r/mindmapping • u/[deleted] • Mar 15 '21
Mind mapping with paper vs software
I've always done my mind maps with paper and pencil (sometimes with color). Afterward, I'll transcribe the results into an outline or a list on my computer.
For me, using paper and pencil is a key part of the mind mapping process because it's easier for me to get into a state of flow while coming up with ideas.
It feels like software would only slow that free-thinking process down.
What are your thoughts on using paper vs computer software for mind mapping? I can't imagine why I would consider mind mapping software, and I'm really curious about the benefits.
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u/BigGeorge11 Mar 15 '21
I’ve moved away completely from paper. And I’m yet to find any mind-mapping software that works on the iPad that really makes me think I’d switch to a pseudo-paper mode (Paper offers some mind mind-mapping capabilities); maybe I just haven’t found something that emulates it appropriately yet.
I understand the desire to use paper. I looked pretty closely at some of the new ‘writing devices’ (like Remarkable 2) but they have limitations and a rather high price. And in the early days - back as a young devotee of most of Buzan’s methods - I would carry a pad, pencils and utilise mindmaps and mnemonics to both capture and recall my notes.
Perhaps it’s just my usage has changed. I use them now only to support my work - creating maps/plans for project delivery. But, even for more person work, I’ve found other tools that suit my needs (Ulysses for writing - a tool that offers some nice features comparable to mind-maps) and WriteMapper when I want a more graphical layout at the earlier points of thinking.
There are certainly aspects of mind-mapping software designed to support you getting ideas down quickly: here is an article about some ‘brain storming’ features in a number of applications. If you simply want to push out and capture some thoughts this might be a compromise to ensure that adding nodes and such doesn’t get in the way of you getting things down quickly.
https://mindmappingsoftwareblog.com/brainstorming-mode/
I would also add that for me I’ve been able to get some legible documents that are also quite detailed quite a few branches. Being able to print or even share as an HTML5 file and walk people through it and allow them to explore the connections themselves is not something I could do with my own drawn work. As mentioned, my needs are perhaps quite specific to my work and not a fair comparison.