Mindmaps

Problem area:

Mindmaps are especially useful in situations that are not particular clear. By making a mindmap one structures information and by doing so start to better understand the information. E.g. combining information found on different websites, but with the same focus point.

Mindmaps not only help to structure knowledge, but also makes it possible to better remind the information. Mindmaps are particular valuable when they contain less words and many images.

I use mindmaps in many situations. In many cases I use the technique as a starting point for a new document, planning, presentation or website. Mindmaps force you to structure the information you want to present. Basically I use mindmaps when I am not sure what to do next or approach new information.

Tool support:
For Mindmapping many tools are available. Some are free such as Freemind, other commercial such as Mindmanager and Mindmapper. For me tools that can export mindmaps to Word, PowerPoint or similar formats reduce the time to create a new document.