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Hand Drawn v Computer Mind Maps
Jan 23
Hand drawn v computer generated mind maps
Mind mapping can be done in one of two ways:
- on paper by hand; or
- by using a computer program (mind mapping software).
For the same reasons that we write business letters on computers using word processing software, I also recommend that most of your mind mapping for work or study should be done using a purpose built mind mapping software program.
In some instances you may prefer to mind map with just paper. Those instances may include:
- when you simply don’t have your computer handy; and
- when you are brainstorming with a team of people using mind mapping. There is something incredible that happens when you simply put a huge piece of “butcher’s paper” on the wall and give every member a big texta and just let ‘em loose! Of course, they need a ‘clear purpose’ to guide them and a good facilitator who can direct their energies just a little … but the rest will grow into an all powerful Mind Mapping Mastermind Session that creates the most amazing results. The resultant mind map can then be converted into a computer generated mind map for easy distribution.
However, mind mapping with computer software is, in my opinion, better than hand drawn mind maps because:
- you have significantly more flexibility to rearrange the content of your mind map as you create it;
- you can duplicate the bulk of a previously created mind map to create a new mind map (ie, through the enormous power of templates);
- if you are not much of an artist, you can draw or import some fantastic images from various locations on the internet or from the clipart built into your mind mapping software so that your mind map appeals to you and stays forever etched in your mind;
- you can add content much more rapidly (especially if your typing speed is reasonable) using various short cut keys;
- you can reduce or increase the number of visible levels of branches on your mind map when printing or viewing it on the screen by simply minimizing any sub-branches;
- you can conduct presentations using some of the advanced functionality built into the ‘top-of-the-range’ mind mapping software packages;
- you can create hypertext links to various other sources of valuable information (ie, any website or document on the internet or your own intranet);
- you can print your mind map into PDF format and email it to colleagues or clients to comment on or improve;
- if you colleagues have the same mind mapping software, you can email them your mind map file and collectively collaborate and improve your mind map; and
- so much more!
I’d strongly recommend that you invest in the best mapping software that you can find.
As a lawyer, your billable time is worth a significant amount. In fact, most lawyers charge more for one hour than it will cost you to invest in high quality mind mapping software.
To continue the motorway analogy raised in a previous post, it doesn’t make sense to drive the local streets all the way to your destination and lose $200 of billable time just to save $3 on the motorway toll.
The same analogy applies to buying the best mind mapping software. Your time is worth an enormous amount. Saving an hour on a regular basis because you invested in the best software will pay for your software over and over again.
2 Responses to “Hand Drawn v Computer Mind Maps”
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