Mind Mapping and Flowcharts
What is Mind Mapping?
- Mind Mapping is a graphical technique used to visually interrelate ideas, which are usually based around one central theme. The central idea is placed in the center of the page and related ideas are then linked to the central idea via branches. This technique can be used for brainstorming, organizing projects, or problem solving.
Blog Post - CM Law Library Blog, "My Favorite Free Mindmapping and Flowchart Collaboration Software"
Why use Mind Mapping?
- Mind Mapping software allows for direct linking to web sites, articles, or documents. The mind map can be collectively used by more than one person in multiple locations.
Example of Mind Mapping Software
- Free Mind – is a Java based free mind mapping software. Its basic features include linking to web sites, ability to link to documentation, multiple color text, and exporting the mind map in a variety of formats.
- You will have to ask Automation to download this program to your computer.
- Free Mind wikipedia explanation and supporting documentation
- Other Mind Mapping software – free and proprietary
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XMIND – Free mind mapping software that allows for online collaboration.
- 3D Topicscape – This proprietary software provides a 3-D representation of the mind map. One of the features of this software is the ability to drag and drop links or files.
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- Example of Mindmap from Freemind:
Flowcharts
Can contain more words in a node than mindmaps.
Software:
Microsoft Word: In the Drawing toolbar, click on Autoshapes and point to Flowcharts. Add shapes and connectors. You could use Insert Diagram, but these offer less flexibility. You can copy and paste the diagram from Word, copy it into Paint program (typically under Accessories), save as an image, and then put the image on a Wiki or website.
Bubbl.us - Free, easy to use and allows for collaborative editing. Only people you specify can see the diagrams, and only people you specify can edit them. The shapes are all the same, but you can make them different colors. Any box can be connected to any other to show relationships. Click on Menu - Export and save as an image. No download needed.
Gliffy.com - Gliffy can be used to make up to 5 collaborative flowcharts for free. Gliffy is easy to use. The drawback is that the charts are public unless you pay a fee. You can save charts as an image (ex. jpeg format). No download needed.
LucidChart - Free, allows for collaborative editing. Easy to use. Does not require Flash or plugins. Webbased, no software to download.
Ability to create multiple pages/flowcharts that you can link together.
Ability to export of flowchart as a PDF, webpage, PNG, or JPG file
EDraw - Must download software.
links checked 9/09 (aeb)