Hints and Tips – Map Layouts

This month we looked at how organizational charts can be created in MindGenius to show an organizations hierarchy or the types of people in an organization and their relationships. This is done via an organogram. However, there are other layouts in MindGenius, each suitable for a different process and this month's Hints and Tips will focus on how and why these might be applied.

Fig, 1 Map Layouts
Please click on image for full screen view.

To select a different layout for your map, go to the Format ribbon and select map layouts. You will then see a selection of visual representations of how your map will look. Change your map layout by clicking on the one you want to use.

Additional layouts can be found under "More layouts."

Map Layouts

Here’s a description of the main map layouts in MindGenius and what they can be used for:

Map Diagram - Traditional mind mapping format which is ideal for brainstorming sessions, traditional mind maps, initial thinking or exploratory work, developing and structuring your thoughts, making them visible and communicating them to others.

Output Tree – the one most commonly used in the MindGenius offices, for readability, use of white space, and acceptability to other users not familiar with mapping techniques. This acceptability comes from the way the Output Tree is read i.e. left to right and top down, falls naturally into the way that people normally read. Ideal for presentations, task and project management.

Input Tree – problem solving, Ishikawa diagrams, Cause & Effect associations, Fishbone diagrams

Outline – for preparing reports, document outlining, thesis.

Affinity – organization of brainstorming ideas, (can be created automatically using the Analysis – create category map feature)

Organogram – organizational charts, relationship mapping, personality mapping