What is an intelligence card?
Lifkhaker already told me what an intelligence card is (it’s a mind map, a mindmap) and how to work with it. Briefly, this is a way to visualize the thinking process by creating non-linear circuits. For example, here are these:
Let’s pick up the tools that will adjust the process of structuring ideas. But first, let’s make sure that mindmapping is a useful undertaking.
And why do I need this?
You have a brain. It comes into ecstasy when you upload data from its bowels to an external medium – paper or its digital-analogue. As soon as you put things in order, the brain regards the ordered connections between ideas as a signal to action – to embody, remember, develop.
To whom and how will the intellect map help?
- Writers, writers and editors: put in order in the head, take into account all the details, so that the result did not have to be destroyed or rewritten.
- Businessmen and start-ups: create a clear script presentation or pitch; to display long-term and urgent projects, in which there are many sub-tasks, whether it is the output of a new project on the market or the annual report.
- To pupils and students: orient yourself in the flow of educational information and better memorize the material for the exam, write a diploma, which you will be proud of.
- To scientists and teachers: schematically order the structure of the lesson on the board or in the presentation, think over the plan for a new scientific article.
- Those who embarked on the path of self-development: to analyze the strengths and weaknesses, to gather together and visualize all plans and dreams.
Intellect-card will help those whose personal and professional tasks are waiting for planning, streamlining and structuring.
Great, but what next?
Equip tools. Test the resources for creating mental maps and select your own for any task.
1. XMind
Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS.
A popular and simple program for mindmapping. The version for the desktop is free. Additional functionality – converting to PDF, Office, icons – costs 79 or 99 dollars depending on the set of chips.
XMind →
2. MindMeister
Platforms: web, iOS, android.
Service with colorful interface. The main advantage is cloud technology: you can always share a link to a map with colleagues or friends, and leave comments. Mental cards can be exported as slides.
The program is shareware. You can create no more than three cards free of charge, then you can pay monthly for 6, 10 or 15 dollars.
MindMeister →
3. MindManager
Platforms: macOS, Windows.
In MindManager a large number of templates are built in – from minimalistic and formal to bright and informal. Here you can link several maps with a link. This is convenient when you are conducting several interrelated projects.
The first month of the program can be used for free, then it will cost $ 349.
MindManager →
4. iMindMap
Platforms: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android.
The program is from the author of the Tony Buzan intellect-card methodology. Look at his video lessons, get inspired and get started.
The trial period is seven days. The basic version costs $ 80, the expanded version costs $ 150.
iMindMap →
5. Coggle
Platforms: web, iOS, android.
The resource is convenient for working in a team on a common task: you can comment on changes and receive notifications by mail.
The service is free. For $ 5 you can buy an extended personal version.
Coggle →
6. Conceptdraw
Platforms: macOS, Windows.
Professional software for visual structuring of information of any complexity.
The cost is 199 dollars. Free trial period – 21 days.
Conceptdraw →
7. Simplemind
Platforms: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android.
Such a map you can edit on several platforms at once, and everywhere it will be updated automatically. On mobile devices, you can add audio notes.
Desktop versions of the program cost from 24 dollars. Mobile applications are free in the base version, for the extended one you will have to pay 6 dollars.
Simplemind →
8. iThoughts
Platforms: macOS, Windows, iOS.
The editor with a simple interface allows you to quickly draw a picture-diagram on the screen of a tablet or computer. You can try it for free, for further use – price on request.
iThoughts →
9. The Brain
Platforms: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android.
A tool for creating a “digital brain”. Visually reflects the connection in our head. Here you can roam: the platform allows you to create an infinite associative map.
The Brain →
10. Pen and paper
The most reliable and proven resource. Edit an analog mental map at any time, use different colors, stickers or pictures. In addition to visual structure, you will also get pleasure. The main tip: choose the format of A3 or more.
