Wait a minute, you say!

What’s a mind-mapping app?

Glad you asked =)

A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea. Mind maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.

Via Wikipedia

Here’s an example of what a mind map looks like:

Mind Mapping with XMind

If you routinely work on projects with multiple pieces, or in groups working on a team project, mind maps might be a way for you to visualize your work more effectively. Since mind maps can be a collaborative effort, it can foster a sense of inclusion, too =)

Now, another thing that makes XMind so attractive (apart from the fact it’s free) is it’s a Java-based application that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux machines!

So, go download a copy of XMind to see if it can help you be more productive and creative- as a team, professionally or privately, for fun or profit.

If you’re already a mind map user here at WVU, why not let us know how it’s helped you?

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Here’s an addendum for those who use iPhones/iPod Touches, or who prefer a web-based mind-mapping solution:

MindMeister is a free (for the basic service) online mind mapper. MindMeister has some basic iPhone compatibility, too.

iBlueSky is a $7.99 iPhone/iPod Touch app that looks like it has more features than the less expensive MindMaker at $4.99

(XMind info orginally found via TUAW) (iBlueSky and MindMaker info originally found via The iTunes App Store)