat optional when you reach a certain point.
Also...you dont have to PAY for mindmap software. FreeMind works
well for the basics. You can always get out a poster-sized piece
of paper and give that a shot too, for me i use the reverse side
of my OfficeMax wall-callender, then take a photo with my 8mp
camera and put the memory card into my computer and or printer.
This MindMap article is pieced
together in only a few hours. It will be updated and revised,
as it is vital for me to know this stuff! I'll finish and post
this article on my website (www.eh3.us) as a complete guide to
mindmaps and flowcharts. When that happens I'll then delete this
entry and rout you to the website entry.