The ultimate MVP list of visual thinking resources

Many sports around the world designate the most talented players who have contributed the greatest value to their teams as “MVPs” – or most valuable players. They achieve this designation thanks to their outstanding impact on the game.

During the last 15 years, I’ve created a cornucopia of articles and resources about mind mapping software and other types of visual thinking tools and techniques. Many of them can only be found via a search of this website.

To help you find the most valuable resources here, I recently analyzed a decade of Google Analytics data to determine the 50 most popular articles and resources on this website. What does that mean? Roughly speaking, the more visits a piece of content receives, the more valuable it is to other people like you.

In short, these are the most valuable resources on this blog, according to many thousands of your peers.

No matter where you are in your visual thinking journey, I’m confident you’ll find some gold in this list.

Happy hunting!

1. Concept maps vs. mind maps
2. How to integrate Evernote with 7 mind mapping applications
3. How to do a SWOT analysis using a mind map
4. The fishbone diagram: An essential visual tool for problem solving
5. The 4 best mind mapping programs for project management
6. 8 recommended books on visual thinking
7. The Essential Guide to Mind Mapping Software – Download this popular report
8. How to generate breakthrough ideas using a concept tree
9. How to summarize a dense book with a mind map
10. 5 essential features you should look for when buying mind mapping software
11. Getting started with mind mapping software (resource guide)
12. 10 reasons why mind mapping software should be the foundation of your personal productivity system
13. 9 mind maps for exceptional project management
14. 10 advantages of mind mapping software vs. hand-drawn maps
15. How to use Canva to create PowerPoint graphics
16. Elements of effective mind maps (resource guide)
17. Mind map your way to a successful strategic planning day: Part 2
18. What are the advantages and disadvantages of web-based mind mapping?
19. 7 reasons why diagramming software doesn’t do mind maps well
20. How to quickly develop personas using an empathy map
21. How to cultivate a personal learning network: Tips from Howard Rheingold
22. 10 questions to assess the quality of your mind maps
23. Clarity: Achieved – with the F.A.S.T. framework
24. The Sketchnote Handbook: A brilliant new guide to visual note taking
25. The 5 best mind mapping programs for brainstorming
26. How to use icons and symbols to improve the clarity of your mind maps
27. 5 ways studying infographics can make you a better mind mapper
28. 20 powerful business uses of graphic recording and facilitation
29. Visual thinking and diagramming: Uses and benefits (resource guide)
30. Business uses and benefits of mind mapping software (resource guide)
31. Infographic: 14 best practices for advanced mind maps
32. 9 mind maps for leaders and managers
33. What are basic ordering ideas and how can they improve your mind mapping?
34. Increase the visual impact of your mind maps with images and color
35. How to read a mind map
36. How to upgrade your project management skills with mind mapping software (e-course)
37. Why should you maintain a visual diary? (sketchnoting)
38. How a mind map can accelerate and improve your writing process
39. This storytelling mind map template will help you communicate with greater impact
40. 5 essential mind maps to help you kick butt in the new year
41. 10 unique advantages of web-based mind mapping tools
42. How a dashboard mind map saved my sanity
43. How to think like Steve Jobs mind map
44. How to manage tasks and simple projects with a mind map
45. How to mind map a simple linear process
46. How to get started with mind mapping software
47. How to brainstorm using a Lotus Blossom map
48. 317 power words that add punch and persuasion to your writing
49. What do mind mapping, outlining and Leonardo da Vinci have to do with each other?
50. 5 powerful ways to manage large, complex mind maps

Need additional help with mind mapping software? When you’re ready, you may find these resources useful:

• My free Essential Guide to Mind Mapping Software is a concise primer on this type of productivity tool
• Training: I offer e-courses on getting started with mind mapping software (free), a 4-step framework for effective mind mapping, brainstorming with mind mapping software, project management, strategic planning and mitigating strategic threats to your business.
• Insider membership provides access to over 100 advanced mind mapping guides and resources, plus all of my books and training
• Visit the Mind Mapping Software Buyer’s Guide for more reports, resources and insights – all of my best stuff in one convenient location