There’s no denying that human beings are visual creatures. Around 90 percent of the information processed by the brain is visual. People also learn better and remember more when they’re given visual information.
It’s little wonder, then, that creating visuals can lead to more of those “a-ha” moments and novel ideas. Being able to visualize data helps you process it.
With that in mind, you might be thinking about mindmapping software and other tools you can use to improve brainstorming in your business. Any one of these eight tools could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
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1Go Web-Based with Coggle
When it comes to mindmaps software, Coggle is a great choice. It’s a web-based program, which means your mindmaps and other projects are always being backed up to the cloud. You can then revert changes, make copies, and keep track of project history.
Coggle focuses heavily on the visual side of things, which makes it a strong choice. It can be a little bit difficult to use, though. Teams that aren’t computer-savvy may want to choose another tool.
There’s a basic free account, which gives you access to most of the features. You can upgrade to get more user capacity and features.
2Link MindMeister to Your Mobile Devices
This is mindmap software for those who are always on the go. The user-friendly interface is intuitive, and you can load it up on mobile devices. That means you’ll have your maps any time, anywhere.
MindMeister also lets you collaborate in real-time with your colleagues. Backups to the cloud ensure you never lose any of your data.
There is no free version of MindMeister, so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, this may not be it. Monthly fees are quite reasonable if you don’t mind paying for accessibility.
3MindNode Is the Definition of Intuition
Mindnode has to be one of the most intuitive pieces of mindmapping software out there. If you’re looking for something user-friendly, look no further than this.
Quick Entry makes even the most tangential information available for your map. Smart Layout keeps everything together, so you’ll never need to go searching for an idea.
The app makes use of iCloud, which allows you to sync across devices.
Mindnode is available for Mac and iOS, so Windows and Android users will have to keep looking for a solution. Mac users may want to take advantage of the free trial period to test this software. Unfortunately, it is one of the higher-priced mindmap solutions out there, but it’s worth it for the ease of use and intuitive design.
4Lucidchart Makes Collaboration Easy
If you have a team you need to inspire, then Lucidchart might be the right choice. This software was developed with business productivity and collaboration in mind.
Group chats, comments, and revision history make it easy for everyone to contribute. It’s easier to build on each other’s ideas, allowing for more inspiration and creativity.
The layout is intuitive, so your team won’t spend a lot of time learning it either. They can get right down to business instead.
Finally, security may also be on your mind. If so, Lucidchart is probably one of your best choices. Pricing is on a monthly subscription basis.
5Go Open Source with XMind
No mindmap software comparison is complete without a mention of the open-source XMind. This app is one of the more popular mindmapping solutions. You can start using it free, but you will need to pay if you want any of the extra features.
There are many of those that are helpful for business productivity. The Gannt view makes it easy to track projects from start to finish.
The software also integrates with Evernote and lets you turn your maps into slideshows. Collaborations are simple, which makes this a powerful tool for teams.
6Freemind Fits Any Budget
Another open-source mindmap software, Freemind is available across Windows, Linux, and Mac. That means you can loop in team members on any platform.
Maps can be exported in several different formats. There are also plenty of features, like location-based mind mapping. There are also plenty of collaboration tools to help your team power their great ideas.
The software can be a little bit complex. For that reason, Freemind probably isn’t the best choice for beginners. It is a budget-friendly option, so if you need a low-cost solution, this might be it.
7Get a Friendlier Mindmap Maker with Bubbl.us
Bubbl.us is probably the easiest to use tool on this list. It also aims to make mindmaps friendly by introducing templates and customized colors.
You can also easily collaborate and exports your maps as images. Mobile capabilities make it easy to use this app on the go as well. Bubbl.us also automatically changes your map’s shape as you add ideas to it.
You can get a free account to get started. A premium account will cost you under $5 a month. One drawback is that every user needs their own, separate account to collaborate.
8Popplet Is Mindmapping Software for iOS
If you’re looking for an iOS mindmapping solution, then check out Popplet. This is a paid app that you can grab from the App Store.
Popplet is user-friendly and has a lot of features for being low-cost. You can record ideas, upload text, and so much more. You can even connect multiple devices to one project.
The biggest drawback of this app is that it’s only available on iOS. There’s no version for Android users, so anyone without an iPad or iPhone is out of luck.
Choose the Right Tools for Business Success
As you can see, there’s no shortage of mindmapping software out there! The best solution for you will depend on your budget, your team’s computer-savviness, and more.
Looking for more insights on the tech tools you should be using for business productivity? Check out our archives! We have plenty of reviews, tips, and all the latest on everything tech.
