Those wanting help in navigating complex ideas often turn to mind mapping software, and Scapple is one of the best on the market. The Mac app brings structure to concepts, but in a user-friendly, drag-and-drop way. The economical design and quick import options also make sure nothing gets between users and their ideas.
Scapple isn't a spelling mistake for that Pennsylvania Dutch concoction made with pork scraps, corn meal, flour and spices.
In fact, scapple is actually a word meaning to work roughly, or shape without finishing.
It's also the name of a dynamite new mind mapping program from Literature and Latte, the folks who brought the Mac world Scrivner.
Mind mapping isn't exactly a new category of software and the folks at L&L aren't me-too types, so you know they wouldn't try their hand at this kind of software if they didn't think they could add value to it.
That they did.
Scapple is not only easy and fun to use, but it's one of best mind mapping programs for creatives in the market.
Blank Canvas for Ideas
Mind mapping is based on the idea that we think visually, not in outlines. When we attack a project, we have ideas swirling around in our heads and can best make the connections to those ideas in a free-form way -- no Roman numerals, letters and numbers.
While mind mapping programs can give you the free-form freedom you're looking for with ideas, they do force you to connect your ideas -- maybe before you are ready to do that.
For example, when you write down one idea, the program will typically automatically connect it to the next idea you write, unless you manually intervene.
Scapple doesn't even make those kinds of minimal impositions on your thought processes. It gives you a true blank canvas for your ideas.
Making Connections
You can type an idea anywhere on that canvas by moving your cursor to wherever you want the idea to appear and double-clicking the spot. Alternatively, you can use the command-control keys to start a new idea.
As you start populating the Scapple canvas with ideas, you might want to move some ideas close to others. All you need to do is click and drag the idea to its new location.
Now you may notice how some ideas relate to others. You want to connect those ideas. No problem. Click one of the ideas you want to connect and drag it to the other idea. The "dragged" idea will bounce back to its original location and a dotted line showing the connection between ideas will appear on the screen.
You can reposition either idea, and the bond between them will stretch and shrink to accommodate the changes.
Don't like the connection anymore? Just drag one idea onto the other and the link will be broken.
Don't like the ideas either? Click on them and tap delete.
Using Arrows to Target Ideas
Dotted lines are OK, but a mind map isn't a mind map without arrows.
Scapple lets you link ideas with arrows on the fly.
To create an arrow from an idea you've dragged to another idea, hold down the option key as you drag and drop the idea.
An arrow in the other direction can be created by holding both the option and command keys while dragging and dropping ideas.
Two-way arrows can be created by holding down the shift and command keys during a drag and drop.
If you see two ideas connected by a link, and suddenly you realize that there should be another idea between the pair, you can double-click on the link and a box will pop up, allowing you to insert the idea between the other two.
Stacking Ideas
While a mind map's horizontal dimensions are its strong suit, sometimes the vertical relationship of a series of ideas can be too obvious to ignore. Scapple lets you group those ideas in "stacks."
For example, let's say you have an idea that you'd like to connect with several URLs. You could connect everything together with dotted lines or arrows, but a stack might be more useful.
You could create your idea, select it and then hit command-enter. A new box will appear immediately below the idea. You can paste your first URL in that box, select it, hit command- enter again to create the next item in the stack, and so on until the stack is finished.
By the way, URLs in Scapple are live, and clicking on them will take you to their location on the Internet.
When you're creating ideas on the fly, you might not see what makes a good stack of ideas. That's not a problem. You can select the ideas you want to stack by using shift- or command-click and choose "stack" from Scapple's menu bar. All the ideas will be neatly stacked under the first idea you selected.
Shining Star
In addition to associating ideas by stacking, you can also place borders around them. That will make them stand out on the page.
You can also lock the ideas inside the border you draw around them by choosing "magnetic" from the Notes pulldown menu. Locking ideas in the shape allows you to move both the shape and ideas around as a single unit.
Scapple not only accepts keyboard input, but you can also drag pictures and document files into it.
Read complete at: MacNewsWorld.com
For a lot of us, we don’t know what we want to be when we grow until we grow up; even then, our choices might turn out differently than we’d hoped — or just plain wrong. And while daydreaming of stardom or veterinary school is a practice we strongly encourage, it doesn’t always help turn your aspirations into action. Even those of us that are thrilled with the path we’re on can use some direction now and then — luckily, there are methods and tools that make analyzing our professional needs pretty easy.
Naturally, those of us at Mindjet prefer mind mapping. Brainstorming ideas, realigning choices, and seeing new connections is an awesome way to go from thinking about making things happen to actually getting them done.
Choosing a Direction: Inside-Out or Outside-In?
Deciding on a starting point is typically the first thing to do, right? What’s cool about mind mapping is that you don’t have to. If you can’t think of a linear path you’d like to travel, that’s perfectly okay — starting a map is all about asking questions.
What’s your current job? What do you like to study, watch, listen to? How much money do you want to make? Do you want to travel, live in a particular city, start a family, own a dog? No question is too ridiculous or unimportant when you’re mapping your career — remember, the average person spends 90,000 hours working during their lifetime (that’s 10 straight years, 24/7). It’s probably a good idea to make those hours worth more than just a paycheck.
Farnoosh Brock of the Prolific Living blog has some great suggestions for things to consider as you build your career map. My personal favorites:
- Values you’re not willing to compromise on, such as flexibility or integrity
- What you’re not willing to do or whom you wouldn’t want to work with
- How you want to see yourself and be seen professionally
- What you’re willing to invest for yourself and career (education, training, etc.)
Since mind mapping is the digital equivalent of brainstorming, you can always delete, change, and rearrange later — get the important questions answered up front. You’ll learn a lot about where you are and where you really want to go.
Read complete at business2community.com wrote by Arwen Petty
Managing business has been made simpler with increasing use of mind maps in analysing the components that make a business model work.
What do Boeing, BBC, Google and P&G have in common? All these global companies use Mind Maps to increase their efficiencies in operations and save valuable time and money. Using mind maps in businesses have become global trend but is still nascent and evolving in the country.
“For setting up or managing any business, the key attributes are ideas and thought process apart from resources and infrastructure. Why not giving physical shape to those ideas using mind maps to analyse and get clarity for better understanding,” says Koteshwar, Educe Learning.
One may doubt, how is it different from things to do or points that one note. He says, “It explains the entrepreneur to think a lot in one direction with clarity and organised way. For instance, if you write a business needs on a paper, you may not actually concentrate each of the sub-sets that you need to do to achieve that objective. However, mind maps are radiant, colourful with curves and pictorially depicted as maps. The objective of the business is at the centre and the things required to reach that objective can be stems. Further, each of the stems can be divided to facilitate each of those things required.
“The nature works in a radiant way from brain to tree. Working in this style will help to think in multiple directions on each of the subject that gives a better and holistic understanding. The pictorial and colourful looks break the monotony and make the person to remember in simple and easy fashion. Few pages of information can be integrated in one map and can be made easy to understand.
“Working in a radiant fashion doesn’t let the person to stop thinking on one aspect. He may immediately jump in to next aspect and comeback to the one when it is needed. However, if we work on linear fashion, it is difficult to leave the gap and further fill and in a way making the entrepreneur stuck at a single point which need to be solved rather than working on individual aspects,” he explains.
“The decision-making can also be quick and at the same time informed by simply analysing pro and cons of the given problem. For instance, the entrepreneur can analyse the problem in a detailed way and work on it. These questions need to be thought while drawing mind map; What is the problem; Why and when it’s started and its implications? When and how are we going to address? Who are responsible and who can solve it? Answering these questions on mind map will help the entrepreneur to get a better understanding and work on each of the possibility individually aiming to solving the problem.”
On learning resources, he says, “There are multiple free and paid tools. Many companies are already using these applications. It is not about the cost but the intention of the user that is required to integrate and use in everyday operations. There are many resources like free apps on phones, tablets and PCs. If they want to enhance further they can attend different workshops that are being conducted in the City.”
About its usage in different industries, he says, “This is being used across industries from aerospace to automobiles. However, it is greatly trending in educational institutes. Some schools are converting each subject into one mind map that helps students to easily remember, comprehend and revise in minutes during exam time. The student can explain the answer in much better way with the help of mind maps.
“This is also trending as project management tool. For instance, Boeing saved $11 million by using this as a tool. The aerospace processes are complex involving various parts and departments. The 25-foot long mind map helped the engineers to understand and learn the engineering manual. This also helped each of the team member informed about each of theirs project developments and ideas using shared mind maps. This helped the team members to maintain pace and generate new ideas.”
Read complete at pstnoon.com wrote by Prudhvi Raju
MindMaple for iPad is their full version, which gives users the ability to create and edit collaborative mind maps in real-time. With document sharing via Google Drive and DropBox Integration, online collaboration has never been easier for the mind mapping community!
MindMaple Inc., the Silicon Valley based mind mapping software company, have officially launched their latest app for the iPad community. This product has been specifically developed to help bridge the gap between PC users and the ever growing iPad market.
MindMaple for iPad is a fast and intuitive way of organizing and prioritizing information. The education sector has found MindMaple products to be particularly useful as software for teachers, allowing them to create and organize their lesson plans. Students benefit by using it for lecture notes, idea sharing and problem solving. Those in the business world use it to manage their busy schedules, for brainstorming sessions, project management and more. The newest feature gives users the ability to create and edit collaborative mind maps, with a user-friendly interface and additional features to assist in maximizing productivity and efficiency.
You can download their mind mapping software by visiting their website or downloading directly from iTunes.
MindMaple Inc. have also created an online guide that provides step-by-step instructions on how to utilize their real-time collaboration feature. Users can access this guide by visiting their MindMaple for iPad Help section on their website.
Source: sfgate.com
A career plan is a map that guides you to where you really want to go professionally. While there are several approaches to career planning and mapping your way to your next job, a mind map is an excellent tool for brainstorming and organizing your career ideas—especially if you're not sure yet what you want to do.
As Farnoosh writes on the Prolific Living blog, mind maps help you visually and textually organize your thoughts in a way that gives you a structure, linking related concepts. You can use a mind map to brainstorm and discover your career purpose.
This example includes what Farnoosh calls the "foundational pillars" of your career plan—things you need to explore and answer to find your ideal career and plan where you want to go. They include:
- Current job or role
- Career goals and dreams (short and long term)
- Your big why: Why you want to do the work
- Core values: Values you're not willing to compromise on, such as flexibility or integrity
- Limits and boundaries: What you're not willing to do or whom you wouldn't want to work with
- Top strengths
- Desired strengths
- Education investment in yourself: What you're willing to invest for yourself and career
- Execution strategies: What you might do (e.g., change jobs) to accomplish your plan
- Role models
- Ideal client or company
- Ideal professional self: Describe how you want to see yourself and been seen as professionally
As you fill out the answers to these, no doubt other branches and levels will surface, creating a wide web of ideas to help you get a clearer picture of not only where you want to go but also, perhaps, how to get there.
Read complete at: lifehacker.com | Prolific Living
Ajay was sitting in the economics class. Prof Bhushan was delivering a lecture on market structures. His lecture was interesting, informative and interactive.
Ajay was stimulated by the ideas being proposed and discussed and he began actively participating. Four weeks later, when internal exams were over, the results surprised both the Professor and his student. Prof Bhushan called Ajay to his cabin and gently asked "Ajay! I expected you to be in the top ten in the class! What happened? Any problem?"
Ajay responded, "I am surprised too sir! I thought I had understood all you said. I do remember many examples you have given as well. But as you have pointed out in my paper, my answers were not balanced between theory and examples. I had many new ideas in the class. I was confused. I guess there was too much information and too less time to think and answer."
Challenging Task
The daunting task of note taking for a student involves several challenges outlined below:
n There is too much of information to handle from various sources. It’s often required to systematically organize information to write an exam or to participate in a discussion.
- There is often the question of focus. Where should the student focus in the class? On writing notes or on listening to the lecture!
- How can one keep track of one's own ideas and questions?
- How can one keep updating the information as and when they find new information, new links and add new ideas throughout the learning period?
These challenges usually make the student to resort to short cuts such as memorising and reading from handbooks. As a result learning becomes routine and boring. These practices in the long-run erode the teacher-student relationship. What is needed, therefore, is a tool that can keep the creative potential of the student alive and at the same time be useful for note taking.
The Concept
Tony Buzan, in 1970s', introduced the concept of mind mapping for taking down notes in a quick manner. The technique was to begin with a central idea written down at the center of a page. Various thoughts about the core idea are then drawn as branches.
Thoughts and ideas about a specific branch are recorded as sub-branches leading out from the main branches. Associations across branches can be made to allow for forming relationships amongst various thoughts.
So, by being skilled in the art of mind mapping, students can capture key information in the class, while being focused on listening and participating. They can follow their own line of thinking and continue expanding on it after the class. They can connect different concepts and help themselves to discover new knowledge. Their discussions with their teachers and co-students can be much more meaningful and satisfactory.
The process of mind mapping
A mind map usually begins with a "Central Idea" or "Theme" with branches flowing out of it. Each branch represents a distinct sub-theme of the central idea. For example, the teacher might have started the class saying, "Today, we are going to talk about job analysis and its utility."
So, the map would begin by writing "Job Analysis" in the center of the sheet and then circling it. Then as the class progresses sub-themes are added.
The teacher might have given the components of the job analysis, discussed the steps required to carry out Job Analysis, and its applications in organizations.
To capture the above information, a branch from the central theme is drawn and labeled "Components". The branch line is thicker when it begins on the circle and gradually thins out as it ends. All branches and sub-branches follow the same pattern.
Different colours for different branches can be used to make the map more meaningful and creative. Coming back to the example, as there are many components, each component can be represented on a sub-branch, flowing out of the main branch.
To capture more information about each component, further sub-branches can be drawn. Similarly the “Steps “and “Applications” can be drawn as main branches and sub-branches can be added to extend more information. More branches can be added to capture new ideas, questions and other information.
Now, you may find that a concept that is presently being discussed is related to some other concept discussed earlier. To capture this, the two linked concepts are identified and are connected with a dotted line. A label is added to that relationship to describe the nature of relationship.
To add more meaning and creativity to the map, different colours can be used. Pictures that are descriptive of the key-words can also be added. Though, there is actually no end to when a map can be complete, it can capture enough information to use for reference, not only to do preparatory work, but also for exams.
Other uses for students
- Exam preparation: Once the mind maps of your subjects are ready, its easier to prepare for exams. To master the content, simply re-drawing the mind map and comparing it with the original will clearly show where gaps exist.
A question paper can be taken and the map can be examined to see if it contains information required to answer all the questions.
If not, such information can be added from various sources. There is no need to carry heavy notes and books to the examination centre.
- Preparing presentations: Mind maps can be used to bring in originality and creativity to presentations. Apart from the content, branches that outline key notes about the audience, the time to be spent on each topic, the goals of the presenter, and much more information can be captured.
Original ideas and points of discussion can be brought out on separate branches. As the discussion progresses during the presentation, it can be dynamically added to the mind map.
Who Uses Mind Maps?
Managers use mind maps as a tool to document brain-storming sessions and managing long meetings. Writers capture their plot ideas for their stories.
Lawyers and doctors have extensively used this technique for capturing their analyses and diagnoses. Teachers use it to plan their classes.
Other Uses of Mind Maps
Mind maps can be used for several purposes apart from taking notes. The following are some of the uses that people around the world have found for mind maps:
- Problem solving
- Outline / framework design
- Anonymous collaboration
- Marriage of words and visuals
- Individual expression of creativity
- Condensing material into a concise and memorable format
- Team building or synergy creating activity
- Enhancing work morale
Source: deccanherald.com
Take control of life in 2013 by compiling thoughts and goals into one central, accessible space. This simple step increases the likelihood of success by giving goal-setters a place to refine their ambitions.
One way to catalog and organize goals is to use a mind map. Lucidchart has just improved their mind mapping tool with collapsible branches, which means that it is easier than ever to keep thoughts organized.
A mind map starts with a central theme and branches out into subtopics. Each subtopic can then be broken down into smaller sections with greater detail. For example, if one's goal is to lose weight, make the central topic “Lose weight.” Subtopics could include “Cut down on drinking/smoking”, “Dine out less frequently”, and “Try one new vegetarian dish per week.”
Mind maps are also ideal for achieving professional goals. Eliza Wright, PR representative at Lucidchart, said, "Mind maps make sense not only for solidifying goals, but for tracking progress over time. To make a greater impact at work, you can use feedback from your peers and supervisors to shape your central topic and subtopics, then do some research on how to meet those objectives.”
All of this information can be housed and neatly organized within the mind map itself. Because of their visual nature, mind maps enable the goal setter to see and digest crucial information at a glance.
When considering diagramming programs, Lucidchart is an outstanding choice. The benefits of using an online diagramming tool are numerous, and include advantages like:
Greater security - Traditional mind mapping programs require a download and installation. With Lucidchart, there is no need to worry about malicious software or viruses, because no downloading is required.
Faster diagramming - Use hot keys to speed up the diagramming process. Hot keys are simple, intuitive keyboard shortcuts that enable mind map creation in just seconds. Mind map branches are collapsible for enhanced readability.
Peace of mind - Each document hosted on Lucidchart is backed up to multiple secure data centers, so there are no worries about backing up or losing data. Lucidchart also maintains robust revision histories, so reverting to an earlier mind map version is always possible.
On-the-go access - Lucidchart is built on open web standards, which means that diagrams are accessible from any location, on any browser, with any device. An Internet connection is the only requirement.
Try Lucidchart for mind mapping today, and see how their latest features make diagram creation both speedy and easy.
Source: sfgate.com
With a new 2013 interface, powerful usability upgrades and enhanced project management features, MindView 5 sets the NEW industry standard for Mind Mapping software.
The highly anticipated release of MindView 5 defines what a product upgrade should be. MatchWare revamped the software from the ground up, focusing on improving user experience and productivity. MindView 5 sets the standard for mind mapping software with the industry’s best MS Office integration and comes with the new 2013 interface. With enhanced editing, new map styles and powerful navigation options, mind mapping sessions will be more engaging than ever before!
MatchWare’s Product Manager Thomas Henriksen explains, “After nearly 2 years of gathering user feedback, and months of product research, we are proud to release MindView 5. With an enhanced interface, optimized MS Office integration and powerful project planning features, MindView 5 improves usability and the presentation of ideas, making users more efficient in their daily work. MindView 5 is an invaluable asset for any organization.”
MindView 5’s Feature Highlights
- MS Office® 2013 Interface with new Timeline and Outline modes
- Enhanced MS Office® integration
- New Map Styles and Custom Map Style Designer
- Inclusion and auto generation of Citation and Bibliography information
- Improved Calculation feature including Constants, Resources and Materials
- Map Nav Pins (Bookmarks) & Legends
- Powerful Project Management features
- Much more…
The Industry Leader in Mind Mapping Software Optimized for Project Management
MindView 5’s greatest improvements are the project management upgrades. Users can now take advantage of individual resource calendars, resource and material cost, effort driven scheduling, inactive tasks, improved project reports and task types such as fixed units, fixed duration or fixed work. When visualizing branch data, users can now show estimated, actual and remaining work/cost data as well as apply a true WBS numbering scheme where the root is level 1. For those MS Project® enthusiasts, these new features can be exported directly to MS Project, improving the synergy between MindView and MS Project®.
“With MindView 5’s new individual resource calendars, costs and effort driven tasks along with the MS Project integration my scheduling has improved, making MindView an invaluable tool during my initial planning stage.”, states Jim Franklin, Project Manager at The Shaw Group & Instructor at the University of California San Diego.
Djamila Mauclaire, IT Director at BNP Paribas states, “MindView has helped our PMO achieve a 30% increase in productivity by streamlining processes and eliminating rework. By brainstorming in the WBS view, we can capture stake holder requirements and project elements vital to meeting our deadlines. The integration with MS Office helps us produce project ready reports and documents to keep our teams up to speed.”
MatchWare has also improved the MatchWare Shared Workspace, enabling MindView users to collaborate and share maps in the cloud.
MindView 5 offers a wide range of powerful new features that help maximize productivity while saving both time and money. At a onetime fee of $379 for a single user it is a tool that no business should be without.
To order MindView 5 or to download a demo version, please visit www.matchware.com
Source: blogit.realwire.com
Learn how to mind map with MindMapp, the first interactive workshop for iPad. Master the basic theory of mind mapping and apply what you have learned in a number of exercises. Ready to make your own mind map? The MindMapp canvas lets you create beautiful and effective mind maps and share them on Twitter.
MindMapp is suitable for people who want to start mind mapping. The basics of mind mapping are explained with inspirational exercises and appealing examples. Practice what you learn on the canvas at your fingertips. MindMapp gives you instant feedback with helpful suggestions and visual responses. With each exercise finished, you earn a badge which allows you to track your progress from Rookie to Master.
Hans Buskes, mind map trainer: “For 15 years I have been training people to master mind mapping. To use them among others for better learning, smarter note taking, problem solving, understanding complex patterns and reducing complex issues to easy to grasp infographics. Now my experience is captured in MindMapp. The result is unique: an interactive workshop and mind map canvas in one app.”
Every month, a mind map that has been publicly shared by one of MindMapp’s users will be selected. This mind map will be highlighted as ‘MindMapp of the month’ and featured on Hans Buskes’ website MasterMindMaps.
MindMapp is available on the App Store for $5.99 and is the fastest, easiest and most fun way to learn and master mind mapping.
Source: pressdoc.com
A mind map is an educational tool, often used to help students prepare for exams. It’s claimed that the layout and the presence of visual prompts help the human brain to retain and recall information more effectively than writing out long form notes.
Mind maps can also help with your content marketing by improving your understanding of a given topic or generating a steady flow of article ideas.
For example, you could use a mind map to dig into a particular issue or concept and then use the finished article as a plan for a whitepaper or maybe the start of a brief for an infographic.
The best way to understand the potential for using mind maps to drive your content strategy is to look at a few examples. This one from live-the-solution.com (see below) does an excellent job of exploring the issue of how schools can save energy.
You can imagine tweaking this mind map to help you drill into the subject of saving energy. It could help you get your head around the topic, understand the big, recurring themes and then generate some great content ideas.
Source: castleford.com.au
Autor: Adam
