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    • Phil Rouble
      Keymaster
      November 14, 2022 at 3:53 pm
      Post count: 25
      #3438

      Mind mapping software is a great productivity tool for brainstorming and analyzing complex problems and topics. They make it easy to collect, sort, distill, organize and synthesize a wide variety of inputs and ideas into organized and coherent ‘chunks’. You can also use mind mapping for presenting, explaining, planning, learning, and taking notes.

      For years, I have been using a free mind mapping tool called Xmind which is available at xmind.net. (I use the unlimited time free trial version.) I have used this tool for functional programming of spaces, real time facilitation of brainstorming meetings, developing org charts and departmental re-orgs, bringing structure to new complex planning projects with multiple inputs…

      Has anyone used other mind mapping tools?

    • Rich McEvoy
      Keymaster
      November 15, 2022 at 5:00 pm
      Post count: 72
      #3444

      This sounds like it has great potential but, I’m not sure where to start or what topic to apply this tool or how participants would interact. Is there a video/ demo you could recommend or perhaps would you consider hosting a demonstration for others?

    • Phil Rouble
      Keymaster
      December 7, 2022 at 6:23 pm
      Post count: 25
      #3466

      Lots of great questions, Rich.

      In terms of getting started, there is no one path. My best advice is just start.
      1. Download the free version of Xmind.
      2. The software is intuitive but to get oriented fairly quickly, spend some time (~50 minutes) going through the Xmind Tutorial on “They Call Me Hoz” channel
      3. Next, pick a simple problem or activity to map out:

      • Meeting agenda and notes
      • Notes for an article or book you are reading
      • Assembling notes for a new topic you might be researching or studying
      • Brainstorming a problem or project you are working on
      • Building a simple org chart for your team / department…

      4.Do a deeper dive by searching Youtube for additional videos on mindmaps or Xmind.

      In terms of a demonstration for others, I would be happy to run a lunch and learn session for OCFMA members if there was interest. Also, I will gladly respond to follow-up questions posted here on the Discussion Board.

    • cmcarthur
      Keymaster
      March 29, 2023 at 3:16 pm
      Post count: 24
      #3602

      Thank you Phil, I love the look and feel of the final visual! I will definitely use this tool.

    • Phil Rouble
      Keymaster
      February 29, 2024 at 11:00 am
      Post count: 25
      #4109

      On Feb. 8, 2024, I used Xmind to present an OCFMA Lunch-and-Learn webinar on “Implementing a Personal Productivity Toolkit”. I thought I would share the original Xmind file here for those who would might be interested in exploring a finished mind map used as a presentation tool. (The recording of the webinar is posted on the Past Presentations page.) I used the Xmind to build up the presentation sequentially:

      • I captured productivity ideas, research and links on a rough mind map
      • I organized my thoughts on a second mind map refinement tab
      • I polished the final presentation using a copy of this refined mind map

      Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

      • This reply was modified 8 months, 3 weeks ago by Phil Rouble. Reason: (Shared link to Xmind file instead of uploading attachment)
    • Rich McEvoy
      Keymaster
      October 7, 2024 at 5:08 pm
      Post count: 72
      #4540

      I found XMind to be particularly helpful, recently, in discussing a project with a new staff member.  We needed to create a project plan but had to sort out a number of elements to know where to begin.

      The tool allow me to easily assemble my thoughts and goals.  What seemed overwhelming at first was quickly brought under control using the tool.   The new staff member was very appreciative of the approach and was able to grasp the problem and is working towards an effective plan.

       

      • Phil Rouble
        Keymaster
        October 7, 2024 at 5:42 pm
        Post count: 25
        #4541

        Great use of mind mapping! I often use a mind map when I have a problem that has me stumped or when I feel “blocked”. Putting the pieces that I do know into a mind map seems to help get the solution moving forward.

    • Phil Rouble
      Keymaster
      October 22, 2024 at 7:33 am
      Post count: 25
      #4571

      In advance of the upcoming “Introduction to Mind Mapping” webinar, I thought it might be helpful to share a couple of resources that I have found very useful:

      • Xmind.app
        • You can download Xmind from this website. The fully functional free plan is a great way to see if mind mapping works for you!
          • Check out the Resources tab for a great User Guide, short video tutorials and pre-recorded webinars…
      • Visual Velocity with Chuck Frey https://mindmappingsoftwareblog.com/
        • An excellent resource to raise your mind mapping game! Subscribe to his weekly newsletter to get great tips and insights about all things mind mapping
        • The “Get Started” tab is a rich resource for practical tips for applying mind mapping. Start with the “Elements of effective mind maps”, a collection of excellent blogs exploring basic building blocks and concepts
    • Phil Rouble
      Keymaster
      November 6, 2024 at 12:02 pm
      Post count: 25
      #4600

      On Oct. 29, 2024, the Technology and Collaboration Subcommittee hosted a Lunch-and-Learn webinar, “An Introduction to Mind Mapping”. I promised that I would share a link to the Xmind presentation file here for those who might want to review the presentation or use the map as a sample. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

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