I have written about how MindManager, a mind mapping tool from
Mindjet, has become an integral part of my software toolkit. I use the software in a number of ways: brainstorming,
conceptualizing complex projects, organizing thoughts for writing projects, and planning and conducting meetings. Over
the weekend, two new articles appeared from David
Coursey at eWeek and on Eric
Mack's blog that reinforce the utility of thiis software.
Coursey's article points out the investment of time required to really "get it". Mind mapping, while simple in
conception, can be a jarring experience for traditional list makers because unlike the one dimensional organization
offered in a simple list or outline, mind maps crate a multi-dimensional visualization of a topic and its component
thoughts.
Eric's new enthusiasm for mind mapping is precipitated by his investigation of
ResultManager, an add-on product for MindManager from a UK-based
comapny called Gyronix. ResultManager provides a well-designed set of additional
features to MindManager to use this application for managing a Getting Things Done workflow.
I'm encouraged to see this enthusiasm for the technique and the software. I'm currently working on interviews with the
developers of ResultManager and with Mike Jetter, the inventor of MindManager. I'm also preparing a review of the
ResultManager add-in. Look for these posts in the next couple of weeks. In the mean time, I do recommend reading both
of these articles. They'll give you some insight into a powerful brainstorming, organization, and visualization
technique and the best tools available for making it part of the way you work.
Mind mapping continues to catch on
Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. Mind mapping is only really catching on in terms of promotion. The actual activity has never been popular. The problem is people don't trust the hype, and the mind map structure is incompatible with most other conventions. The links between concepts are not clear enough and it does not communicate well. It is a dumb technique in this respect.
People distrust irrelevant pseudo(wrong)science about balancing the brain, and dodgy claims about utilizing your untapped 99% intelligence nonsense. A lot of educators ditch it because it is either incomprehensible to students, and they realize that the devotees who use it tend to end up restricted in terms of learning strategy (because they think it will turn them into a genius).
Basically, if you hype stuff like Buzan does, you will make money, but the customer will lose or lose trust in you.
Regards Vic
Posted at 6:20AM on Dec 19th 2005 by vicwood
3. Vic: I'm not sure what you're basing your claim of mind mapping not being popular on. The continuing growth of the user community, as reported by the increasing number of software developers competing in the space, would suggest otherwise. I've used mind maps for meetings, personnel management, presentations, article and book planning, and a host of other applications and have rarely had any push-back from the people I've exposed to the technique.
Posted at 6:20AM on Dec 19th 2005 by Marc Orchant
4. I was introduced to Mind Maps via Tony Buzan's book "Use Both Sides of Your Brain" back in the 70's/80's. From what I gather, "Mind Map" is a trademark of Buzan's.
I was surprised recently to learn that the concept had gained a lot of momentum since Buzan's first book. I find mind mapping to be a very useful tool, although I have never used software to do it. http://www.tempcity.com/dramanyc/index.php?showtopic=1583
Posted at 6:20AM on Dec 19th 2005 by Peter Everhard
5. Mind mapping is only really catching on in terms of promotion. The actual activity has never been popular. The problem is people don't trust the hype, and the mind map structure is incompatible with most other conventions. The links between concepts are not clear enough and it does not communicate well. It is a dumb technique in this respect.
People distrust irrelevant pseudo(wrong)science about balancing the brain, and dodgy claims about utilizing your untapped 99% intelligence nonsense. A lot of educators ditch it because it is either incomprehensible to students, and they realize that the devotees who use it tend to end up restricted in terms of learning strategy (because they think it will turn them into a genius).
Basically, if you hype stuff like Buzan does, you will make money, but the customer will lose or lose trust in you.
Regards Vic
Posted at 6:20AM on Dec 19th 2005 by vicwood
6. Vic: I'm not sure what you're basing your claim of mind mapping not being popular on. The continuing growth of the user community, as reported by the increasing number of software developers competing in the space, would suggest otherwise. I've used mind maps for meetings, personnel management, presentations, article and book planning, and a host of other applications and have rarely had any push-back from the people I've exposed to the technique.
Posted at 6:20AM on Dec 19th 2005 by Marc Orchant
1. I was introduced to Mind Maps via Tony Buzan's book "Use Both Sides of Your Brain" back in the 70's/80's. From what I gather, "Mind Map" is a trademark of Buzan's.
I was surprised recently to learn that the concept had gained a lot of momentum since Buzan's first book. I find mind mapping to be a very useful tool, although I have never used software to do it. http://www.tempcity.com/dramanyc/index.php?showtopic=1583
Posted at 6:20AM on Dec 19th 2005 by Peter Everhard