Filed under: Software, Productivity, iPhone
Mind mapping on the iPhone
I'm a fairly rabid fan of mind mapping. I use it daily for everything from mundane tasks like writing packing lists to more energetic pursuits such as frenetic brainstorming sessions. Accordingly, I've taken an interest in the development of two iPhone applications specifically geared toward the mind mapping enthusiast, especially the ones who are prone to ideas which just can't wait until they get back to their desk.
MindMaker (iTunes link) is a $4.99USD application which provides a basic interface for iPhone mind mapping. The first screen is a list of maps which can be added and deleted in the typical iPhone fashion, and clicking a document title opens a map for editing. Within a map, double tapping on a "node" will select it, double tapping again will edit its text, and child nodes are added by tapping the plus sign (+) in the bottom toolbar. Pinching zooms the map in and out, and swiping in the white space allows rapid navigation. Like I said, it's basic. It gets the job done, though ... if you're fast enough on the iPhone keyboard to make it more effective than working on paper.
iBlueSky (iTunes link) takes things a small step further (and costs a little more at $7.99USD). While the basic interface is the same, there are multiple benefits to this one. First, it adds landscape mode, which is an improvement for both editing and viewing. For some reason, I especially appreciate one minute detail: it only takes a single tap to select a node. I'm not completely sure why that makes me happier, but it does. The real leap forward for iBlueSky, however, is the clipboard menu. It allows for cutting, copying and pasting branches of the map, making reorganizing possible. The last option on the menu is the kicker; "Email Project" sends an email to the selected recipient with the project attached in PNG, PDF, OPML and Freemind MM formats. While MindMaker is supposed to have an export function in the upcoming update, this feature makes iBlueSky -- for the time being -- infinitely more useful.
My biggest complaint with both apps is that neither automatically adjusts the position of nodes, requiring constant manual untangling of branches as new nodes are added. A balancing feature which spreads out the nodes would be greatly appreciated. At this point, I'm much happier working on my MacBook Pro and making use of all of the advanced features found in the (inherently more robust) desktop mind mapping applications. But I've got iBlueSky on my iPhone, just in case my mind mapping addiction takes hold of my psyche and the laptop is out of the question.
It should be noted that the web-based MindMeister provides a small web app version of its "geistesblitz" widget specifically for the iPhone. It allows you to shoot single ideas to a MindMeister map for later development. If I'm really on the go and unable to get to my laptop, chances are I won't have time for much more than that.
I'll be looking forward to seeing the future development of these applications, and hopefully we'll see someone really push the limits of the iPhone's capabilities and create a brainstorming tool which doesn't beg comparison to a desktop application (or a Moleskine). Until then, these applications fit the bill for mobile mind mapping. Pop by the App Store to check out MindMaker and iBlueSky, and happy mind mapping.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Kendo said 7:37PM on 11-06-2008
I've been recently introduced to mind mapping, and I like it. Do you have a review of mind mapping software for the Mac? I'm curious as to what you recommend.
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Ryan said 8:00PM on 11-06-2008
MindNode: http://www.mindnode.com/
DJFriar said 8:03PM on 11-06-2008
I need to know the same thing. Please give a review of desktop apps, and for now, maybe a quick comment response that says your top 2 or 3 desktop ones?
This is the first I've heard of Mind Mapping, but those screenshots feel like snapshots of my brain, so I need to start trying this out.
Kendo said 8:24PM on 11-06-2008
Thanks Brett!
Brett Terpstra said 6:54AM on 11-07-2008
For some reason my original comment isn't showing up for me, so I'll summarize: Mindjet MindManager is my favorite because of its flexibility and scriptability. It integrates exceptionally well with the rest of my workflow. Tony Buzan's iMindMap, on the other hand, integrates terribly but is a lot of fun to use.
Stephen Lang said 11:17PM on 11-06-2008
@DJ Friar-
There are quite a few- MindJet MindManager, FreeMind (Java), Inspiration, NovaMind, etc.
But I would definitely try MindNode first. It is free, and very well designed. It is not quite as fully-featured as some of the others, but is among the most elegant for sure. There's also a Pro version, but even that is pretty inexpensive.
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Nikax said 12:12AM on 11-07-2008
MindNode vs. FreeMind?
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wiliamo said 1:23AM on 11-07-2008
You can also use (if you're really into it and trying to go a bit more advanced) something like OmniGraffle (www.omnigroup.com). It's a really cool piece of software, and useful for much more than mind-mapping too!
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John F. said 2:59AM on 11-07-2008
Why is the reviewer forgetting iThoughts for iPhone? It find it much better than iBlueSky, because you have multi-line support for the nodes. And everything is saved in Freemind format, which you can export directly through your browser via WiFi, so you don't have to email (and email attachments always go through iBlueSky's own server, so I rather not used that way of exporting).
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Brett Terpstra said 6:51AM on 11-07-2008
Only because I hadn't seen it yet :). It didn't show up in my original search, but you're right, it's an improvement!
Jankees said 3:00AM on 11-07-2008
I'm currently developing a new kind of mindmap application, maybe something you find interesting.
It's a mindmap application that assists the user by ging it relevant suggestions (comming from various online sources)
I'm thinking about porting it to the iPhone, would anyone be interested? Please let me know!
A video of the application can be found on my website:
http://blog.base42.nl/2008/06/28/multitouch-project-klaar/
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Trevor said 9:57AM on 11-07-2008
If I can figure out how to go from either one of these apps to Mindjet MindManger then I'm sold. MindManger opens the iBlueSky demo OPML file but it doesn't bring it up in a usable format.
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Brett Terpstra said 10:23AM on 11-07-2008
I wouldn't call it easy, but there's a set of XSLT sheets here:
http://krottmaier.cgv.tugraz.at/docs/seminar/sem2002_mindmaps.tar.gz
Once you've got a workflow set up for it, it's a fairly easy conversion (if memory serves me correctly... I made the transition from FM to MM a while back).
Brett Terpstra said 10:24AM on 11-07-2008
Sorry, I didn't state that the XSLT is for converting FreeMind XML to other formats, including one which MindManager can import.
Jash Sayani said 11:38AM on 11-07-2008
$4.99 is a heavy price for mind mapping..... At least my mind will stop mapping things when I spend 5 bucks on this....
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Jonathan said 4:35PM on 11-07-2008
Not wishing to be pedantic but these apps aren't strictly mind mapping tools. Mind mapping is a specific form of diagram that follows certain rules - e.g. one word to a line, the word should be on the line, not in a bubble. These apps are closer to spider diagrams...
I'm using iMindMap (Google it but I thik it's imindmap.com) which is licensed by Tony Buzan, whose "The Mind Map Book" should be a must-read for anyone that wants to understand the concept. They're very powerful, but as I say, they're not spider diagrams and that's what these apps appear to do.
Pedantry ends.
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Brett Terpstra said 12:30AM on 11-08-2008
Having read several of Tony Buzan's books, I was quick to try out iMindMap. It is certainly a very enjoyable way to mind map on the computer, and (obviously) the most true to the original "mind map" as laid out by Buzan. However, it's (a) Java and somewhat clunky and (b) doesn't integrate with the rest of my system well enough to be worth the price. There's a divide between Buzan's paper-based mind maps and what's come to be accepted as a mind map in the digital world. I've had no problems translating his concepts to the new format, though. Having done both colorful mind maps on paper and more spider-esque maps on my computer, I can vouch that the same "radiant" thinking results can be achieved.
Peter van Teeseling said 2:38AM on 11-08-2008
For those looking for a desktop Mindmapping solution: webbased Mindmeister supports Google Gears for offline support. Check it out at http://www.mindmeister.com
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mrglsmrc said 2:17AM on 11-12-2008
mindjet mindmanager just came out with a new edition on the pc end (MM8) that is web based. i would hold off spending on mindmanager until a new mac version comes out.
has anyone here looked into using graphviz from bell labs? it is complicated, experimental and free.
i would not use diagramming program omnigraffle to mindmap because it lacks the mindmapping resources and templates that dedicated commercial mindmapping apps have. thought it is great for diagrams and presentations and many mind maps are used in presentations so there's some overlap.
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O-Lee said 5:54AM on 11-23-2008
The export is dangerous, everything goes over iBlueSky servers. Not a good idea for a brainstorming tool!
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