Compare The 10 Best Mind Mapping Software Of 2022

I always emphasize the importance of understanding a project’s underlying strategy and purpose before starting to divvy up tasks (we cover this in detail in our DPM training course — and one of the ways you can build this understanding is by using mind mapping software.

Wait a minute, Ben — what does mind mapping have to do with project management?

That’s a great question. Even though drawing mind maps or doing visual brainstorming isn’t part of the standard project management lifecycle, it probably should be.

Long before you dive into writing a Statement of Work, project managers can use mind maps to solidify the strategy and big ideas behind each undertaking. Creating a mindmap can help you catch, capture, and connect new ideas. Additionally, it can help you categorize the parts of a project and break down complex projects in a visually intuitive way.

Read on to learn about mind mapping software. First, learn what it is and what functionality it offers. Then, see how to choose the mind map software that best fit your working style, budget, and goals. There are dozens of mind mapping tools out there, so I’ve tried to save you time by providing a summary, score, and basic info for each tool to get you started.

What Is Mind Mapping Software?

Mind mapping software (also called concept mapping software) is a brainstorming tool that enables you to create visual diagrams of your ideas. Using a mind map maker, you can create an idea map, a conceptual map that illustrates the hierarchy and connections between different ideas.

Mind mapping software ranges from simple brainstorming apps to complex data visualization and diagramming tools. Mind mapping tools can be useful in any of the following use cases:

• Brainstorming: Create mind maps — visually organize and present ideas.
• Diagramming: Create engineering diagrams, project timelines, architectural plans, org charts, network diagrams, and other business or technical diagrams.
• Software development and web design: Create wireframes and site map diagrams.
• Business Intelligence: Import and visualize live data from business applications in charts, diagrams, etc.

Learn more about mind maps, how to create a mind map, and how mind map software works below.

What Is A Mind Map? What Is Mind Mapping?

A mind map is a conceptual web showing the relationship between ideas. Here’s a simple example of a mind map:

Mind mapping is a brainstorming process and creative exercise that results in a mind map.

How To Make A Mind Map

Because mind mapping is a creative exercise, your process for making a mind map will differ depending on your personal preferences, tools, and project at hand. There is no “one right way” to do mindmapping, but if you’re using a mind map app, you’ll follow a process like this:

1. Begin with a blank canvas.
2. Add a central node — your central idea or theme.
3. Brainstorm sub-ideas or related ideas, adding them to the canvas.
4. Draw lines to connect ideas and represent the relationship between ideas. Drag and drop the elements to re-organize your ideas as you add to the map.
5. Use formatting tools to visually organize and display your information — change colors and size, add icons and images, etc.

Why Use Mind Mapping Software?

Mind maps are great tools for understanding and communicating ideas because we humans are visual creatures and we process visual information very quickly.

Of course, you can create a mind map on a piece of paper, but using mindmap software has several advantages, such as:

• No size limitation: you’re not limited to the size of your paper.
• Flexibility: you can easily re-organize ideas by clicking and dragging.
• Co-creation: in software that allows you to create a mind map online, you can often have multiple users collaborating on the same mind map.
• Visual presentation: you can use the formatting tools to create professional diagrams that you can quickly share and present.

Still not convinced of the benefits of brainstorming tools? A survey from the Mind Map Software Blog found that online mind map software can increase your pace of work by 44%, boost creativity by 30%, and free up 7 hours a week of users’ time.

Keep reading on: https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/mind-mapping-software/.

Originally published at www.thedigitalprojectmanager.com on April 10, 2019.