I think Mindmaps can really help to organize our thoughts and structure ideas. So before I´ll have a look at some mindmap applications I´ll mention a website which deals with mindmaps in general.
As well there this blog, discussing usability of mindmapping tools and I found a software called Mindmanager.
What is Mindmanager ?
It is a piece of software that allows you to develop mindmaps by a set of tools. It´s surface reminds on a program like outlook, so to structure and organize thoughts. The basic idea is to organize projects in a visual way without any leakage in details. This one is easy to link to common software like MS Outlook or MS Sharepoint. Of course to apple programs too. It seems to be used by large companies if you believe in their advertisement.
How to use Mindmanager?
I´ll show the example used in “Mindmanager” to illustrate how it works, because i think it explains the basic structure.
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The example shows the idea of opening a new restaurant and structure the relevant topics via mindmap. The Main topic is centered automatically by creating a new mindmap.
Interesting is how easy it is to use. All the basic commands are structured and presented as keyboard shortcuts.
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So to start just press Enter and it will create new main topic. The next Enter expands it to hierarchy level 2, if the main one was clicked at. Or start a parallel topic by clicking into the free space and enter. To add more hierarchy levels simply press “insert”.
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There can be added a lot of data to each of this points.
And this can easily be transferred into other structures just by some clicks at the toolbar.
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And what is really cool about the toolbar is that you can customize it.
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You can implement at any time everywhere different interfaces to other programs like databases, excel, timetables or task managing programs.
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So if I could gain some interest in you, have a closer look at “Mindmanager” at the internet. There is lots of descriptions of how to use it. At the program´s page of course are videos and test versions available.
An interesting blog post about “Mindmanager”
Asian Efficiency says that this probably is the best mindmapping software at the market today.
They say MindManager has been around since 1994 so it has to be a very mature piece of software. The point out a bunch of cool things mindmanager can do and how well the usability is. Things like hotkey implementation, possibility of using magig track pads with macs and customized toolbars.
They point out the following functions as their favorites:
- You can customize your toolbar.
- You can tweak the capitalization of your text and add automatic topic numbering under the Format menu.
- Outline View. This is a great way to send your mindmap to colleagues who are more text-inclined.
- Slides. This function lets you take snapshots of sections of the mind map to use for presentations. The implementation could be better, but it works.
- Quick Entry. A really fast way to set up a mind map by entering all topics first, then arranging them later.
- Keyboard shortcuts. Here are the ones I use most often:
Command + Return: create a new child topic.
Return: create a new topic below the current one.
Shift + Return: create a new topic above the current one.
Command + Shift + Greater-Than or Less-Than: zoom in and out. - Magic Trackpad. If you’ve ever used MindManager on a Macbook Pro or with a Magic Trackpad you’ll know just how easy it is to navigate around using two fingers, instead of using clunky scroll bars.
- Notes. These let you add text-based notes to individual data nodes for additional details. Can be very useful for large mindmaps.
- Viewing Rules. Found under Filter –> Edit Rules. You can set up different parts of the mindmap to show depending on status indicators.
- Linked Files. You can drag-and-drop from Finder almost any file type. When you then click on the link within MindManager, it opens the file. This is great for setting up interlinked mindmaps. Just remember to send all linked files too if you’re sharing your mind maps.
You will find out a lot more in the web if you use some google search terms like:
- “mindmanager +how to use”
- ” discussion about mindmanager “
- “connect ed to mindmanager”
- “Current issues and discussions about mindmanager”
Here is a good review and another point of view.
Somebody who explains his favorites about this program: Image may be NSFW.
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Here is a closer look at mindmanager and another software like it compared. It is a very close look at the usability of mindmap tools. It compares three common software types to each other and offers a great overview of features. But it is (of course ) still a subjective view. I recommend to download and play around with that software to everybody!
The 30 day trial is for free!
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
