Whiteboards and flipcharts have been the standard planning and thinking tools for most businesses since the 1960s. Mind mapping software offers a more efficient alternative.
Emergent structure: A better way of brainstorming (and 2 programs that support it!)
If you use mind mapping software to capture ideas from individual or team brainstorming sessions, you need to look for a program that supports emergent structure – one that enables you to hold off on structuring your ideas as long as possible. XMind 8 and ConceptDraw MINDMAP 9 are two programs that support this flexible model of brainstorming.
A brilliant problem-solving mind map template (it’s yours!)
This mind map template contains 8 thought-provoking questions that you can use to help you with personal problem-solving – better defining problems and then brainstorming solutions for them.
Innovative Thoughtflow app combines brainstorming, mind mapping
The new Thoughtflow app for iPad is a mind mapping tool with a difference: it is uniquely designed to trigger ideas and capture them. It does so via a simple but clever interface that is a joy to use.
Randomize mind map topics to reveal creative combinations
What do Scrabble, sticky note and index card brainstorming and mind mapping software have in common? All four benefit from randomizing elements, which can help us to see new patterns, opportunities and ideas.
Mural.ly: A whiteboard on steroids for visual collaboration and brainstorming
For small teams that need a virtual workspace in which they can brainstorm, plan and collaborate, Mural.ly is a powerful, flexible, web-based solution. More than just another “sticky note” environment within a web browser, Mural.ly offers a comprehensive toolset that encourages creativity and collaboration.
iMindMap 8: An awesome new tool for creating and presenting your ideas
ThinkBuzan has placed brainstorming front and center in iMindMap 8, the latest version of its popular mind mapping software program. It features an excellent new free-form ideation mode, improved Windows ribbon toolbar and branch target tool, as well as a redesigned presentation view that contains some great new capabilities.
FAQ: What is the brainstorming mode of mind mapping software?
Here are some frequently-asked questions about the brainstorming mode of mind mapping software and insights into how you can benefit from it.
It’s time to take off your blinders (and expand your thinking)
Your ability to think and plan is limited by blinders. Mind mapping software can help you to cast them off and become a better thinker, planner and creative problem solver.
6 ways mind mapping software enables you to prototype your ideas
Many companies build physical prototypes of products, so they can “fail fast,” learn from them and iteratively improve their creations. Mind mapping software enables you to create and refine “prototypes” of your ideas.