Why Mind Mapping Software Beats Paper
The concept of mind mapping has been around for quite sometime. In fact, mind maps can be traced back to Porphyry of Tyros from the 3rd century. However, during the 1960s is when the modern mind map was developed by Allan M. Collins and M. Ross Quillian. Today in 2009, they have developed even further thanks to mind mapping software. There are many benefits to using mind mapping software instead of the paper versions.
When a mind map is laid out on paper, there is no way to re-arrange the ideas unless you manually erase it and re-write it somewhere else, or start a new map. With mind mapping software, you are able to arrange your ideas numerous times until they are exactly where you want them. This saves you a lot of time and frustration.
Another great feature of mind mapping software is that you are able to place information in collapsible topic trees that are able to expand when needed. Paper drawn mind maps don’t allow this flexibility and end up looking very disorganized and jumbled. With the software, there is no limit to the amount of information you are able to put in the collapsible topic trees. It can include Word or Excel documents, links to relevant websites, e-mails, to do lists and so much more. This reduces the amount of paperwork the user has to carry with him for reference. It is all contained in the electronic mind map, just a click away. What an awesome benefit!
With mind mapping software, you are also able to export your ideas and information to other software if needed. This gives you the ability to use a mind map as a starting point for any project by organizing and prioritizing information before uploading it to software such as presentation, project management or word processing software. You are even able to e-mail your map out to other members of your team, where they can take it and add information to it.
Finally, this software allows you the capability of presenting your ideas on an LCD projector and screen to a room full of people at once. While this is similar to PowerPoint, what is not similar is that mind mapping software gives you the ability to easily and instantly update information in real time to your map during your meeting or brainstorming session. PowerPoint presentations do not offer this much needed flexibility.
The benefits of using mind mapping software instead of a paper mind map are not limited to those listed above. There are many more benefits to be discovered. The flexibility of mind mapping software has opened a door for the number of uses of mind maps ranging from developing a business plan, managing a project to tracking your personal goals and writing books. Mind mapping software makes it easier for you to organize your thoughts and ideas for virtually any upcoming project or event and store them all in one convenient place, saving you time and increasing productivity!
Michael Masterton reviews and writes about the best mind map software on his Mind Map Software website. For a free iMindMap download, simply click here.
