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There is a fundamental difference between Mind Maps and Concept Maps (although both are pen-and-paper based visualisation techniques from the 70s, that have pro
by heiko_haller 5y ago
There is a fundamental difference between Mind Maps and Concept Maps (although both are pen-and-paper based visualisation techniques from the 70s, that have proven helpful for learning):
Mind Maps have a hierarchical structure like trees. One topic in the middle, branches and subbranches from there. They are good for: brainstorming, outlining topics, clustering. They suck for: showing interrelations between concepts.
Concept Maps have a network structure. They are (labelled, directed) node-and-link diagrams. They are good for showing interrelations, influences, more complex structures. They suck for: quick and easy outlining, brainstorming, clustering.
What both have in common: They don't scale. Maps with 100 items or more become hard to read and deal with.
The only approach I know of that unites hierarchy and interrelations while maintaining the core benefits of stable spatial layouts is the "iMapping" approach taken by Infinity Maps. Plus it scales. You can easily build maps with thousands of items that are still clearly readable.
https://infinitymaps.io/en/ https://infinitymaps.io/en/
- heiko_haller 5y agoHere is an impression of Infinity Maps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wfq--1t8l0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wfq--1t8l0
- AlanYx 5y agoThanks for that -- it looks really interesting. (It's crazy that Infinity Maps doesn't seem to have a single screenshot of the actual interface on their website, or at least I couldn't fine one after clicking around for a while; I can't imagine how they attract new customers.) Eastgate Tinderbox allows a similar nested spatial model.
- heiko_haller 5y agoThat’s right. Some differences to tinderbox though: Infinity Maps is - Web instead of Mac only - collaborative (real-time) - lets you zoom smoothly through the hierarchy and see several levels at once
- TomMasz 5y agoAn older app that is similar is The Brain. It allows you to move in and out of topics and does a decent job of dealing with large numbers of items. I used it a lot in the early 2000s and it's still around. https://www.thebrain.com/ https://www.thebrain.com/