XMind and Mind Mapping Conundrum

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This week the popular Java based mind map program, XMind, went open source and is now free. I’ve generally had a hit-and-miss experience with mind mapping applications. Generally, when I need to take notes in a meeting, I do it on a piece of paper or in OmniOutliner. Perhaps, I need to implement it more in brainstorming. Despite my best efforts, I’ve yet to see the benefits of using mind maps. Do you effectively use mind mapping software? If you have any ideas, sound off in the comments.

5 Comments XMind and Mind Mapping Conundrum

  1. jens.poder@gmail.com

    I use mindmapping primarily for brainstorming. I prefer to do it manually with felt markers.

    The reason for this, i think, lies in the playful nature of playing around with markers and paper. I find it makes me more prone to get good ideas. It also signifies that it is okay to focus on the mindmapping… you can’t check email on paper (yet).

    I have also been using felt marker mindmaps to do lecture notes. That REALLY worked well. A full lesson on ONE page.

    When I use the computer for mindmapping it’s primarily for outlining. I use OmniOutliner for this as well.

    Reply
  2. jens.poder@gmail.com

    I use mindmapping primarily for brainstorming. I prefer to do it manually with felt markers.

    The reason for this, i think, lies in the playful nature of playing around with markers and paper. I find it makes me more prone to get good ideas. It also signifies that it is okay to focus on the mindmapping… you can’t check email on paper (yet).

    I have also been using felt marker mindmaps to do lecture notes. That REALLY worked well. A full lesson on ONE page.

    When I use the computer for mindmapping it’s primarily for outlining. I use OmniOutliner for this as well.

    Reply
  3. jens.poder@gmail.com

    I use mindmapping primarily for brainstorming. I prefer to do it manually with felt markers.

    The reason for this, i think, lies in the playful nature of playing around with markers and paper. I find it makes me more prone to get good ideas. It also signifies that it is okay to focus on the mindmapping… you can’t check email on paper (yet).

    I have also been using felt marker mindmaps to do lecture notes. That REALLY worked well. A full lesson on ONE page.

    When I use the computer for mindmapping it’s primarily for outlining. I use OmniOutliner for this as well.

    Reply
  4. jens.poder@gmail.com

    I use mindmapping primarily for brainstorming. I prefer to do it manually with felt markers.

    The reason for this, i think, lies in the playful nature of playing around with markers and paper. I find it makes me more prone to get good ideas. It also signifies that it is okay to focus on the mindmapping… you can’t check email on paper (yet).

    I have also been using felt marker mindmaps to do lecture notes. That REALLY worked well. A full lesson on ONE page.

    When I use the computer for mindmapping it’s primarily for outlining. I use OmniOutliner for this as well.

    Reply
  5. jens.poder@gmail.com

    I use mindmapping primarily for brainstorming. I prefer to do it manually with felt markers.

    The reason for this, i think, lies in the playful nature of playing around with markers and paper. I find it makes me more prone to get good ideas. It also signifies that it is okay to focus on the mindmapping… you can’t check email on paper (yet).

    I have also been using felt marker mindmaps to do lecture notes. That REALLY worked well. A full lesson on ONE page.

    When I use the computer for mindmapping it’s primarily for outlining. I use OmniOutliner for this as well.

    Reply

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