Freemind - Mindmap software
I ran across an article on mindmaps and how they can be applied to the software process. I’ve never heard of mindmaps before, and since I’m so keen on different ways of developing software, I read more. Mindmaps are a great way of brainstorming and tracking heirarchical ideas. Tony Buzan developed mindmaps in the 60’s and recommends using graphics, colours, very visual clues. This has been simplified in many software tools. Mindjet’s MindManager looks very slick and integrates well with the MS Office suite. As expected, I’m sure it carries a hefty price as well. Mac OS X has a very graphical version with Conceptdraw.
Thankfullly, there are decent free options as well. Freemind [screenshots] produces great quick mindmaps and can be edited all via the keyboard. Great for fast brainstorming sessions. Just think & type.
Below is a quick map of blog categories on my site. Use mindmaps for brainstorming project plans, product features, tasklists, etc.
December 1st, 2004 at 4:12 pm
I use this product also. And i like freemind. Its good and simple. And it works!
December 20th, 2004 at 1:08 pm
MindManager is really designed for business professionals who need close integration to Microsoft Office applications. Like Freemind, our software enables users to capture and organize ideas and information. Unlike Freemind, our users can then take a key final step and SHARE ideas and information as Outlook tasks, Word documents, Powerpoint slides, Microsoft Project plans, Web sites, PDFs, image files–not to mention as XML data to take those ideas and put them right into corporate scheduling applications and knowledge databases.
We appreciate programs like Freemind a great dea: They introduce people to mapping and help popularize the methodology. Usuallya, when people are ready to bring that methodology into the business environment, they see the need for more sophsiticated, integrated applications such as ours.
Thanks to YOU for introducting people to visual mapping. It is a great way to work–regardless of the application you use.
Hobie Swan
Mindjet