Flow charts are just as much mind maps as spider maps are, despite their more defined structure. These charts don’t float all over the page in the same way, and yet they allow people to see connections between events or factors in ways that are similar. Indeed, when someone is looking for causal relationships, they are much easier to see using these methods than by creating a less organized type of pictorial representation.

Other mind map examples might be those viewed as chains or circles. A chain might be just a series of loops, one after the other, showing events or causes that are connected to each other. Or it might involve loops descending from each other in ever widening branches, like the roots of a tree, as a single event creates a cascade of repercussions. Another type of map displays itself as an actual circle, and would illustrate certain things that go in repeating cycles. These mind maps, especially the chains, can probably fall into the flow chart category as well.

Visual and concept maps are powerful tools for allowing people to gather ideas and pieces of information into one place and discern the relationships between them. These maps can make it clear how certain factors play into events, or how certain causes create effects, and they can help people find solutions to complex problems. It’s not surprising, then, that having so many varied potential uses, mind maps come in many different forms. After all, when using right-brain thinking and not being tied to the more rigid formats of the left brain, the results are bound to be creative and prolific.

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This mindmap software, called “iMindMap,” was created by a developer named Chris Griffiths, and is now found on the website of the same name (www.imindmap.com). Buzan worked together on the program with Griffiths, so that this mind mapping tool would embody his emphasis on a right-brain approach. Griffiths agreed with Buzan that computer technology should enhance rather than diminish people’s thinking abilities, and he worked hard to reproduce the mind map style previously found only on hand-drawn pages.

Early reviews of the program were positive. What most people remarked upon was the “organic” nature of this mind mapping tool. It really seemed to leave behind the boxes and straight lines of other programs, and reproduced the flow and even colors people used when creating their own mind maps on whiteboards or note paper. Command buttons were clear, tabs allowed users to switch to editor, presentation and the more traditional outline views, and a drop-and-drag method of creating new branches from a central topic seemed to mimic the method of making a visual map by hand drawing.

With the latest beta release of “iMindMap” version 3, the mind mapping tool appears to keep getting better and better. Whereas business people had complained that the original bright colors and free flowing branches appeared too “cartoon-like” to use in meetings, now they can change to a more traditional flow chart style. Buzan and Griffiths have added other enhancements and options in response to the needs of users as well. Rather than fall in love with this mindmap software for its own sake, they continue tweaking it so it serves its real purpose, which is to help users understand information in a more organic way.

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