Simple projects can be completely managed within your mind mapping software program. Here’s how.

One of the shortcomings of software-produced mind maps is that key information is sometimes hidden several levels deep in our maps, within contracted topics. Developer Olympic Ltd. decided to do something about that. The company recently launched a new add-in for MindManager 7 and 8 called PowerMarkers that speeds up access to the information in your maps.

What features are most important for project management in mind mapping software? Please share your thoughts and opinions!

Mindsystems Pty. Ltd., a MindManager reseller located in Australia, recently launched a new program called Amode that takes the idea of visual mapping in an exciting new direction. In the process, it they have fashioned an integrated set of information management tools that will be very much appreciated by anyone who manages projects or large quantities of information.

CS Odessa, the developer of ConceptDraw MINDMAP, has released a purpose-built version of it – ConceptDraw Mindmap for Projects – that is specially tailored to the needs of project management. It does this by integrating capabilities from ConceptDraw MINDMAP and the developer’s ConceptDraw PROJECT into a single, seamless application.

If you’re like most users of mind mapping software, chances are you’re primarily using them to meet short-term needs – to brainstorm ideas or outline the agenda for a meeting, for example. But in doing so, you may be missing an opportunity to get even more value out of their favorite productivity software.

Mind mapping software provides tremendous value teams, helping them to projects along with great efficiency. Its value extends beyond the obvious applications like group brainstorming and project management into other valuable applications like knowledge management and consensus building/decision-making.

Our last discussion question focused on the value that mind mapping software provides to you. Your answers mainly focused on individual use of mind mapping software. That begs the question: What is the essential value that it provides to you in a team setting?

Several weeks ago, I asked you to share your thoughts on the value proposition of mind mapping. In other words, what is the essential value, the key benefit it provides to you, and how would you describe that to someone else in just a few sentences? Here’s a distillation of what you had to say.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my request for comments on “mind mapping in the recession” contest. The number of stories that you shared (over 60) and the ideas I gleaned from reading them were amazing! Here is a summary of the major themes.