In the last few years, more developers have added collaboration capabilities to their mind mapping software.
These tools take different forms, reflecting the different models of work that people do. Here are some of the scenarios enabled by these programs:
- Produce a mind map and send it to others for review. The mind map keeps track of who made which edits and added which comments to the map.
- A centralized mind map repository within a secure web environment serves as the center point for collaboration. Maps produced on the desktop are uploaded to this space, where other team members can access them, work on them and then save an updated version to the shared work space. Everyone on the team has a licensed copy of the same mind mapping software.
- A mind map is created on the desktop, then shared online. Team members can access the map from this repository in a number of ways, potentially including a licensed desktop mind mapping program, a web-based mapping application and mobile devices such as an iPad or iPhone.
- Small teams can do real-time co-editing of mind maps – sort of an online brainstorming session, where the mind map is used to capture everyone’s ideas. The program tracks who made which additions and edits.
- A mind map is stored in a shared directory on your company’s file server, where each team member can access it, edit it, add comments and then re-save it to the network. It’s low-tech, but it works.
- A mind map can “push” task updates to Sharepoint, and vice versa.
What’s happening in your work environment in terms of small team collaboration? Please share your comments below in answer to these questions:
- What are you doing now for collaboration?
- What would you ideally like to be able to do with your team?
- Is your team all in one location, or geographically dispersed?
- Do you need to be able to collaborate with people outside of your organization, such as consulting firms, vendors and clients?
If any of your stories are particularly interesting, I may want to interview you for more details for a future blog post. I really want to shed some light on this aspect of using mind mapping software.
I look forward to your insights!
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Vasan · 709 weeks ago
I would be interested in the findings too on how MM helps collaboration, as I know there is potential but am not sure of how to start and explore it. With Mind maps, I have seen only passive consumption with one person creating it and others using it for reviews. For your questions.
1. Mostly for collaboration, we use track changes mode of MS Word or comments feature in PPT.
2. For internal brainstorms, we use Wiki (pbworks)
3. Ideal way I envision is to use a MM that can show the changes in a node inline, have ability for attaching comments, and then merge them with a single click.
4. In my last project, me and my client in different geographies collaborated on MMs with client on solution scoping and hence felt the need for #3 above.
I use Freemind as I saw some potential in their Attributes Feature for future collaboration initiatives.
Arjan · 709 weeks ago
Just my short contribution to the subject. The company I work for is using Webex, Netmeeting, Sharepoint and video conference systems etc. for (virtual) collaboration. We are in the process to limit (or replace were possible) these platforms with Microsoft Lync. Furthermore tools like Office, Visio, Project, DropBox etc. are used to work with.
I still believe in making more and better use of business mind mapping with tools like Mindjet Catalyst to collaborate with other colleagues and/or client/third party, all though I realize mind mapping in general still have a long way to go to gain wider acceptance for business use.