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 brainstorming, study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.

I found mind mapping to be a great tool for a variety of projects. Product development, marketing planning, planning of marketing events, conceptualizing and productizing and many more.

In this presentation I present to you a great easy to use tool for mind mapping. Eventhough there are a number of freeware software tools out there, this particular tool is simple to use, yet highly advanced. It includes features for real time collaboration through online meetings or chat as well as a tight integration to office applications.

Mind maps (or similar concepts) have been used for centuries in learning, brainstorming, memory, visual thinking, and problem solving by educators, engineers, psychologists, and others. Some of the earliest examples of mind maps were developed by Porphyry of Tyros, a noted thinker of the 3rd century, as he graphically visualized the concept categories of Aristotle. Philosopher Ramon Llull (1235 - 1315) also used mind maps.

The semantic network was developed in the late 1950s as a theory to understand human learning and developed into mind maps by Allan Collins and M. Ross Quillian during the early 1960s. Due to his commitment and published research, and his work with learning, creativity, and graphical thinking, Collins can be considered the father of the modern mind map.

Now - thanks to clever and userfriendly technology - mind mapping is becoming more an more popular. Why not try it out for yourself?