We’ve looked at a few mind mapping tools in previous articles, but there is so much variety in this category that we keep finding new apps to talk about! Plus, a lot of the mind-mapping software that we’ve reviewed in the past has been more student-focused, and those apps tend to feature tools that reflect that vision.
Today however, we are going to look at a mind-mapping tool that was clearly designed for professionals working in a business environment
MindView is a mind-mapping/productivity tool that allows you and your team to bring an idea from concept to reality. With 90 templates to choose from, creating your initial map is fairly straightforward. The maps are also highly customizable with many different styles and layouts to choose from. And you don’t ever have to worry about re-formatting your map because you’ve changed styles or views. Your map is automatically and seamlessly re-formatted as soon as you make the change. You can easily swap from a mind map to a Gantt chart, to a timeline, outline, Kanban, and then back again.
One issue that we had with previous mind mapping software was the lack of compatibility between the mind map and other file formats. In other words, it wasn’t always easy to integrate a map with an app such as Microsoft Word. MindView however can export to Word, Project, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, or directly to PDF with a click of a button. MindView even offers templates tailored to those apps specifically.
MindView also has some great project management features built into it. The built-in task control center allows you to easily assign tasks and timelines, creating a solid Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). The built-in task system is straightforward and actually quite familiar looking, so if you’re generally familiar with other Microsoft apps, the layout of this system will be very intuitive. Assigned tasks are tracked in real time, and tasks are automatically updated on your schedule.
It’s also easy to collaborate with your team, as your mind map can be saved to the cloud and shared with your colleagues. You can share and control editing on your document, and the changes that your colleagues make will appear in real time.
MindView is available on virtually every platform, and the cost to purchase ranges from $15 to $20 a month USD depending on the plan you select. A free trial is also available. To learn more, click here (new window).
