Image
Top
Navigation
May 22, 2009

DropMind – Mapping Your Thoughts in a More Structured Way

ss-dropmind

DropMind is a mind mapping app created by the company Seavus. Mind maps help people visualize complex thoughts or concepts in a more tangible, chart-based format. DropMind stands out from the crowd of brainstorming and mind mapping tools by promoting their unique four-sphere layout. This is what makes DropMind unlike any other mind-mapping app out there (and there are already quite a few similar tools available).

The four-sphere layout essentially means that the topics are arranged automatically around the central topic—that is, either above, below, to the left, or to the right of the central topic. This is a different, and possibly more effective way of mind mapping, though admittedly we’re not sure it’s enough to make DropMind the clear winner. We’re still accustomed to dragging topics around and placing items wherever we wish.

Still, there are other reasons to consider DropMind. It comes loaded with powerful features, including a collaborative element where you can chat with other users, be notified when your project has been updated, and publish mind maps online for anyone to see. You can also drastically modify the design of your Mind-map by altering colors, styles, adding icons & images, hyperlinks and more. Overall, DropMind is a good addition to the suite of mind-mapping applications on the market.

Practical Uses:

  • Develop a visual plan for your company’s growth opportunities
  • Chart out travel options for the family vacation
  • Update your organizational structure for your consulting practice
  • Present the marketing and branding proposal to your client in a visually-compelling and understandable format

Insider Tips:

  • Install Microsoft Silverlight plugin on your browser before using DropMind
  • When printing, you can elect to output the entire map or just a subtopic
  • Use “multiple central topics” to create multiple maps within one project
  • Point out the essentials by labeling your key topics
  • Change the layout of your map, playing with color, fonts and layout styles

What we liked:

  • Tons of features available
  • Unique layout and customization options
  • Desktop and web-based versions available
  • Supports importing mind maps from other sources
  • Collaborative tools such as chatting, sharing, and publishing

What we didn’t like:

  • Users can’t drag topics from one place to another
  • Requires a plugin that is still extremely new to the market and has a low adoption rate

Alternatives:

Company Info:

  • Launched: March 2009
  • Owned by Seavus
  • Headquarters: Sweden
  • Founded by: Igor Lestar and Richard Murbeck
  • Web site: http://dropmind.com

Costs:

  • Free

Rating:

  • 4 out 5 (great)

Comments

  1. Eric

    I am a heavy MindManager user since 2002 but very opened to new suggestions. This is why I have for instance recently purchased TheBrain as an addition to the MindManager.
    Quite honestly, I have downloaded DropMind and evaluated it. I do not see what added value it brings to existing users of mind mapping solutions such as the MindManager.

  2. Hi Eric,

    I must say that Seavus DropMind is unique with its web and desktop application integration through export/import functionality.

    Separately, the desktop application makes the most of the core mind mapping functionalities with single click
    navigation and an intuitive user interface. It uses the standard ribbon toolbar, very familiar to the MindManager users, but at the time being it is completely for free. With its commercial release there will be much more features to come and very available price to all users.

    The web application offers unique creation of mind maps and effective and rapid review of information. Its original 4 sphere map layout allows the users to use the whole map space and arrange the topics up, down, left and right from the central topic. What I personally favor is its presentation mode which is very dynamic and exciting for me. I even replaced Power Point with Seavus DropMind’s presentation mode.

    I can say that more integration is coming and many new features, which I think will add value to your work and you will be able to save more money on the bought licenses.

    I would kindly ask you to send us your comments (contact@dropmind.com). We would love to hear what you are missing and you do not like inside the application, so we would be able to further develop DropMind according to your needs.

    Have a great day,
    Natalija

  3. Agree, today we have a lot of good mind mapping tools, which help us to collaborate online and share info. Seavus DropMind is one of them.

Submit a Comment

Cancel reply