It also makes for editing on your mobile device, after having started on desktop, super simple. Since this uses Dropbox, it makes storage easy, with no limits other than that on your account. That simplicity is also its failing - not letting you do more complex tasks such as having multiple students collaborate on the same map. SimpleMind is very, very easy to use, which is a huge appeal for students and teachers alike. You can link up with a Dropbox account, making saving simple and offering the ability to then edit from varying devices possible thanks to that cloud storage. That means you can click and drag one node to move it or move that node and all its sub-nodes too by clicking, holding, and dragging. Usefully, you can then click and drag nodes to move them about, allowing for editing or correcting as you work. You can select a node to collapse or edit it with a single tap, where options will appear. Create a new node by selecting the current node and double-clicking where you want the new connecting point to appear. To create a node point just single tap or click where you want it to be. While there is a toolbar of controls, this isn't needed to get started since the mapping process is so intuitive. This allows teachers and students to try the basic version before committing to paying for the premium versions. You can have a free trial account up and running in minutes on desktop or app formats. SimpleMind is, as the name suggests, very simple to use. Brainstorming need not require paper, pens, and more as this covers that all in the app platform. As such, this is fine for use even in lower grades and with students who might otherwise struggle with technology or learning to use new tools.įrom a simple thought-organizing tool to a more complex project-planning or presenting device, SimpleMind is a helpful way for students and teachers to work with mapping techniques, digitally. It adds a lot of life and color to these maps, which can make them more visually engaging for students.Ĭrucially, this is a very simple to use tool that works across desktop and mobile devices intuitively. If find yourself constantly collaborating with others on mind maps, you may be better off using a more flexible online solution such as MindMeister.SimpleMind works like a paper and pencil mind map might, only with the option to share digitally, print, edit, amend, and more. To ease collaboration, SimpleMind can export and import Freemind files, but that means you can’t have multiple people working on the mind map at the same time. Simplicity can also become a limitation: If you’re trying to use a mind map as a project management tool and assign nodes to project members or use them to track deadlines, SimpleMind is not the tool you need–you should instead look to something like ConceptDraw MindMap. ![]() This is completely free, but is PC-only, with no mobile version. SimpleMind’s simplicity reminded me of another mind mapping tool, Blumind. Vendor ModelMaker Tools managed to keep SimpleMind true to its name, avoiding features such as node tags or complex property sheets. These simple rules of thumb are all you need to know to start drawing mind maps.Ĭomplex mind maps quickly become confusing, but you can collapse and expand nodes as needed. To move a node, click and drag it and to move a node with all of its subnodes, click and hold, then drag. The buttons are tiny but well laid out, so they’re not confusing to use. To collapse or edit a node, select it and use the quick-action buttons that pop up around it. To create a new node, just select an existing one and double-click anywhere besides it. There’s just a single toolbar, and you can do most operations without clicking any of its buttons. The desktop version uses a very similar editing interface to the mobile one, which means it keeps things simple. SimpleMind’s Android version let me save the mind map to Dropbox.The Desktop version is also Dropbox-aware, so I can make changes using my phone, and have them show up on the computer moments later. I started with SimpleMind using the Android version, and I was able to create a mind map I was very happy with right there on my phone. $31) desktop version, along with free and paid ($5) Android and iOS versions for working on your mind maps on the go. ![]() SimpleMind tries to offer the best of both worlds: A 29-Euro (approx. You can always sketch out a mind map with a paper and pen, but it won’t be easy to edit. On the other hand, some people do their best thinking away from the computer. Here’s a conundrum: On the one hand, a mind map is a powerful tool for organizing and understanding complex concepts.
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