What Is Online Mind Mapping?

1. Online Mind Map Apps

1.1. MindMeister

1.1.1. On the market since 2007

1.1.1.1. First completely web-based mind map editor

1.1.1.1.1. No Flash!

1.1.2. Developed by MeisterLabs

1.1.2.1. German software company

1.1.2.2. Other tools by MeisterLabs

1.1.2.2.1. MeisterTask

1.1.3. Runs in every standard web-browser

1.1.3.1. Google Chrome

1.1.3.2. Firefox

1.1.3.3. Internet Explorer

1.1.3.4. Edge

1.1.3.5. etc.

1.1.4. And on mobile devices

1.1.4.1. iOS (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch)

1.1.4.2. Android (smartphones and tablets)

1.1.5. Used by 9+ million users

1.1.5.1. Businesses

1.1.5.1.1. Software teams, digital agencies, non-profit organizations and more

1.1.5.2. Freelancers

1.1.5.2.1. Consultants, creatives (designers, writers etc.), engineers

1.1.5.3. Teachers and students

1.1.5.3.1. High school and higher education

1.1.6. What makes it special?

1.1.6.1. Supports real-time brainstorming sessions

1.1.6.2. Mind maps can be shared with unlimited number of users

1.1.6.3. Built-in presentation mode

1.1.6.3.1. Turns mind maps into dynamic slideshows

1.1.6.4. Maps can be published to the web

1.1.6.4.1. Public mind map library

1.1.6.5. Integration with agile task management tool MeisterTask

1.1.6.5.1. Lets you turn ideas into tasks

1.2. MindMeister Alternatives

1.2.1. XMind

1.2.2. Mindomo

1.2.3. Freemind

1.2.4. Mindjet MindManager

1.2.5. Coggle

1.2.6. Lucidchart

1.2.7. Mindmup

1.2.8. Bubbl.us

1.2.9. iMindMap

2. Uses of Online Mind Mapping

2.1. Brainstorming

2.1.1. Ideation

2.1.2. Collaboratively

2.2. Project planning & Strategizing

2.2.1. e.g. visualizing a business strategy

2.2.2. e.g. creating a SWOT analysis

2.3. Note taking

2.3.1. Meeting minutes

2.3.1.1. Prepare meeting agenda

2.3.1.2. Collaboratively make notes in the map during the meeting

2.3.2. Conferences and events

2.3.2.1. e.g. mind mapping a TED talk

2.3.3. School and university

2.3.4. While reading a book

2.3.4.1. Summarizing key ideas

2.4. Knowledge management

2.5. Presenting complex information

2.5.1. used by teachers, consultants and advisors

3. Mind Mapping Definition

3.1. A technique used to visualize information connected to a central idea or subject.

3.2. Uses graphical elements

3.2.1. Images

3.2.1.1. Photos

3.2.1.2. Drawings

3.2.2. Icons

3.2.2.1. = representative symbol

3.2.2.2. = pictograms / ideograms

3.2.3. Colors

3.2.3.1. Uses:

3.2.3.1.1. Color codes

3.2.3.1.2. Highlights

3.2.3.1.3. Make information more memorable

3.2.4. Branches

3.2.4.1. = lines connecting the central idea with related information

3.2.5. Text elements

3.2.5.1. Keywords

3.2.5.2. Short phrases

3.2.5.3. BUT:

3.2.5.3.1. Avoid full sentences and whole paragraphs!

3.3. Online Mind Mapping Definition

3.3.1. Creating web-based mind maps, using an online mind map tool such as MindMeister

3.4. See also

3.4.1. The Benefits of Online Mind Mapping

4. Mind Mapping Formats

4.1. Pros and cons of each mind map format

4.2. Paper mind maps

4.2.1. Classic format, uses piece of paper (in landscape mode) and different colored pencils / markers

4.3. Digital mind maps

4.3.1. Created with mind mapping software

4.3.1.1. Usually needs to be downloaded

4.3.1.2. Installed locally

4.4. Online mind maps

4.4.1. Web-based mind maps, created with a web-based mind map editor such as MindMeister

4.4.2. Benefits of Online Mind Mapping

4.4.2.1. Share ideas with others

4.4.2.2. Visualize complex ideas and communicate them effectively

4.4.2.3. Ideal for remote teams and client work

4.4.2.4. Build on each other's ideas

4.4.2.5. Comment on ideas and vote them up or down

4.4.2.6. Access mind maps from anywhere

4.4.2.7. Upload images and attachments

4.4.2.8. Embed videos and gifs

4.4.2.9. Easily repurpose mind maps

4.4.2.9.1. e.g. export to another format

4.4.2.10. Publish mind maps to the web

4.4.2.10.1. Share your knowledge with the whole world