Intelligence maps and volumes of information. Mind maps at work. Where and how do negative emotions manifest themselves?

Below is the emotional card, which is convenient for the work of a practicing psychologist and is quite simple and understandable to a person who comes to a psychologist as a client. The described map includes 12 emotional spheres. The emotional sphere is a set of emotions that are close to each other in meaning or strategy for interacting with the outside world.

To effectively read a map, several assumptions need to be made.

By emotion I mean a psychophysiological phenomenon that defines a situation or our attitude towards it (an indicative label), changes a person’s activity (that is, carries an energetic charge) and directs his perception, thinking and actions (motivates).

Within each sphere there are emotions that simply differ in intensity. For example, fear and horror. Or are there emotions that have different meaning, but a similar attitude towards another person or situation. For example, envy and pride. These emotions have different meanings, but they both reflect your desire to be superior to the people around you (pride = “I am the navel of the earth”, envy = “I should have as much as the other person” / “worse am I”).

At the same time, I am aware (and I advise you) that the separation of emotions is a rather conditional thing. After all, emotions can easily coexist with each other, that is, arise simultaneously. For example, a surprise can be both surprise and joy (or disappointment if you didn't like it).

Emotions can also easily combine to create complicated feeling. For example, jealousy combines: anger, fear, guilt and greed. However, in order for you to have a strong emotional foundation, such separation is simply necessary.

In addition, you have to remember the existence of homonyms (same spelling, but different meaning). Emotional homonyms also exist. So, for example, pity can relate to both the sphere of loneliness (I lack attention) and the sphere of superiority (I will help this unfortunate person). Or, for example, annoyance, which can be both in the sphere of loss of meaning (as the quintessence of disappointment) and in the sphere of conscience (when we're talking about about self-flagellation).

The location of emotional spheres on the map is largely determined by the fact that some emotional spheres are complete or partial antagonists to each other. Although this is a rather conditional assumption. After all, colors are the perfect metaphor for emotions. Yes, White color In many respects it is opposed to black, and the warm part of the color palette is cold. But this only works for pairwise comparisons. In the painting, the colors are mixed into a unique pattern.

In the list within the sphere, emotions are arranged in order from less intense (background) to more intense (affects).

At the same time, emotions and feelings are located in one sphere. This may not be the most correct approach from the point of view of a theoretical model, but it is very convenient in practice.

Sphere of satisfaction

Contentment - comfort - lightness - carefree - flight - playfulness - joy - pleasure - radiance - fun - happiness - grace - spirituality - euphoria - bliss - delight - ecstasy.

Sphere of Enthusiasm

Curiosity – interest – cheerfulness – hope – optimism – enthusiasm – confidence – strength – determination – involvement – ​​encouragement – ​​inspiration – anticipation – enthusiasm – excitement

Sphere of Peace

Peace – serenity – safety – tranquility – relief.

Sphere of Surprise

Confusion - bewilderment - surprise - amazement - miracle.

Sphere of Conscience

Humility - submission - embarrassment - guilt - shame - repentance - annoyance.

Sphere of Solitude

Separation – pity – loneliness – emptiness

Sphere of Loss of Happiness

Dissatisfaction - nostalgia - concern - regret - sadness - melancholy - depression - unhappiness - suffering - lamentation - emotional pain - grief

Sphere of loss of meaning

Inertia - monotony - fatigue - boredom - satiety - boredom - bitterness - indifference - meaninglessness - despondency

Sphere of Fear

Anxiety – doubt – mistrust – wariness – anxiety – confusion – fear – fear – helplessness – confusion – panic – despair – horror.

Sphere of Antagonism

Coldness – suspicion – irritation – opposition – rejection – anger – hostility resentment – ​​indignation – gloating – boycott – anger – hatred – rage – rage.

Sphere of Excellence

Isolation - condescension - disdain - pity - ignoring - complacency pride - arrogance - hostility - condemnation - disobedience - envy - greed - contempt - disgust - venom - insult - humiliation - revenge - jealousy - betrayal

Scope of Acceptance

Agreement - approval - benevolence - openness - gratitude - sympathy - attraction - respect - passion - affection - unity - tenderness - awe - tenderness - admiration - devotion - faith - love - adoration - reverence

Schooling requires children to retain a huge amount of information in their memory. This is dictated by diversity educational subjects and annual accumulation of knowledge. A mind map will help you “place” and keep everything in your head. We will look at an example of its composition, purpose and features in this article.

Description

Mind maps are often called mind maps or they are schematic representations of information. In the center of such a map is the main idea (core), and from it there are branches (tree diagram). Each branch can be a reference to a word-concept, event, task, date, etc. Drawing up mind maps in teaching is usually used to consolidate the learned material, less often as a brainstorming technique. As a rule, this concerns capacious topics that have a system of classifications, terms and additions.

A mind map is an example of effective graphical memorization. It can be compiled individually or collectively. To implement it, you only need a sheet of paper, imagination and pencils.

Story

The development of modern connection diagrams belongs to the British writer and psychologist Tony Buzan and dates back to the late 80s of the last century. However, this is only an official statement of the method. It is known that even in ancient times there were attempts to schematically depict information. Thus, the first mind map, an example of which dates back to the 3rd century, belongs to the philosopher Porphyry of Tyros. Carefully studying the views of Aristotle, he graphically depicted their main categories and the concept of development. His experience was repeated in the 13th century by another philosopher, Raymond Lull.

The mind map method, developed by Buzan, is based on the ideas of general semantics of the Polish researcher Alfred Korzybski and focuses on the work of both hemispheres of the brain.

Purpose

As many years of practice of teachers show, connection diagrams - best way note-taking new information. This is an excellent tool in the experienced hands of specialists and schoolchildren, which will allow:

• Work quickly and efficiently with any amount of information.
• Develop logical, associative, creative thinking, fantasy.
• Use graphic presentations to explain your personal position to interlocutors.
• Make decisions, plan, develop projects.

Mind map - example of lung and effective reception in the educational process, which requires a minimum of effort and time, but gives the most positive results.

Peculiarities

Mind maps are often identified with concept maps. However, this is a mistake. The latter were developed by American psychologists in the 70s of the last century and depict the relationship between concepts, ideas, and events. Concept maps have a logical structure (one element flows from another), while mind maps have a radial structure (that is, all elements are concentrated around one idea).

It should be noted that such graphic note-taking has its advantages and disadvantages over other methods. Its advantages include the ease of reading and remembering it. Ideas become clearer and more understandable, they can be captured with a single glance. Disadvantages include limited scope and use of only one central concept.

The method has virtually no restrictions on age and discipline. The use of a mind map requires special attention primary school. During such playful assimilation of new knowledge, children must learn to highlight main idea, develop coherent speech, enrich lexicon. Therefore, the scale of their diagrams is minimal and expands as intellectual development child.

Application

Previously, the use of mind maps was found only in school education. Today, this technique helps not only students and teachers, but also people of different specialties. Mind diagrams are effective in business, sociology, humanities, engineering, and even in everyday planning. Thus, they can be used not only when taking notes on lectures and books, but also to create presentations, develop projects of various levels of complexity, and compile organograms.

Let's compare two works:

1. The first example is a mind map on the history of Russia in the 17th and 18th centuries. The key concept-word is “Peter I”. Four large branches branch off from it: “Family”, “Reforms”, “ Peasant revolts", "Economy". Each category has more branches, which are filled with more specific information: names, dates, events. This map is a condensed but quite succinct summary of the topic, which can be used to review material or as a brainstorming session before starting to study a new topic.
2. The second work is a human life analysis chart. Placed in the center personal photo, and from it branches corresponding to the main areas of life: personal, professional, creative, intellectual, physical health, etc. Such a map helps to adequately assess the current state of affairs and, based on the results, design future steps and solutions that will help fill the gaps and cope with certain disadvantages.

As you can see, the purposes of using the smart map method are different, but the effectiveness can be equally high.

In the theory of circuit diagrams, everything looks almost flawless. What to do with practice? How to draw up a mind map correctly so that it gives the maximum effect? There are a number of points to consider here:

• As a rule, in the center of the map is placed key concept. If it is necessary to display a time scale, then the past time is placed on the left side, and the future time is placed on the right side.
• From the core - central idea- it is better to allocate a maximum of 5-7 branches. Otherwise, the map will be difficult to understand. If the topic requires a larger scale, then the elements should be grouped according to some criterion.
• The third point is the logic or sequence of the map. It concerns the relationship of elements. Let's return to the example indicated above - a mind map for history. When branching, the elements are arranged in a specific, non-random order: “Family”, “Reforms”, “Peasant uprisings”, “Economy”. They identify a chain of events that are associated with the life and reign of Peter I.
• A symmetrical mind map is an example of fast and durable memorization of information. Don't forget about this either.
• And one more tip regarding the design of the diagram. It is better to place the sheet of paper horizontally. So more space for graphic manipulations, and there is the possibility of further modeling of the map. For associative perception, you can use symbols, drawings, different colors of pens or pencils.

The described map includes 12 emotional spheres.

Guide to Emotions

Below is an emotional map that, IMHO, is convenient for the work of a practicing psychologist and is quite simple and understandable to a person who comes to a psychologist as a client. The described map includes 12 emotional spheres. The emotional sphere is a set of emotions that are close to each other in meaning or strategy for interacting with the outside world.

To effectively read a map, several assumptions need to be made.

By emotion I mean a psychophysiological phenomenon that defines a situation or our attitude towards it (an indicative label), changes a person’s activity (that is, carries an energetic charge) and directs his perception, thinking and actions (motivates).

Within each sphere there are emotions, just differing in intensity. For example, fear and horror. Or there are emotions that have different meanings, but a similar attitude towards another person or situation. For example, envy and pride. These emotions have different meanings, but they both reflect your desire to be superior to the people around you (pride = “I am the navel of the earth,” envy = “I should have as much as the other person” / “the worse I am”).

At the same time, I am aware (and I advise you) that the separation of emotions is a rather conditional thing. After all, emotions can easily coexist with each other, that is, arise simultaneously. For example, a surprise can be both surprise and joy (or disappointment if you didn't like it).

Emotions can also easily combine to create a complex feeling. For example, jealousy combines: anger, fear, guilt and greed. However, in order for you to have a strong emotional foundation, such separation is simply necessary.

In addition, you have to remember the existence of homonyms (same spelling, but different meaning). Emotional homonyms also exist. So, for example, pity can relate to both the sphere of loneliness (I lack attention) and the sphere of superiority (I will help this unfortunate person). Or, for example, annoyance, which can be both in the sphere of loss of meaning (as the quintessence of disappointment) and in the sphere of conscience (when it comes to self-flagellation).

The location of emotional spheres on the map is largely determined by the fact that some emotional spheres are complete or partial antagonists to each other. Although this is a rather conditional assumption. After all, colors are the perfect metaphor for emotions. Yes, white is in many ways opposed to black, and the warm part of the color palette is opposed to the cold. But this only works for pairwise comparisons. In the painting, the colors are mixed into a unique pattern.

In the list within the sphere, emotions are arranged in order from less intense (background) to more intense (affects).

At the same time, emotions and feelings are located in the same area. This may not be the most correct approach from the point of view of a theoretical model, but it is very convenient in practice.

Sphere of satisfaction

Satisfaction - comfort - lightness - carefree - flight - playfulness - joy - pleasure - radiance - fun - happiness - grace - spirituality - euphoria - bliss - delight - ecstasy.

Sphere of Enthusiasm

Curiosity – interest – cheerfulness – hope – optimism – enthusiasm – confidence – strength – determination – involvement – ​​encouragement – ​​inspiration – anticipation – enthusiasm – excitement

Sphere of Peace

Peace – serenity – safety – tranquility – relief.

Sphere of Surprise

Confusion - bewilderment - surprise - amazement - miracle.

Sphere of Conscience

Humility - submission - embarrassment - guilt - shame - repentance - annoyance.

Sphere of Solitude

Separation - pity - loneliness - emptiness

Sphere of Loss of Happiness

Dissatisfaction - nostalgia - concern - regret - sadness - melancholy - depression - unhappiness - suffering - lamentation - emotional pain - grief

Sphere of loss of meaning

Inertia - monotony - fatigue - boredom - satiety - boredom - bitterness - indifference - meaninglessness - despondency

Sphere of Fear

Worry - doubt - mistrust - wariness - anxiety - confusion - fear - fear - helplessness - confusion - panic - despair - horror.

Sphere of Antagonism

Coldness - suspicion - irritation - opposition - rejection - anger - hostility - resentment - indignation - gloating - boycott - anger - hatred - rage - rage.

Sphere of Excellence

isolation - condescension - disdain - pity - ignoring - complacency pride - arrogance - hostility - condemnation - disobedience - envy - greed - contempt - disgust - venom - insult - humiliation - revenge - jealousy - betrayal

Scope of Acceptance

Consent - approval - benevolence - openness - gratitude - sympathy - attraction - respect - passion - affection - unity - tenderness - awe - tenderness - admiration - devotion - faith - love - adoration - reverence.published

The basis for creating mind maps is the process of radiant thinking. Its essence is as follows: a certain main theme is taken, and then from it, like rays from the sun or branches from a tree trunk, various ideas are built, one way or another connected with the main theme. Connections between different branches are also established. Each new idea(branch) becomes the starting point for the continuation of this process, that is, the ideas associated with it again depart from it. In principle, this process can be endless. Here are some simple rules, which describe such a thinking process.

So, we decided to draw a mind map. The sequence of our actions is as follows:

1. Take a sheet of A4 or A3 paper and colored pencils, pens or felt-tip pens.

2. We lay the sheet horizontally and in its center with a picture or one or two words we indicate the main concept or problem being analyzed (business plan, summer vacation, healthy image life, bank loan, speech plan, article content, agenda, etc.) We circle this concept in a frame or circle.

3. From the central object we draw branches in different directions - the main concepts, properties, associations, aspects associated with it. We draw the branches in color. We sign each one with one or two words, legibly, preferably even in block letters. When drawing a mind map, we use as many colors as possible and use drawings as often as possible.

4. From each branch we draw several thinner branches - development of associations, clarification of concepts, detailing of properties, specification of directions.

5. Separate the semantic blocks with lines and outline them in a frame (don’t forget about the colors).

6. We show connections between the elements of the mind map with arrows (also different color and thickness).

So, to recap: you start with a main topic, identify the most important general ideas related to it and arrange them as branches around it, and then develop these topics into sub-branches (branches of 2, 3, etc. orders), on which you place your ideas or keywords.

To create mind maps you can use the Free Mind program, part of the AltLinux repository. You can read more about the program on the page.

Examples of mind maps:

Mind maps are diagrammatic representations of the key ideas in a book, the main points of a speaker's speech, or your most important action plan. With their help, it is convenient to restore order in information chaos. Mind maps have many names - mental map, mind mapping, thought map, connection diagram, mind map.

The word mind is translated as mind. Psychologists are sure: by drawing maps with felt-tip pens on sheets of paper, you will really become smarter and unlock the potential of your brain. Let's leave these thoughts to scientists and talk about the practical implementation of mind mapping.

What, where and how to draw?

The map vaguely resembles a tree. Or a spider. Or an octopus. In general, something that has a center and branches.

In the center is the main idea or problem. Key points depart from it. Each item is also, if necessary, divided into several smaller items. And so on until the whole problem is clearly worked out.

What's good about the card format?

1. Schematic text is perceived better than sheets, because it is shorter and simpler.

2. Time for perceiving information is saved.

3. In the process of drawing up a map, memorization of the material improves.

4. When working on projects, areas of responsibility are clearly shown by coloring branches.

How to create maps

Let’s not get fancy and complicate it – let’s use the algorithm of the map author himself, Tony Buzan.

• Maintain a hierarchy of thoughts;
• In the center is the most main question. Graphic images (drawings, pictograms) are welcome;
• Give images, blocks, rays volume. This makes the map easier to perceive;
• Leave a distance between the blocks, do not make a palisade of rays;
• If you need to emphasize the connection between elements, use lines, arrows, and the same colors;
• Express your thoughts briefly and clearly. Simple font, one keyword above the corresponding line, the main lines are smooth and bolder, place the words horizontally.

Mind map - like the Glavred service, only for the brain. Helps clear debris from thoughts.

Mind maps are useful...

...at work:

• Plan work projects. Many programs allow shared access among all team members. Changes are made to the map, tasks are prioritized, and the implementation process is monitored;
• Prepare and conduct meetings. With the help of cards you will draw up an outline of your speech, highlight key points, establish the logic of the narrative. The programs have the ability to create a presentation - this will help you visually present materials for the planning meeting;
• Make a strategy. Cards, in my opinion, perfect option. They help to go from the general to the specific;
• Brainstorm. Some programs even have a special mode.

...in training:

• Write down the key ideas of the seminar or lecture. Such a note will help you remember the teacher’s train of thought;
• Organize your information. You always have free space to add an important thought.

...in everyday life:

• Plan. I use cards to create plans for the week, month, and prepare for important events;
• Make lists. This could be a list of books, movies, webinars, purchases, gifts, or just a list of things that need to be done at some point;
• Write notes on the books you read. One main branch - one chapter. Brief thoughts, theses, main points fit perfectly into the map format. In addition, some programs have the ability to take hidden notes. Hover your mouse over a specific block and a window will open with a detailed description of what is written in the block.

We evaluate

I chose 15 programs (+2 from the editors) for creating mental maps. The selection includes popular drawing services and little-known ones. They differ in design, export capabilities, and ease of management. Some programs are more suitable for personal use, while others help you plan work and study effectively. The description applies only to free versions. Read the review and choose the program that is convenient for you.

For your convenience, I have also prepared comparison table capabilities of all programs presented in the table.

1. MindMeister

Features of MindMeister:

Rates:

1. Free basic package. There are only 3 cards in it. You can export them only in the form of text, you can also receive one card per invited friend;

2. Personal tariff ($6). Unlimited number of maps, multiple page printing, export to drawing, PDF, priority support;

3. Tariff Pro ($10). Everything in the previous plan plus Login to Google Apps for Domains, multi-user licensing, export to .docx and .pptx, custom map themes for the entire team, receiving statistics and reports;

4. Business tariff ($15). Everything that is in the previous tariff plus the creation of groups within the program, the creation of a custom domain for logging into the system, support for exporting and creating backup copies, priority support around the clock.

My impressions

The program is worthy of attention if you have small requests. MindMeister, even in the free version, has quite a wide range of functionality: different styles and block colors, changing the text color and its style. A small menu appears on the right and you use the switch buttons to change the design mode. Convenient, compact, simple. Maps are easy to draw: select the block from which the next rays should come and click on the plus sign. If you want to color the blocks and add icons and emoticons, that will work too.

2. MindMup

Features of MindMup:

• All the basic capabilities for creating high-quality design are present;
• Simple controls;
• Free export to PDF (link available within 24 hours);
• Maps are synchronized if there is one account on the devices;
• Import pictures from disk or cloud in 2 clicks.

Rates:

1. Free package. Users of the free version can create public maps up to 100 KB for a period of 6 months;

2. Individual Gold ($2.99). Unlimited number of cards, up to 5 messages in mail, card capacity up to 100 MB, storage on Google Drive;

3. Corporate Gold ($100). Unlimited number of users and maps created by them, work with Google/GAFE.

My impressions

MindMup is ideal for beginners because there are no complicated steps involved. You can insert a picture or edit an inscription with two clicks, create new blocks or delete them with one click. At the same time, the map looks aesthetically pleasing, it is clear and logical. It can be personalized by adding photos. At the time of adding, you can easily change the size of the image, place it under the text or on the side.

3. Mind42

Features of Mind42:

• Only basic functionality: adding icons, notes, main and additional nodes;
• Laconic card design;
• Export in JPEG, PDF, PNG and several more formats;
• You can add your map to general Mind42 groups or view other people's maps;
• Possibility of collaboration on the map;
• The priority of the block task is set. You can easily view the priority by hovering over the special icon.

My impressions

It seems that the creators of the program have already decided a lot for me. For example, they established their own order in which the branches would be located, and offered only one type of font and blocks. But you can set the priority and progress of tasks. In general, the capabilities of Mind42 are modest, like young girls in ancient Rus'.

4. XMind

XMind Features:

• A large number of templates: fishbone, business plans, SWOT analysis and other useful things;
• Stylish design, bright design - background for the entire map or separately for blocks, large selection of styles, lines, colors and shapes;
• Conducting a brainstorming session;
• Convenient creation of presentations.

Rates:

1. Free. All types of charts and synchronization with the cloud.

2. Plus ($79). In the Plus tariff, export in PDF, PPT, SVG, OpenOffice formats is available.

3. Pro ($99). The PRO account has more than 60,000 icons, Gantt charts, presentation mode and brainstorming mode.

My impressions

XMind is definitely worth using. I was thinking about a paid version, but for now the stripped-down free version is enough for me. The program has a lot of possibilities. Choose her for simple compilation plans or notes are like driving a Ferrari through the village. The program is more suitable for professional teamwork. I like XMind for its design and ease of drawing.

5. MindJet Mindmanager

MingManager Features:

• Templates are divided into categories - meetings and events, management, strategic planning, personal productivity, problem solving, flowcharts;
• In terms of design options, it resembles Word - it’s just as simple and easy to select text color, flowchart shape, fill, font, alignment, bulleted lists;
• Prioritizing actions. You can set the order of task completion, set beacons such as “risk”, “discuss”, “postpone”, “expenses”, “for”, “against”;
• You can brainstorm, build Gantt charts, and link cards together. Easily switch between map tabs;
• There is a MindManager Plus web account for saving files in the cloud;
• Transfer data from Microsoft Outlook.

Rates:

Perpetual license. For Mac it costs 12,425 rubles (update - 6,178 rubles), for Windows 24,227 rubles (update - 12,425 rubles). Creating interactive maps, setting time frames for completing tasks, exporting maps in different formats.

My impressions

Mindmanager offers a lot of training materials and a technical support service. The card design can be as simple as it is playful if you want. The controls are simple, all the necessary buttons are at hand. If you study this program thoroughly, you can easily use it for home and work. Data from Excel, Outlook can be inserted into the card, and other cards can be attached. Personally, I don’t need so many functions yet.

6.PersonalBrain

Features of PersonalBrain:

• From the design, you can only change the theme;
• Most features are available after purchasing paid work packages;
• Complex program management;
• Shows a 3D image of the mind map.

Rates:

1. Basic paid package ($219). Printing, adding files, links, pictures, notes are available;

2. Pro packages ($299). Provides integration of calendar and events, spell checking, saving reports, multi-page printing, and exporting maps. The difference between the Pro License, Pro Combo, and TeamBrain packages is the presence of a desktop version and cloud storage.

My impressions

I didn't like it. First, I went through the application installation quest, put checkmarks and dots in the required fields. Then I opened the map and was disappointed in the controls. If you click in the wrong place, the central block changes and you are disorganized. Well, the design is gloomy. In general, I didn’t make friends with her.

7. iMind Map

Features of iMindMap:

• The program offers 4 modes: recording ideas and thoughts, brainstorming, creating mind maps, converting data into 2D and 3D presentations, PDF files, tables and other formats;
• About 130 styles;
• There are hints at the beginning: click on the icon, use Tab and Enter;
• There is a spell check;
• Very bright animated presentations;
• You can make notes for each branch, use icons from the series finance, transport, arrows, calendar, communications, flags, numbers, people, etc., change flowchart formats, set deadlines and priorities, add audio files;
• Time Map;
• Import files in IMX, Doc, Docx, IMM, MM, MMAP formats;
• Export files in PDF, SVG, 3D image, table, web page, project, audio, DropTask, presentation Power Point, archiving into a zip file.

Rates:

1. For home and study (80€). Creating and editing maps, adding images, creating art projects, adding links and notes, 30 days of use, one license;

2. Maximum (190€). Adds to the capabilities of the previous package brainstorming, creating presentations, exporting videos from YouTube, integration with DropTask, three-dimensional image, conversion to different formats, a license for a year and 2 computers;

3. Maximum Plus (250€). Adds to the capabilities of the previous package books and discs by Tony Buzan, the founder of mental maps.

My impressions

One of best programs which I used. I would put XMind and MindMup next to it. Very easy to operate. Easily switch between capture, brainstorm, mind map and time map modes, draw blocks and relationships between them. If you want to recreate the atmosphere of drawing with markers on whatman paper, then in iMind Map you can draw branches by hand.

8. Bubble

Bubble Features:

• The controls are not very convenient, you need to get used to it;
• Only the general color scheme changes; you cannot change the font, text color or node shape separately;
• 3 cards are created for free;
• The map is saved in JPEG, PNG, HTML formats.

Rates:

1. Premium ($4.91 per month). Create an unlimited number of maps, track the history of changes, add files and images;

2. Corporate tariff. It has several licenses available, management account user, creating user branding. The cost of the corporate plan depends on the number of accounts and subscription period.

My impressions

Nothing special. The controls seemed a little complicated to me, the design seemed ordinary. Who needs business style cards - welcome!

9.Comapping

Comapping Features:

• There is only one type of card;
• Not great opportunities registration;
• Maps can be sent by e-mail, saved in SVG, PDF, Xmind, Freemind, MindManager formats;
• The service is used to conduct brainstorming, event planning, training.

Rates:

Paid versions are based on the number of licenses and the version: online or desktop. One online license costs $25 per year, desktop costs $49, and the maximum package of 100 licenses costs $612 and $1,225 is the discounted price.

My impressions

Nice program, but I don't like this map structure. I like it when the main idea is in the center. The design didn’t work for me either. Why is she nice then? Its simplicity, unobtrusive design. I liked how gray marks are highlighted on the map, for example, “competitor analysis”. They do not distract attention, but provide benefits.

10. MindGenius

Features of MindGenius:

• Good for team work, educational process. Emphasis is placed on working with enterprises;
• The design possibilities are optimal - the size, color, font type, background fill color, and block shapes can be changed;
• Add pictures, links, notes - this function is also available;
• Eat mobile applications for iOS and Android;
• Export maps in MS Office applications, JPEG, PNG, PDF, HTML
• There are a large number of different templates, there are Gantt charts, Swot analysis, and training guides are provided for each type.

Rates:

1. A license for 5 users costs $1120;

2. License for 10 – $2192;

3. Updating an existing version – $187.

My impressions

Nice design, clear controls, great capabilities - good program, All in all. If I manage a company, I will take MindGenius into account.

11. Wisemapping

Features of Wisemapping:

• Easy to use, but there are difficulties with drawing additional nodes;
• Export to JPEG, PNG, PDF, SVG, Freemind, MindJet, text format or Excel;
• You can add users to collaborate on the map;
• Few design options: few icons, templates, styles.

My impressions

A program with a classic image of mental maps. Small color palette, but if content is more important to you than appearance, then you will like Wisemapping. The screenshot shows the difference in design. If you want minimalism without frills, get it. Do you want to color the map? It will work too. True, not very diverse.

12. Mapul

Features of Mapul:

• Unusual design. Bright rich colors of lines and blocks;
• Maps are saved in JPEG, SVG formats;
• Small selection of colors and fonts;
• Not very convenient controls. The lines are difficult to change after drawing, the text jumps along them and is difficult to read.

Rates:

1. Free version. One card and 4 images;

2. Premium package. The number of cards is unlimited. Premium can be purchased for 3, 6 or 12 months. Accordingly, $25, $35, $50.

My impressions

The design simply captivated me: bright, juicy, unusual. But the drawing process let us down. I want to align the line - instead the program draws me an additional branch. In general, if you get used to it, Mapul can become your favorite.

13. Mindomo

Features of Mindomo:

• Three accounts: teacher, businessman, student;
• 24 card templates available;
• Possibility of collaboration on the map by several users. When the map changes, notifications are sent to email;
• There is a backup option;
• Audio and video recordings, images, hyperlinks, icons, symbols are added;
• The priority of tasks is set, comments are added to blocks.

Rates:

Purchased for six months. All plans include an unlimited number of mind cards, backup to DropBox and Google. Disk, adding audio and video, password protection of cards, desktop version, synchronization between devices, 7 import formats.

1. Premium ($36). It has 8 export formats, 1 GB of memory, 1 user;

2. Professional ($90). It has 12 export formats, 5 GB of memory, 1 user;

3. Team ($162). It has 12 export formats, 15 GB of memory, 5 users.

My impressions

After working at Mindomo, there is some kind of pleasant aftertaste. Drawing is easy - just click on the button next to the block. Pictures are inserted easily and immediately in the optimal size. I liked that you can make notes for each block in the form of simple text or lists - very convenient.

14. Coggle

Features of Coggle:

• Tooltips on English language;
• A kind of management. New branches, for example, appear with a double click, a color scheme appears with a right-click;
• There is only one map in the free version;
• Export in PNG, PDF formats;
• Collaboration above the map. There is chat and comments;
• History of changes. The slider moves along the scale, returning the map to the desired editing segment;
• More than 1600 icons;
• A gallery of other people's maps is available;
• Synchronization with Google Drive, account required.

Rates:

1. Awesome. $5 per month or $50 per year. Unlimited number of cards, presentation mode, shared folders, download images from high resolution, wide selection of color schemes;

2. Organization (corporate). $8 per month. Added a separate workspace, consolidated billing, user and deadline management, and corporate identity.

My impressions

I didn't like the design at all. It’s not very difficult to understand the controls, the tips are nearby. Lines and blocks are easy to create and change direction. The slider for undoing changes to the map is a real lifesaver.

15. ConceptDraw MINDMAP

Features of ConceptDraw MINDMAP:

• Eat ready-made themes registration The design capabilities are standard: the size of the letters changes, the background of the text and the map itself is filled;
• The map is converted into a text list and vice versa;
• Hyperlinks, notes, icons, tags are added;
• Extensive presentation creation options;
• Maps are imported from Xmaind, FreeMaind, MindManager, Word, Power Point programs;
• Export to PDF, web pages, MindManager, Word, Power Point formats. You can export a checklist file with completed and uncompleted tasks;
• You can demonstrate presentations on Skype, post on Twitter, send by email and save in Evernote;
• In addition to maps, you can draw diagrams and various flowcharts, manage projects;
• By default, the map is saved on your computer in the “My Documents” folder.

Rates:

This program has complicated pricing. It depends on the number of users plus additional functions are taken into account. For $199 you will purchase the simplest version for 1 license, an update to the program costs $99, a package for corporate use costs $299, and 10 licenses for educational purposes cost $638.

My impressions

There are many useful functions in the program. In addition to the service for creating mind maps, there is also a line of programs for creating business graphics and project management. In general, this is a huge set of tools specifically for business.

16. Popplet

Features of Popplet:

• Several users can work on one map simultaneously.
• You can draw in the cells, insert images and videos into them.
• The scale is adjustable.
• There are applications for iPad and iPhone.
• The map can be shared, printed, or converted to PNG or PDF.
• English interface.

Rates:

Using the service, you can create no more than 5 cards for free. Anything more requires a subscription, which costs $3 monthly.

My impressions

For me the interface is complicated. For example, I never found how to delete a cell, and I simply moved everything unnecessary out of the viewing area.

Monthly payment is convenient if the service is required due to some circumstances, and you do not plan to use it anymore. We used it for a couple of months and that’s it. If you need mind maps on a long-term basis, it is better to choose another service.

17.LOOPY

Features of LOOPY:

The service allows you to create “live” diagrams in which elements move between blocks. This allows us to illustrate some cyclical processes.

Rates:

The service is free, no registration required.

My impressions

Very few possibilities for card design. The main thing is that the maps turn out to be “live”; with their help it is convenient to depict dynamic processes. The resulting diagram can be inserted onto the website as an interactive element.

Let's compare

For convenience, I have prepared a comparison table of services for you. Click on the image below to download it.

We use

For drawing simple cards with plans for the day, lists and ideas are well suited:

• MindMeister
• MindManager
• MindMup
• Mind 42
• Wisemapping
• Comapping
• Mapul

The programs are easy to use, all the necessary functions are right at your fingertips.

Are you looking for a convenient tool for teamwork or strategic planning? Create presentations and assign tasks to the entire department using mental maps. Choose.