Here are just a couple of practical uses of mind maps: What’s great about mind maps is that they are very flexible and can be used in a variety of ways. Here’s an example of the mind map for this article: Nodes that are on the same hierarchical level (share the same parent node) are called sibling nodes. Each of these would be fleshed out with their own set of subtopics (these are called child nodes, and the node that contains the child nodes is called the “parent node”). What is a Mind Map, Evaluation Criteria, etc.). From here, each category, subtopic, or chapter would get its own “node” branching off from the main topic (i.e. Here’s what a basic mind map structure looks like:įor example, the main topic for this review was The Best Mind Mapping App. To create a mind map, you typically start with a central concept or subject in the middle of a blank page and then connect supporting ideas around it.

With a mind map, scattered thoughts begin to solidify before my eyes. In our opinion, Brett Terpstra encapsulates this concept perfectly: The advantage of mind mapping is that it enables you to make connections you might not normally see in a traditional outline by allowing you to see the big picture. (A mind map is) visually looking at ideas and their connections and relationships with each other.

We really like this definition of a mind map by David Sparks (aka MacSparky) from a Mac Power Users episode on Cooking Ideas: It allows any idea to be connected with another at any time, and helps you see connections that you wouldn’t have otherwise. Think of it as the right-brained version of a standard outline that is perfect for “radiant thinking,” an idea popularized by Tony Buzan. The basic idea is that you start with a central idea and build branches (or “nodes”) around it.

What is a Mind Map, Anyway?Ī mind map is a diagram that connects information around a central topic or subject. There are several attractive options for Apple users looking for a mind mapping app to help capture, develop, and organize their ideas, but we think that MindNode is the best because it has a beautiful design that helps get your ideas flowing, is easy to use, has rock-solid sync, and has enough import/export options to be a really useful tool in almost any productivity workflow.

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