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Maps e.g., etc.
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Posted by Franz Grieser
Jul 19, 2022 at 09:44 AM
Cyganet wrote:
>Not losing items in a long hierarchy is one of the reasons why I like to
>use a mindmap instead of a collapsible outline. The mindmap has two
>dimensions (left-right and up-down), and you can see all the headings at
>any level at a glance (looking up-down), while the different levels are
>visible or collapsed (left-right). An outline only has one dimension
>(up-down).
Interesting thought.
However, I do not get the point.
When collapsing a mindmap branch, I cannot see the items in it - so they may get overlooked as they may get overlooked in a hierarchical outline.
And I do not get why the number of dimensions should make a difference. In a one-dimensional outline I can read hierarchically - or I can jump from one item to one that does not necessarily sit below or above the current item. That’s the same in a mindmap: I can choose to follow the branches/items in a clockwise or anti-clockwise movement or jump around at will. Doesn’t make a difference for me.
Posted by tightbeam
Jul 19, 2022 at 11:06 AM
Dashword was last updated in October 2021. I don’t think it’s trying very hard any more, which is too bad, since it looks like a nice piece of software with the right attitude: do one thing and do it well.
MadaboutDana wrote:
Yes, that’s an interesting point. That’s why we all mourn the passing of
>Tree Outliner (although Dashword is trying hard to replace it on macOS
>and Windows).
Posted by Amontillado
Jul 19, 2022 at 11:58 AM
Well, respectfully, the difference between a mind map and an outline is generally depiction. MindNode offers two views, for example, your outline or your mind map.
My current favorite planning tool for story planning, Curio, supports mind maps and lists (outlines). Right click either type and you have an option to convert maps to outlines and back.
There are three shortcomings to most mind map tools for me.
Most mind maps won’t let you rotate the map to a new root node.
Most mind maps don’t support reference links and don’t allow the same node to appear in multiple places in the map.
Ad hoc connections are generally just lines that clutter the map display. You can’t click on a node and then jump to a connected node, you have to visually follow a connection line.
TheBrain solves all those. It supports any kind of links you want. I ran into problems with its bundled Java, TheBrain is expensive, and some aspects of the UI were clunky for me.
There’s no perfect planning tool out there. Fortunately, many times a thoughtful work flow can press an otherwise imperfect tool into doing the job.
Posted by Cyganet
Jul 20, 2022 at 05:47 AM
>Most mind maps don’t support reference links and don’t allow the same
>node to appear in multiple places in the map.
>
>Ad hoc connections are generally just lines that clutter the map
>display. You can’t click on a node and then jump to a connected node,
>you have to visually follow a connection line.
Freeplane has node links and allows you to show the same node in different places in the map.
Posted by MadaboutDana
Jul 20, 2022 at 07:29 AM
Interesting – I haven’t checked out Freeplane for a while – time to CRIMP!
Cyganet wrote:
>Freeplane has node links and allows you to show the same node in
>different places in the map.