His work at www.informationtamers.com is fantastic; being IMO, the most extensive “FREE” wiki containing a database of information and knowledge of all things relating to the tools, methods and Mindset of Mind-Visual and Knowledge mapping/management.  Roy is the go to guy of Visual mapping.

It is my pleasure to make Roy’s guest post available to you here at Hypershifters and also at Visualmapper.

Wallace Tait: Visualmapper

This is a guest post from Roy Grubb.

Visual thinking is slowly gaining recognition and traction. Slooowly. Much too slowly. Those of us who have used visual methods for decades, know the scope, depth and sheer fun of the many techniques and we know the advantages missed by the many people who aren’t using them yet.

One of the reasons? The words we use: Mind maps, visual maps, information maps, mindscapes, concept maps, idea maps, visual thinking – there isn’t one that really fits all needs, though I’ve seen a few collaborative attempts to run one down.

Want another reason for slow adoption? The mapping fundamentalists who boldly assert that theirs is the only form that’s worth considering.

There’s a broad landscape of visual methods and mapping styles — and I believe nearly all have value in the right circumstances.

Click the above image to see the map in Mindjet’s Player (Flash). Other versions available: Full-size PNG image – Mindjet’s Player (PDF – Acrobat only) – MindManager .mmap file.

So I decided to map out that landscape, challenge some of the myth-makers and set up some pointers of where to go for more information. There’s a lot more to visual thinking than you’ll find here, but this post is just about maps, because they are powerful tools.

For details you’ll have to go to WikIT , the wiki dedicated to all forms of information mapping with a visual slant. This is accessible to all, no subscription needed, no long sales page, not even a request for your email address. That’s because the purpose of WikIT is to make knowledge of mapping techniques available to as many people as possible, without reservation.

In this post, I’ve added links to specific pieces there so that you can explore for more detail, but to see its full scope you can peek at the contents list.

Mind mapping
Mind mapping seems like good place to start, because it’s one of the better known. Tony Buzan claims to have named them first. He has published rules that he says a map should follow before it can be called a mind map.

But maps that don’t fit the Buzan formula are now often called “mind maps”. Maybe they have straight lines, use boxes or bubbles for nodes, have a lot of text in each box, or do not use color or images. Spider diagrams, idea maps, bubble charts and others are widely referred to as mind maps. Buzan-qualified instructors are often jump in with tweets or comments on blogs to say that these are not mind maps. Too late: The term is out in the wild (btw although ‘Mind Maps’ is indeed a registered trademark, it applies only to training courses).

It is useful to be able to distinguish the types of mind maps. WikIT, the mapping wiki, makes the distinction by referring to “Buzan mind maps” and “common mind maps”.

What identifies all of these is that they start with a main topic and everything hangs off that in a hierarchy. Usually, the main topic is in the center.

Mind maps are good, amongst other uses, for breaking a topic into its parts – those parts into smaller ones and so on. Say you have an idea for a new business. You put a working name for the business in the center of a large sheet and you can quickly sketch in the services to be offered, radiating out around that. Against each service you can add items for needs, sources, differentiation from competitors, market research and niches to target, funding ideas, and costs.

The radial form makes it keep an overview and the focus on the center. It also makes it easy to make insertions at the right point. These are very appealing in comparison with a written list. Lists work well when planning is complete and the plan is being executed, but at the open-ended, thinking stage, an open diagram can help to bring out new thoughts. This is true for many people – it’s not guaranteed, but unless you have tried seriously, you may not know you’re missing an opportunity.
Mind maps are good for arranging information for learning. Again the hierarchical breakdown appears, this time for organizing notes and grouping related topics together. The mental process of organizing helps with understanding and remembering.

In a Buzan mind map, each node will comprise just one or two words. Many Buzan advocates say “only one”, but the examples that come with his own software (iMindMap) include examples with as many as five words.

The reason given for this rule is that writing a phrase can finish the thought while breaking the phrase into keywords and then looking for intermediate junctions can suggest other lines of thought and open up your thinking. In my experience it works very well in some cases. My argument with it is that it is presented by some of the gurus as the only way to make mind maps.

Here is an example of the benefits of bypassing the guideline in very different circumstances taken from a mind map summarizing the basic commands for editing Wikipedia. At the third level and beyond, substantial editing guidelines are given. Breaking these into single words would get in the way for readers trying to use this is a quick reference source.

For more about mind maps: WikIT has What is a mind map? / Buzan mind maps / Buzan’s mind map guidelines in practical use / Common mind maps / Large mind maps and more.

I use mind maps of all types and find them stimulating to use. I had a great time making the mind map “Mapping: So many options” that was the starting point for this article.

Concept mapping
Then there are concept maps. These describe relationships between things – ideas, abstract concepts, places, substances or names of a material object.

If you want to be sure you understand a subject, or have a student prove to you that she has a grasp of a topic, they do a great job. And they have been widely accepted in the field of knowledge management, where groups work together to create knowledge on concept maps.

Defining characteristics:

• Concept maps sometimes start with a “focus question” which tells you what the concept map is about – the question it was made to answer;
• The main subject is usually at the top;
• Nodes are boxes containing an idea, object name or concept;
• Associated nodes are connected by a line with a “linking phrase” between;
• Any node may be connected to any other node (it is a graph), so a concept map need not be limited to a tree topology.

If you want to organize files, notes and web shortcuts, allowing “any node may be connected to any other node” is particularly useful because you are not limited to placing a link under one parent. Multiple paths may lead to the same item and this reflects a basic reality of documents: They often relate to two or more topics.

The value of concept maps in demonstrating knowledge is that they are made up of propositions that may be verified. Each triplet of concept – linking phrase – concept can be extracted and discussed. So if a tutor found this on part of a student’s concept map: A node “Sydney”, connected to a node “Australia” by a linking phrase “is the capital of” she would know that the student had not mastered this aspect of the topic. The proposition can be read as “Sydney is the capital of Australia” and this mistake would show that a student had not grasped the difference between a financial center and a capital.

Concept maps are used in business to collect and record knowledge where subject experts discuss much more subtle propositions than the example just given.

For more about concept maps, WikIT has Concept maps, and Concept maps or mind maps? the choice, which are good starting points.

Skimming through more map types

Tree diagrams and organigrams (organization charts) are used in business to represent business functions and units and show the hierarchy of reporting. These are one of the most familiar visual forms. Tree diagrams on WikIT.

Mindscapes are unlike mind maps in several ways, but they share attributes like color, images, visual expression of ideas and organic or natural feel, all aimed at inspiring creative thinking. WikIT has an extensive and stimulating article by Nancy Marguilies, the noted proponent of Mindscapes.

Cluster maps are one of the early forms of graphic organizer used in schools and still work well for beginners. Using clusters of Post-It tags on the desk or wall allows for continuous change as the map develops, and can be drawn up as a mind map when the beginning mapper feels confident. Clustering on WikIT.

Visual thinking aids are used in teaching thinking in schools. A superb collection of these aids is at Exploratree, a website with 23 mind-jogger diagrams. Many of them will be useful to creatives and critical thinkers of all ages. More about visual thinking guides on WikIT.

Flowcharts, swimlane charts, control flow diagrams and other step-by-step diagrams are used to document and envision behavior, decisions and processes. These are often prepared in black and white, but purposeful use of color, shading and shadows can enliven them and improve their ability to communicate. Flowcharts on WikIT.

Southbeach notation is a visualization and extension of TRIZ in map form. It’s for problem solving, innovation and product improvement. The visual components of Southbeach notation help in analyzing details of a problem: What might be changed, the negative and positive aspects of the present situation and of the proposed changes, and the causes and effects of elements on one another. This is another whole post, though. The example is from Jangan Dabla and here is Southbeach notation on WikIT.

Annular maps maintain a strong focus on the central subject. In concentric rings around that, subsidiary thoughts or goals are arranged. Annular maps on WikIT.

Isomaps If you have time, patience and the skill, you may want to try these technically-advanced isometric projection maps developed by Arnaud Velten. As far as I know there is no application developed to make these, you’d have to use image manipulation software.

Why map?

Thinking, learning, organizing, problem solving, presenting, analyzing. planning, managing, creating, innovating, … there’s no end to ways of using these maps. WikIT has an article on this – “Uses of information maps”.

and Paul Forman (Mindmapinspiration) has an entertaining list (yes, a list) of 100 reasons to mind map. He uses “mind map” in the Buzan sense. The tragedy is that few appreciate just how many uses there are.

How should you make the map?
The options are hand-drawn maps, computer-based maps and maps made on smart-phones. Oh, and Post-It tags (see Cluster maps above).

I started back in the 1970s when making maps by hand was the only way – there was no software for mind maps then. My experience has been that hand-drawn maps are better for personal creativity, reinforcing memory, and if you have some artistic talent, for inspiring others. They are limited when the map is expanding rapidly, or has changed a lot over time, but the flexibility of layout is enviable when compared with most mind mapping software.

Map changes and expansion are not always a problem, because re-drawing a map that has become too big for its paper, or too messy, can bring out new ideas.

If you are an artist of limited ability your strained drawings and messy writing may be inhibiting if you’re working in front of others. Working with a projected computer mind map may then be quicker and more comfortable.

Making maps on a computer is good when the map will expand and change continuously. It is better for readability, and allows something that is impossible with hand-drawn maps: Organizing attachments, notes, computer files and website links. Images are easy to find and add as well.
Organizing your thoughts on the computer gives you more freedom to move sections round as the thinking develops.

Computer based maps may limit your ability to express yourself when creativity is what you aim for. WikIT has a list with screenshots of free mapping software of many types.

Making maps on smart-phones has become popular because of the convenience of mapping anywhere – even standing up. The screen size makes it a limited, but most software allows exporting maps for later work on your computer. WikIT covers mobile mind mapping applications as well. So keep your options loose – a hand-drawn mind map, computer made one, smartphone, iPad, … your needs and resources will change from tasks to task and suit different purposes.

Some people even add hand-drawn map sections to computer made maps and find it useful.

Do read the comments here for a variety of opinions on hand-drawn maps.

Who is the map for? Who will make it?
Unless it’s just for you alone, the audience for your map will affect the tools you use, the style and type of map.

If it is for a scattered group, then one of the collaborative tools like bubbl.us or Mindmeister may be helpful. If it is for a group gathered together, your options will be wide open and you can consider the next section.

How long have you got to make it?
In a meeting, a flipchart or whiteboard may be quickest and it will certainly be best if you are able to own the room, work the meeting, and inspire the group with your brilliant sketches and color.

If you can type quickly and are familiar with the operation of specific software, then a laptop and projector will beat handwriting for speed and may be more suitable in a conservative business setting.

How will you make it exciting?
For memory, inspiration and creativity, color, pictures, sketches and icons make a real contribution. Just take a glance at Nancy Margulies Mindscapes to see that. Even if you are involved in a business planning or knowledge management project, icons and colors can make finding what you want on the map quicker, but do pre-arrange a coherent color plan and make sure everyone involved knows what the colors represent.

The One Map Guys
Some will try to persuade you that only one type of map works, and that type works best in all circumstances.

Sometimes this is because only the type of map they promote can be produced by something they have to sell.

Sometimes it’s because they have only ever used one type of map and never seriously explored others.

Often it’s because their background means that they view maps through a particular lens: They are in knowledge management and believe that only concept maps work. They give seminars on creativity and value colors and pictures highly without regard to other uses. They only use maps for business analysis and think colors and pictures are frivolous. They are project managers and believe that only maps made with software with added task information are useful. They are teachers and believe that only hand-drawn maps work.

Be skeptical of claims that “there’s only one way”!

Know the options, know what is best for which circumstances and be willing to try new methods. And happy mapping!
___________________________________________________________________________

Roy Grubb FBCS CITP MCMI is a management consultant specializing in the visual organization of information, knowledge, ideas, information systems and business projects. He founded G&A Management Consultants Ltd. http://www.gandanet.com.hk/ in Hong Kong in 1981 and has undertaken assignments in USA, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, France, Scandanavia, Ireland and Hong Kong. His company was responsible for the development of 3D Topicscape and Roy was project manager for this mapping-based information organizer.

He has used mind mapping and similar techniques since the 1970s in his business and his private life and is the principal editor of WikIT.

A social media and Mind-Visual mapping professional practitioner and consultant; Pascal is a fellow Visual mapping colleague and is integral to the furtherance of this arena. Wallace Tait: Visualmapper

I was really delighted when Wallace Tait invided me to write a guest post for both Visualmapper and Hypershifters. Accepting to write a post is one thing, coming up with an idea is another one. As I had difficulties in this respect, I I decided to ask my Twitter network if anyone could suggest a good theme. One of my tweeple, @marionchapsal, a very keen mindmapper herself, suggested that, as an historian, I perhaps ought to write something about the history of visual mapping. I immediately thought this was a superb idea. On thinking about it further, I however very quickly realised that this was perhaps more tricky than I initially thought. As this was outside my real area of expertise, it would certainly take a considerable amount of background research.

In quite a typical way of how Twitter can contribute to help with the generation of ideas, I however just as quickly came up with a way to go round this problem. Firstly, I remembered reading a tweet by @pgsimoes who was drawing attention to a new web 2.0 site, Timetoast, which makes it easy to create and share timelines online. I was already familiar with the SIMILE software, which allows for the creation of web widgets for visualising temporal data, but had been hoping for a while, that such a software hosted in the cloud would become available, as I could see a real potential for it and it would be very useful for me in connection with my history teaching at the university. Secondly, in another tweet, Wallace Tait, the Visualmapper himself, had also recently pointed towards a post on Philippe Boukozba’s blog about “A visual map created by Walt Disney 53 years ago“. From those two tweets came the idea of preparing this timeline in a very collaborative way by conducting a little experiment in crowdsourcing.

It is necessary to start this mindmap somewhere and a couple of blog posts provide us with a starting point, namely Michael Tipper’s Tony Buzan did not invent Mind Mapping! and Origins of Mindmapping software. I shall limit my own contribution to only one date, which would be Joseph Novak’s Concept Map (1972).

What I would therefore like to do is to ask the readers of both the Visualmapper and the Hypershifters to tell us, what they consider as the most significant dates in the history of visual mapping broadly defined and to provide pertinent links to accompanying illustrations and documents on the web. It would have been nice to create such a timeline on Timetoast, but it will unfortunately not be possible, as it is currently necessary to have a precise date to enter, which includes not only a year, but also a day and a month, and such data will probably not be available for some of the entries. It will therefore probably be best to present the timeline in question in the form of a mind map. A first iteration would work like this.

What would you suggest adding? It is possible to directly make changes to the map, using Mindmeister’s wikimap function, if you already have an account or create one for this purpose. An other option is to suggest additions in the comments of this blog post.

Visual thinkers need to take a second look at current information management practices. We must challenge current thinking regarding the tools, techniques and Mindset regarding visual mapping.

Many new Information mapping software offerings have exploded onto the scene.  Some products may be around for a while to challenge the heavy weights, and many shall simply fall by the wayside.  There’s a trend in aggregating other graphical tools into these products, making them turnkey for process, system and project management.

These products have evolved into what I term Visual mapping (multiple formats).  This includes but is not limited to Mind/concept/flow/argument mapping.  There are many more formats covered under the visual mapping umbrella, such as project management formats. It’s not just about Mind maps as some would have us believe; surely we’ve moved way beyond the constraints of a single format?

Effective Information management is the unique attribute associated with the successful creation, management and exchange of data. Information is summative data which has to be contextualised to be relevant and useful for further processing into an intelligent knowledge data base.

Information has become a monetized commodity that is realized within organizations when they use the tools, techniques and mindset of visual mapping. Of course one size doesn’t fit all; but the point is to realise the potential for being unique in your use of these tools.

For the most part Mind mapping has not offered a solutions approach to information management, and this in one of the reasons why it has struggled to burst into the mainstream.  There are indeed new solution focused products available that are challenging, changing and improving our current information management practices. Of all the information portals I am aware of; Roy Grubb writes with the most intelligent and informative view of this field found at http://bit.ly/fxQHH

The specific techniques of Visual-knowledge mapping  used within your environment will (no doubt), over time, become standardised within your arena of use.  The mindset of Visual mapping is associated with the application of whole brained thinking.  Integrating linear/nonlinear management of data, information and knowledge data bases is in the application of the mindset.

What unique techniques do you employ that have made significant impacts upon your information management arena?  IMO; Integrating linear/nonlinear is now expected, even demanded by the users of Mind-Visual-Knowledge mapping products.  These users have evolved way past mere Mind mapping.  We can now utilize software products that offer flexible frameworks with multiple formats that supercharge our information management skills.

Wallace Tait: Visualmapper

“DON’T BELIEVE ALL YOU READ”

I was recently reading an article by Jim Giles, in the New Scientist [May 2010] called “Giving Life to a Lie”. In it he quotes a story written by an Australian Journalist, Piers Akerman for the Daily Telegraph (2006) where Akerman claimed that global warming was exaggerated. Now it was not that fact that caught my attention but rather the reference he attributed to John Houghton, a former chair to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which was “unless we announce disasters no one will listen”.

This reference was picked up by a journalist in Canada followed later by an academic in Michigan. Giles goes on the say that today there at least three books, 100 blogs and 24,000 web pages that in some way cite Houghton’s original book published in 1994. The really interesting thing is that Houghton seems never to have uttered those words in his life and they certainly do not appear in that book!!

Perhaps Akerman made a genuine mistake, perhaps he intentionally manufactured the quote … I do not know and do not really care. However, my point is based on the thought that I wonder just how common is changing a lie or a misrepresentation into a “known fact”? How many of the statements which are taken for granted and quoted as “proof”, really have a firm basis?

I know I have jokingly said, when watching a somewhat dubious documentary on TV: “Well it must be true because it is in colour”. A silly statement certainly, but it is really based on the premise that many of us have a tendance to believe a fact if it is printed and from an apparently reputable source. A good example is Wikipedia, which many people use as a first source of reference these days. However, you should remember that this excellent online resource can be edited by just about any Tom, Dick or Harry. Certainly, I do know there are editorial controls, but Wikipedia contents cannot, in reality, be guaranteed as accurate.

The theme of the whole New Scientist issue was “Denial” in various forms. Only thing is clear that often people will simply deny an inconvenient fact (or truth) as a way of refuting a particular point of view rather that offering persuasive counter argument. A perfect example of this was Copernicus’s trial by the Catholic Church when he offered evidence that the earth revolved around the sun. The Church’s response was an absolute denial that this could be possible as it went against current teachings.

The point is that we should be careful when reading or writing blogs for two reasons:
1. Question if an assertion we read or make is founded in fact or just “parroted” because it has become “conventional wisdom”?
2. To avoid or be very wary of flat, unsupported denials as they can be a smokescreen for either a subtext or even pure ignorance

Perhaps an additional guideline would be to reserve comment for times when such comments makes a positive contribution to the discussion.

Some food for thought

As both Visualmapper and Hypershifters are concerned with visual thinking, information handling and associated topics, here are some points worth considering:

1. Do diagrams aid understanding?
2. Is a picture worth a thousand words?
3. How important is colour and curved lines in left & right cortex linking?
4. Are mind maps the best way to represent the majority of business information?
5. Is Cloud computing the way of the future?
6. You cannot beat face-to-face communication
Can you think of some statements or “facts” which we take for granted?

John England: MindSystems

I  looked at Open source and free offerings recently pondering these two models. Many questions such as; Are they sustainable, are these models really free in the long run and; can I actually use Open source and free software as the backbone of my information management processes that support my business operations?

IS IT DOABLE?

OK, so if I use Open office, Xmind, Nitro pdf reader and/or integrate my work with Google mail and docs; hmm, this really got me thinking; will this really work for me?

Well here the thing; it might work, and this really kills me to say this. I actually used Open source and free software for one week during March 2010. And as much as I now need therapy because of my willful experiment, I have come to realize it might actually be doable at a stretch.

Now if you’re one of my consultant/facilitator colleagues and/or commercial software developer friends; forgive me?

I now use Google mail and IMO the more professionally polished GMX mail as my primary mail clients; MS Outlook has IMO become rather obsolete to my needs.

As a professional Visual mapper during the experiment, I used Xmind to challenge my perceived negative view of open source and free. Admittedly it worked for me only to a point; there’s some functions that power Visual mappers just don’t have available in the open source and free models, so this is the downfall.

As an interesting addition; I also used The Gimp as my open source alternative to my regular use of Photoshop (yes I am a PS addict), and this worked really well too.

As much as this has been my personal experiment; I am now back to being my regular reliant self on the commercial models; “I am a realist after all”. This certainly has changed me though, and I am now more aware of the open source and free alternatives.

This was a very interesting personal experiment. The CAVEAT of my experience to date; if you choose to conduct the same experiment, be aware of many pitfalls and the surprising epiphanies also.

As a close colleague recently pointed out to me; there’s a notable difference between the Open Source and Free models. The question remains though; will these models remain Open Source and Free in the long term?

Have you tried this experiment also? What did you experience and what are your conclusions?

Wallace Tait: Visualmapper

Just completed reading Mark Wogan’s excellent publication named Crystal mapping; The BIGGER Picture. The book gave me quite a few “AHA” moments, but I want to focus on one that’s impacted me.

IT’S THE POWER OF 3

A really good case was made for limiting the foundation of how we may best initially create our Visual maps. The power of three refers to being confined to the core, first level and second information levels. And looking further at the structure of Crystal mapping, I agree with mark’s finding; here’s why.

Mark states; “the number three wasn’t selected based on any magic number theory, urban myth or mystical quality but on its practical real world ability to present information in a simple context”.

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel the 19th-century philosopher put forward a three tiered evolution of thought from thesis to synthesis via antithesis in aid of the pursuit of logic. And in language and grammar; three elements are needed to form a simple proposition; a subject, a predicate and a copula.

Three keeps on popping up as if it is some kind of mystical adage of getting your point across. I even find myself using the three elements stated above to get my point across most of the time. I state the Visual mapping arena is made up of three arenas; personal, academic and business. I could also state the personal has 3 sub arenas of productivity, motivation and communication, and that academia has 3 sub arenas of school, college and university, and further define business to have 3 sub arenas of service, industry and corporate. OK, I’ve just blabbed on about 3, three, III; but it does feel so comfortable to restrict to three elements, and from that point onwards to express sub associations.

So, it does appear three seems to offer something, at least anecdotally, in support of qualities as a communication method.

7 (+ or – 2) is also thought of as being a magic number relating to communication based on George Miller’s work in his 1956 paper The Magical Number seven, plus or Minus Two: Some Limits on Our Capacity for Processing Information.

There has however been a great deal of misunderstanding of what was meant regarding the use of seven in communication. Many have taken 7 as the standard number of units for communicating anything.

7 points on a slide, 7 words to a line, 7 paragraphs on a page; using 7 in such a format seems to be taking things too far and doesn’t seem to be what Miller meant.

George Miller states 7 (+ or – 2) was a limit “for the discrimination of uni dimensional stimuli (pitches, loudness, brightness, etc.) and also a limit for immediate recall, none of which has anything to do with the capacity to comprehend printed text”. According to Edward Tufte a deeper meaning of Miller’s work is “to suggest strategies, such as placing information within a context that extend the reach of memory beyond tiny clumps of data” http://www.edwardtufte.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0000U6&topic_id=1

Using three is a convenient and practical strategy to assist simple context. Putting information in context answers the following questions
• What is the point being made?
• Why is it important?
• How does it relate to me?

Delivering information in such a way enables authors and recipients to create, manage and exchange information processes quickly and easily. By adopting such an approach; the creative processes enable a bigger picture.

Another unit of three in context asks who where, and when?
• Who is responsible for it?
• Where is it to be found?
• When will it be done?

Setting organizational targets we have another contextual threesome, where objectives are communicated relating to responsibilities such as:
• What is my target?
• How does this fit in with my immediate superior’s target?
• How does this fit in with my immediate subordinate’s target?

By managing information within a simple power of 3 contexts; instant understanding is captured.

The power of 3 is experienced in and through using Crystal Mapping. It works by limiting information display to three levels within the visual workspace, presenting information initially within the simplest of contexts. Understanding is further built upon, by continuing to add more levels, while retaining the graphical display of information within units of three.

It is essential to make sure that wherever you are in the organization structure, you and your team are aware of the organizational objectives. To grasp the bigger picture context you need to see how objectives fit into the overall organizational structure.

Crystal Mapping always starts with the purpose at the core or centre of the map it is easy to always see how your ‘piece of the pie’ fits in with overall information objectives.

Mark Wogan believes the best way to achieve success is to make sure everyone understands the overriding mission or plan and then to let them get on with it. The Crystal mapping power of three structures enables clarity, concept in an unambiguous visual format.

So; I encourage you to grab your copy of Mark Wogan’s publication and experience your very own AHA moments. The product is developing at an agile rate, and it’s certainly going to evolve into a very formidable information management app for the forward thinking Information manager.

Here’s a youtube video of getting started with Crystal Mapping:

Wallace Tait: Visualmapper
www.visualmapper.org

The term “method neutral” is an oxymoron, and IMO; it is a genius breakthrough approach to challenging existing perceptions to the data, information and knowledge development processes.

Graphical information management has been around for a while, and it has unfortunately continued to be restricted to the fringes of the mainstream. This is to a degree, due to a certain radiant technique being touted as being the “one size fits all” solution.

A single hierarchy while being the basis for reasonably effective graphical communications, has become rather passé when assessing the needs (read demands) of the forward thinking information manager.

Multiple modes of expressiveness are now needed within products that offer end to end capabilities that combine various information management modes. Convergence is the key request from information management expressed within corporate business.

Method neutral offers flexibility in a convergence model, cutting through the one size fits all approach.

The three main arenas for information management are; personal, academic and business. While looking at the overwhelming range of software offerings currently available, we simply have way too many choices. Choice is (we are told) good and competition is what motivates creativity; so why do we keep on getting the same old same old from the Mind/Visual mapping developers?

Method neutral has its origins at Mindsystems, the developer of Amode, and version 2 was recently released. Amode gives the user the ability to experience a further enhancement of method neutral in a completely new functional approach within the product.
This new function is called ThoughtPad; offering the user the ability to associate almost any kind of graphical expressiveness that can be associated with the central mode of the database knowledge tree.

The genius of this new approach; we are no longer constrained by the many singular formats that are either Mind, concept, flow, argument and others offered by some software developers. We can simply use them all, and then some.

Information is the core function and importance that is contained with the knowledge database tree mode. Having the ability to associate almost any kind of graphical idea and visual thinking within the ThoughtPad; giving the user absolute freedom and comfort of knowing they are not constrained by a singular format.

Mindsystems has taken this opportunity of shaking up the status quo, and I do believe this is exactly what is needed within the Visual information management arena at this time.

As a forward thinking Information Handler, IMO there’s 4 main points of your future success to consider.
1. The need for a stable desktop knowledge database product
2. The need for absolute freedom of graphical expression
3. The need for control of all of your processes that support your particular system
4. Seamless integration into to your business/project management mainstream

Mindsystems Amode offers the user these and more. Of course there are more points to consider; it is however very clear though that Mindsystems Amode has developed an information management tool in Amode that offers an end to end complete package for the forward thinking information handler.
The information management arena offers some wonderful products, and I firmly believe Mindsystems Amode takes the lead for the business/project management approach to Personal, Academic and Business knowledge handling.

I certainly look forward to experiencing the further evolution of this product; it has a very light footprint, an amazing stable database load. The new Mindsystems ThoughtPad will take the Visual mapping arena into a whole new mindset of flexible graphical expressiveness.

The status quo shift is CHANGE; nothing to be scared of and much to embrace. So; do you want the same old same old, or do you want to move forward with confidence, control and flexibility?

Wallace Tait: Visualmapper
www.visualmapper.org

John England the founder of Mindsystems is the consummate professional. I have known John for a relatively short span of time, and in this period he has indeed enabled me to glean much from his illustrious past relating to his careers. John has worn a few hats, and has performed his tasks with great success to the nth degree of professionalism. His initial business success has enabled both him and his team to create a strong Mindsystems presence within the business management arena.

Mindsystems have developed a new concept called “Method Neutral”. Once you get your head around this, you’ll receive an “aha” moment for sure; I know I did; so read on and receive yours.

… Tell us about your involvement and work at Mindsystems?

I am the executive director and founder of Mindsystems which means that I’ve relinquished much of the day to day running of the company to other managers far more competent than I. Seriously though; this means that I can spend my time in more innovative and entrepreneurial ways than I was able to in the past.

My major focus these days falls into three distinct yet overlapping areas: making new industry contacts, focusing on developing Amode .and constantly researching new trends in information handling.

… Give us a brief history of the organization?

I spent 16 years in the Royal Navy and in the late 70s was posted to the Australian Navy as an exchange officer and training assessment expert in their Educational Research Unit at HMAS CERBERUS … that is how I discovered one of the world’s best kept secrets: Australia. In 1983 I left the Navy with the intention of returning to Australia. Initially I had a couple of jobs as the National Training Manager of multinational companies, but at the same time started a part-time business importing computer-based training into Australia. After a couple of years, a major Australian university started using our company name and as I decided discretion was the better part of valour, we came to a financial arrangement to relinquish the name. At that point “Teamlink Australia” came into existence and soon gained an Australia wide reputation for excellence in corporate training and consulting in areas such as management, leadership, communication plus team development and selection.

While in the Royal Navy I did a full-time Master’s degree at Sussex University and there met a young lecturer by the name of Tony Buzan, later to become world-famous as the father of mind mapping. So it is perhaps understandable, that I have always been extremely interested in visual techniques in general and mind mapping in particular. However paper mapping caused me considerable frustration as my mind tended to function far more quickly than I could draw. I was therefore delighted when I spotted a piece of software on the Internet called “MindMan” written by a young German engineer, Mike Jetter. This was the first translation into English and the help files were extremely entertaining, but not in the way intended by the authors! I was so happy to see the arrival of this innovative software that I offered to put the help files into more formal English. That started a long-term association with the now internationally recognized company “Mindjet” and their MindManager software.

I used MindManager extensively in the training and consultancy, and this led to one of those “blinding flashes of the obvious”. I suddenly realized that the exceptionally good living I was making was solely dependent on my ability to stand in front of corporate clients. I had tried creating links with other consultants, but soon came to realize that most consultants are terrified of someone stealing their intellectual property. This is something I have never been able to understand as, while you must protect intellectual property, I have always found it to be of considerable advantage to be open in sharing with other people. This is a principle I have applied through my business career and it has reaped handsome rewards. So, I was faced with the issue that I could not really “multiply myself” so what was I to do?

I had to do something that either multiplied me as an individual or did not depend on me standing in front of clients. This was in the early 90s, and I decided to start selling “MindMan” as it was called then on this newfangled thing called “the Internet”. All my friends and business colleagues thought I was crazy. This business grew and grew and eventually 3 years ago we changed the name of the company from Teamlink Australia to Mindsystems, as we felt is this more represented what we were about.

… Tell me about the “Method Neutral” approach you now take to software design

Method Neutral is described as “multiple modes of information expressed within a flexible workspace”. We developed the Method Neutral concept in response to our frustration towards the “one size fits all” approach of many software companies. For example there are those that would have you believe that the mind map is the centre of the universe. I would suggest that the true centre of the universe is not mapping (or any other particular technique) but rather the information itself. Now please do not misunderstand me, I am a great fan of mind mapping, but in its place. Let me give you an example of what I mean: without a doubt mind mapping is superb when it comes to the initial scoping of an idea or project or for generating a creative approach to a situation. However the situation changes dramatically as the map grows and becomes larger. It is quite easy to reach a point where the information is hidden behind the technique of mind mapping. Quite simply large maps are very difficult to manage even when filtering techniques are applied to the map.

This led us to the Method Neutral approach to software development. To restate what I said earlier, we believe that information handling software should be designed with the clear intention of making information the centre of the universe, not the presentation technique: hence the concept of Method Neutral.

… You recently developed a new information management product called Amode; tell us about it and what it can do for us?

Mindsystems Amode was developed from our existing product KnowledgeLink Pro V5. This product itself was developed because of the significant difficulties people experience with converting large mind maps into more practical applications such as reports and the difficulty of merging multiple maps having similar concepts. However, Amode is light years ahead of the original product in that it has over 60 improvements and a completely new interface. Amode V1 was launched in May 2009 and received a very enthusiastic reception. We are now well into the development of Version 2.

The really significant part of the development was an almost fanatical application of Method Neutral. Another principle which was kept in mind was the model of Chaos Theory. This theory does not really say that the world is in chaos, but rather we are surrounded by a great deal of data and information in random and constant motion and that from time to time patterns (emerging trends) form. Thus Amode is designed to handle information in a neutral way and make the identification of patterns simple and straightforward. What is so important about these patterns … well two things: First the identification of “knowledge” and second the identification of emerging commercial trends … in fact staying ahead of the curve! The graphic below expresses what I mean:

There are some subtleties in this model, one of which is a fundamental fact that “knowledge” is by its very nature “transitory”. This perhaps goes against conventional wisdom, but it seems to me that as the circumstances change (Data changes and new patterns emerge) what could be seen as knowledge today may not be so tomorrow. If you disagree, simply look back at the debates designed to support the theory that the sun revolves around the Earth! Copernicus was almost banished as a heretic for suggesting otherwise.

I think perhaps I should say something about the name we chose for the product “Amode”. The idea is simple: the information is presented in a neutral format and the user is offered a choice of “modes” in which to view and manipulate the information. At this point there is the option of the familiar tree mode, a calendar mode, the Gantt mode and the unique Briefcase mode. We have currently commenced the second phase of Amode development and I can assure you there will be some very interesting visual modes added to the repertory. One very important feature is that the user can switch between these modes with a single mouse click; in fact I would describe the general direction of Amode development as “turnkey”.

… Method Neutral, IMO, as a new concept and definition shall undoubtedly impact the information management arena; how will it impact information handling?

You’re quite right in saying that this concept and its definition of information handling are set to have a big impact on people’s perception of the way in which information should be handled and its importance in the systems approach.

Firstly let’s consider what we mean by “systems approach”. We could get very complex, and academic, about such a definition but in reality it comes down to doing things in a systematic manner. This implies that there is definable process in everything we do, which is fine providing the process does not get in the way of the information. I have previously talked about the importance of mind mapping in projects scoping and creativity, but I’ve also talked about the actual process of mapping eventually acting as a shield or constraint to a user where the information is hidden. The Method Neutral approach is not restricted to software development, but the way in which organizations tackle information handling, meaning the existence of the information will be transparent while allowing instant (one click) choices of the best way to present that information dependent on the circumstances.

On reflection it seems to me that there are only two major factors in both personal and business development namely “information” and “process” … both of which Amode was born to handle! For example the day starts with a process in that most of us have an exact routine for getting ourselves ready for work. So it is for most aspects of business and once we have identified and documented a process we can logically examine it and possibly improve it. You do not have to be a “process expert” to do this with Amode.

At the risk of being boring I would once again point out that definition of Method Neutral which is “multiple modes of information expressed within a flexible workspace”. I have been amazed at people’s reaction to this simple concept in that almost everyone seems to have one of those “Aha” moments when they suddenly “get” the critical concept that the information is the centre of the universe and not the presentation technique. I fully appreciate that we will meet considerable opposition from those entrenched in a particular visual presentation process, be that as it may, our experience and people’s reaction to this concept leads me to believe that it will be the way of the future for information handling.

… List the environments where Mindsystems Amode is being used?

That is a difficult question for two reasons, firstly Amode has been on the market to date for six months, and secondly because its use is only limited by imagination. The global answer to this is that everything we do in life is controlled by process as I mentioned previously. The interesting thing is that most people hardly vary from their normal daily routines and while this may sound inflexible it also means that it brings a measure of continuity and statistical certainty to many events. So does this mean when we apply the concept of “process” to industry and business that we create an inflexible environment? The answer is a definite” no”; providing you build flexibility into the process. In other words, process can imply inflexibility, but only when the process is imperfectly constructed. Of course there are certain processes in which you do not enable flexibility, examples such as dealing with compliance requirements regarding safety, quality, environment and taxation.

So, what is the connection between process and Amode? The connection is that Amode is arguably the best tool ever produced for constructing process in a simple to understand and logical manner. These processes are seen in such things as the “Amode Solution” which consists of a number of related or discrete projects. One of the aims of the original design process was to allow a number of projects (or processes) to be worked on simultaneously while being manipulated in a single workspace. Amode achieves this very effectively.

In the short time Amode has been commercially available; multiple licenses have been sold to groups varying from a tertiary institution in California to a major defense contractor in Australia. Naturally, as we are in the early adoption stage, most sales go to farsighted individuals who are prepared to take a chance, or are intrigued by a new approach to an everyday situation. Most of you will be familiar with Geoffrey Moore’s famous book “Inside the Tornado”. The simple fact is that our original product, KnowledgeLink, was used mainly by innovators, and there are clear indications that this relationship between KnowledgeLink and Amode has enabled us to move directly to the early adopters. Moore’s model shows that Amode is approaching what he calls “the chasm” which lies between early adopters and the early majority. This is, of course, a very dangerous period for a software company and we need to tread with great care.

… What are the capabilities of your product?

Mindsystems Amode allows you to work in a logical and structured way.

Mindsystems Amode combines visual planning, information handling, project management & multi-task management all in one tightly integrated application. Over 60 new features as compared to the original KnowledgeLink Pro!

Mindsystems Amode key benefits are:

• Manage & organize information visually
• Robust Information Handling System
• MS Office® / Open Office Integration
• MS Project and MS Outlook Integration
• MindManager integration
• Full Project Management, Gantt Charting
• Powerful Filtering & Searching
• Alarms, Notes, Embed Attachments
• Work in groups in real time

Above all Amode allows the user to focus on Information and Process in an uninterrupted, elegant and intuitive manner.

… How do you differentiate Mindsystems Amode from the other leading visual mapping tools?

An interesting question Wallace! The short answer is that Amode uses the Method Neutral, where as the others do not. It really is as simple as that. Let’s be clear that I am not “knocking” other visual mapping tools: however I am saying that to my knowledge Amode is the only application which allows your information to be the constant focus without adding unwanted distractions. I repeat what I said previously and that is that the information itself must always be clearly visible and there must be the ability to switch to whichever presentation mode is appropriate with a single click of the mouse. As time goes on we will enable additional visual interfaces to Amode, but never at the expense of information clarity.

… How do you view the benefits of using Mindsystems Amode?

The benefits of using Amode can be summed up with five words: process, organization, control, efficiency and time-saving.

Process and time-saving, while being separate issues, are still intimately linked. This is well illustrated by an incredibly powerful feature in Amode and that is the “Template”. I know the concept of a template does not sound very exciting but in Amode whole projects and solutions may be pre-prepared and stored for instant use. When you couple this feature with an extensive ability for Version Control, you will understand that every project you start is in fact a flying start.

Organization and control are similarly separate but related. The combination of the presentation modes, a calendar, and extensive project management features means that time and resources (not forgetting cost) can easily and accurately be controlled.

However the major benefit of using Amode is a little more subtle in that it imposes a system based discipline on the user which aids clarity of thought and creativity. The whole interface has been designed to recognize that much of our daily and business life leans towards a left brained activity while recognizing that; engaging the right brain also brings maximum effectiveness and productivity. Another major benefit is that, getting into the habit of defining process has the inherent benefits of gradual quality improvement in that shortfalls and inconsistencies in process frequently become very obvious.

… What do you see in the field of visual mapping as trends going forward?

Another very good question Wallace and one which I know is dear to your heart. I believe we have come to a fork in the visual mapping highway. One group will vehemently defend the pure visual approach (of which mind mapping is a perfect example) while others accept the inevitable conclusion that must be drawn when considering and using the Method Neutral approach.

I make no apology for repeating that I am a great supporter of visual techniques, particularly mind mapping. However I believe the visual techniques themselves have a critical place, but only in specific circumstances. That does not mean that one visual technique is the correct one in all situations. This is the real strength of Method Neutral, in that it recognizes, unadulterated clarity of information is paramount at all times, so that the appropriate visual presentation technique should be used, but only, repeated “when appropriate”.

Anyone who has tried to create extensive information databases using techniques such as mind mapping knows the inherent difficulties. To continue down that path where information and knowledge databasing is unimportant seems to me to be irrational. I am sure you have heard the definition of insanity: “doing what did not work in the past and expecting a different outcome”

So in summary: we certainly need a range of visual techniques to display our information, however to display the information, not to manage it. We need a neutral approach to information handling. So there will be two paths: those who “get it” and those who don’t!

… What are your customers saying about Mindsystems Amode?

Here are a couple of examples:

• For a leading Australian Planning Expert:

“It is rare for me to write to a software vendor in congratulations for a product, but I must thank you for developing Amode. I am a long term loyal user of Mindjet MindManager used in conjunction with GyroQ and other add-ons such as KnowledgeLink (which I use rarely) but I cannot overstate how excited I am by Amode. I will continue to use MindManager as well but there is something about the Amode interface and functionality that grips me. I have been using it non-stop for personal productivity and strategy planning in my role as a financial planner.”

• Sandie Terry (Director of IT, Franklin County, VA)

“I just want to applaud you on Amode!!! What a fabulous product!!! I have been a faithful user of Mind Manager for a few years now – even participated in v8 beta. So, when I ran across information on Amode I was intrigued and downloaded the trial. At first I was a bit lost and thought — this is too complex. However, I took a little time to scan the user guide and within about 3 days I became totally dependent on this information manager! I am a Technology Director for local government and manage many projects at a time and Amode is FANTASTIC support for those efforts!! THANK YOU for an excellent software tool!!!!”

… What can we expect from further development of Mindsystems Amode?

As you can appreciate this is definitely “a commercial in confidence” area and I am not prepared to go into detail. Shall we just say that a number of extremely interesting visual interfaces will be added to Amode without compromising the Method Neutral approach.

… Where should a potential user of Mindsystems Amode purchase the software and what’s the cost?

The Mindsystems website is http://www.mindsystems.com.au and a direct link to the Amode micro site is http://www.mindsystems.com.au/products/amode/index.php and the blog and community forums can be found at http://www.methodneutral.com.

Mindsystems Amode currently costs:

$181.23 USD

$187.06 CAD

€122.76 EUR

£114.56 GBP

¥16,309 JPY

$220.00 AUD inc Tax for Australian customers

Educational and volume discounts are also available.

Wallace Tait: Visualmapper
www.visualmapper.org

Being an information management consultant has its perks, and one of them is creating very meaningful relationships with many software developers, and having access to their excellent products.

They’re all great products for the most part, and some of these great applications just simply stick out in the crowded Visual mapping software arena. CS Odessa’s ConceptDraw line of products, IMO deserves closer attention. ConceptDraw is positioned in a tight group that may be termed the leading pack of Visual mapping applications.

I spoke with Olin Reams recently and asked him to answer a few interview questions relating to his involvement with CS Odessa and the ConceptDraw line of products. Below for your reading pleasure is the Olin Reams interview.

1 Tell us about your involvement and work at CS Odessa?

1.1 I am General Manager in the Americas for CS Odessa; it is my responsibility to build on the success that CS Odessa has experienced in the Americas’ marketplace.

In Software Magazine 2009 survey of software companies we are listed as one of the top 500 software companies for the first time (from a revenue point of view). So we are meeting with the objectives we set for ourselves.

CS Odessa (America’s) was formed in 1993 and our very first product was ConceptDraw PRO, our business graphics and diagramming software application for Mac and PC. ConceptDraw PRO is also our best known product but we have a range of products currently: ConceptDraw MINDMAP, that provides mind mapping and visualization of a process, work flow or process; ConceptDraw PROJECT, full-blown project management tool; ConceptDraw Office, a really neat new addition for us that integrates MINDMAP, PROJECT and PRO into one suite of products.

Of course we also have plug-ins for ConceptDraw PRO that are very popular. The ConceptDraw WebWave plug-in is a great tool for web designers and web masters; our ConceptDraw NetDiagrammer plug-in for ConceptDraw PRO is purpose built for IT people who need to document and maintain their infrastructure.

Our products are driven by our customers, which I always felt was a good place to be in.

2 Give us a brief history of the organization?

2.1 CS Odessa (Ukraine) was founded in 1963 by our CEO Gregory Zhukov. Gregory had a vision that there was a need for a company to provide high-value software solutions at a reasonable cost, and that the total cost of ownership was important to our prospective customers.

It is core to our company to provide the same level of product functionality for both Macintosh and PC; we have done this from the very first day. Today there are about 70 of us worldwide, and last year we sold into over 120 countries. In 2009 we made Software Magazines list of 500 largest software companies.

3 List the environments where your products are being used?

3.1 We have customers around the globe and every possible vertical you can think of. Just the other day I was talking to an enthusiastic user of CD Office who owned a large dental practice in the southwest. They felt CD Office was going to be a competitive advantage to them in their business going forward.

Of course our sales extend way beyond the dental market.

We are found in over a 120 countries, in every type of vertical you can think of. Manufacturing, legal, medical, education, government…the list just goes on and on. I believe the reason for this is that our customers see the value exhibited in our products.

4 What are the capabilities of ConceptDraw office?

4.1 Wow. There is a lot of capability in ConceptDraw office.

You can do a range of things from brainstorming to building an organization chart.
You can gather requirements to automatically build a Work Break Down structure.
You can write a document or you can put together technical documentation.

Think of all of the possibilities if you had a mind map front end, a project management engine and a professional rendering tool integrated into an interactive suite.

Our customers are always coming up with new uses for our ConceptDraw Office. They can be very inventive when it comes to how they use it.

5 ConceptDraw office is available on Macintosh and PC, tell us more?

5.1 All of our products run in native mode under both Macintosh OS X and MS Windows, this has been our product offering since day one. The file structure of the products is exactly the same on both Mac and PC, so we make it easy for both platforms to have ground when working together.

We work very hard to maintain the same functionality on both platforms but we still address unique usability items in both worlds. Also we license per user so if it was ever to happen that a single user had a Macintosh and a PC; our license agreement would permit them to install on both.

6 How do you differentiate ConceptDraw products from the other leading visual mapping tools?

6.1 We are very work flow centric. For our customers who want to use our tools in a production environment, this is an ideal trait of our software. Our tag line really reflects what you can accomplish; plan, do and communicate. We are an excellent visual mapping tool with ConceptDraw MINDMAP (ConceptDraw MINDMAP was selected as “Our Pick” by Mac World, March 2009); but then we have other outstanding tools that closely integrate with ConceptDraw MINDMAP and add lots of customer value. All of our products reinforce one another and add value on top of one another.

7 How do you view the benefits of using ConceptDraw products?

7.1 The real value of our products comes from what our customers see as core benefits. The majority of our customers feel that we have a unique solution that adapts to their work flow requirements and makes them more productive then they had been previously. To phrase it more simply we help people accomplish what they need to do, to move their businesses ahead. Business is about accomplishment, ConceptDraw is all about business.

8 You’ve recently released a USB edition of ConceptDraw office: Do you believe the portable approach will be of value?

8.1 We do have this available for Microsoft Windows. It is not a major focus, as this is very specialized technology that has a high value to a small audience. If someone wants it we have it.

9 What are your customers saying about ConceptDraw Office?

9.1 They are very happy ecstatic, I feel the reason for this is that it came from their vision of what could be accomplished with the right tools.

10 What can we expect regarding newer release to market products?

10.1 CS Odessa will continue to innovate, provide demonstrable value and of course listen to our customers. We really do not want to say much about future products, as we feel that our vision is a key market advantage for us. We do have a clear vision that extends for 5 years; we are not just focused on the next release from a planning point of view. We are interested in extending CS Odessa’s ConceptDraw value proposition to a broader and broader market set.

11 Where should a potential user of ConceptDraw Office purchase the software and what’s the cost?

11.1 ConceptDraw Office can be purchased at:

Website: http://www.conceptdraw.com

Americas Sales Office: 877.441.1150 x 3

Reseller Partners: website!!

The list price for ConceptDraw Office is 499 USD; ConceptDraw MINDMAP is 199 USD; ConceptDraw PRO is 249 USD and ConceptDraw PROJECT is 199 USD.

ConceptDraw Office contains our mind mapping, project management, and business graphics products and represents a 148 USD savings over the individual products, plus one benefits in the end-to-end integration of our products.

Wallace Tait: Visualmapper
www.visualmapper.org

Wallace Tait and Brian Friedlander

Web 2.0 has certainly made a significant impact on the ways we now create, manage and exchange information and knowledge. Collaboration is indeed the corner stone for real time communications within personal, academic and business arenas while using web 2.0 (Cloud) applications.

We have simply been given much more flexibility through the use of cloud computing.

Regarding Visual mapping; cloud collaboration has exponentially increased the potentials for being more effective and productive. The cloud can become a repository (Data bank) for storing and sharing much of your information and knowledge, and you also have control over who gets to access your information too. Less travelling to meet clients, your web space becomes a virtual office and classroom where you can operate, collaborate and present with ease; as long as you have web access.

There’s a recent interesting trend coming from web 2.0 visual mapping apps. They are now moving towards offering desktop versions of their apps, so desktop computing isn’t dead yet.

We were recently given access to Comapping by Michael Pliskin Director of R&D. Comapping is both a web and desktop based information management app that expresses a left to right format defined as visual mapping. The desktop application seamlessly synchronizes with the web based tool.

During the summer of 2006 Comapping was born through a joint venture between Area9 in Denmark and Lanit-Tercom in Russia. These two organizations initially developed and used Comapping as an internal organization wide communication tool. They were frustrated with limitations that traditional mind mapping software posed. Soon realizing they were not alone while facing similar limitations with incumbent mind mapping software applications; Comapping was further developed for wider commercial use.

It’s an awesome information mapping/management tool that enables you to collaborate with absolute ease, and it’s extremely fast. The developers have crafted a new and expressive category of information mapping that is independent of the Mind mapping genre. The Comap, Comapping and Comapper shall without a doubt, be definitions associated with forward thinking information management.

Using Comapping has exponentially enhanced and improved our time and project management, to the point of having more clarity that equates to monetizing other more important aspects of our consulting work. Simply put, Comapping has; and continues to transform our information management capabilities.

In our opinion Comapping has a powerful advantage over mind mapping apps, due to the left to right format and the top down logical process approach of this format. Project managers will most certainly feel comfortable with Comapping, as shall Business System managers who use the ISO 9001 standards.

The left to right format, when mapping expresses a very comfortable and logical feel to Comapping.

Asger Ottar Alstrup, CEO and Board Member of Comapping developed the unique auto-collapsing algorithm that optimizes use of often scarce computer screen real estate while mapping. The animated look to Comapping is very comfortable and pleasing to the eye. Navigation throughout a map while presenting information to colleagues and clients is one of the great strengths of Comapping.

Real time collaboration is indeed a notable strength of Comapping. You will find it easy to invite a colleague into your mind map and give them permission to read or edit your map. While collaborating on the map, you can view where your colleague is and what part of the map they are editing. You can also use a chat window to communicate during the session.

The experience of co-editing the map was fast and flawless. One of our top features of Comapping is the ability to easily publish your Comaps to you blog or web site by simply copying an embed code.

With the recent addition of the Comapping desktop application, and its strong import and export features, Comapping is a strong information mapping tool for your collaboration needs. The desktop version is a clone to the online version, enabling you to work off line when required.

Once you have created your mind map using the desktop version of Comapping you can save it to your online account and then access it through your browser. Comapping gives you lots of options if you would like to Export your mind maps to other applications.

We found the no nonsense approach to mapping information while creating, managing and exchanging relevant business information was performed with ease. The learning curve was so short; we were up and running with Comapping within 10 minutes.

Comapping is continuously being developed, therefore the user can have confidence the developers listen to the voice of the user. Expect a great future from Comapping.

The Personal, Academic and Business application of Comapping is very evident, and we encourage you to download, use and purchase this excellent information management tool. It is available in two formats; desktop and web editions. Visit www.comapping.com for more information.

Below is the Comapping welcome map; to navigate the map, choose a topic and press the tab key.

Wallace Tait: Visualmapper
www.visualmapper.org