The term mindmapping is maybe not very helpful as it invokes visions of large machines probing into our heads trying to find out our innermost naked thoughts. In a way there is some truth to this view, less the machines, and the probing is more self directed but other than that there some obtuse similarities.
Mindmapping or creative capture is simply a way to quickly capture ideas or random thoughts in a way that allows you to grasp, organize, or visualize large complex problems. The traditional way to do this is on paper. A central concept is written in the middle and spiraling ideas or related elements are written randomly around the edges. The desired trends or ideas are then organized to give clarity and direction. This method works well with groups or individuals, with everything from developing advertising promotions to research methodology.
Now what I like is that computers can help us do this. There is a variety of software programs that run on regular computers and all the modern mobile devices. My personal favorites for a desktop / laptop computer is "X Mind" and "Freemind". Both of these software products are powerful, quick to learn, extremely useful, and best of all, totally free! The tools that I have tried for mobiles have been much less satisfying but there is hope in products like "Big Fat Canvas" which starts to mimic the pleasure and power of handwriting for mind mapping by offering unlimited zooming and area to freely explore a concept. This is a much different concept than the other computer based models but it offers an insight to where the technology may take us.
Mind mapping software can be a very effective way to manage large complex projects and come to grips with complex tasks. As a writer, teacher, and sometimes manager these tools have worked well for me. I can only suggest that as a computer user you should look into your brain and unleash your total creative capacity by mindmapping your next project or idea. Check them out, it costs you nothing.
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