Mind Mapping Made Easy

Do you prefer brainstorming on a whiteboard to typing up an outline? If so, then mind mapping tools may be a great way to plan your next project. Mind mapping allows you to brainstorm, take notes, or plan projects visually, and these tools also allow easy collaboration with other users. Learn more about the benefits of mind mapping at the Lifehacker blog's 2013 post How to Use Mind Maps to Unleash Your Brain's Creativity.

Duke University has just announced a partnership which makes MindMeister available for free to all current students, faculty, and staff. MindMeister is a cloud-based mind mapping tool which is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. Duke users should log in at the OIT software download page, search for MindMeister, and Add to Cart. After Checkout, the free MindMeister Account Creation Link will generate an email to create your Duke account on the service. MindMeister also offers iOS and Android apps for mobile users, as well as the ability to collaborate with other MindMeister users or "teams."

If you do not qualify for the Duke academic software license, MindMeister also offers a free Basic account, limited to 3 mind maps. Pricing plans for non-educational users are also available. In addition, other mind mapping tools are available for users to test the capabilities, including Coggle (which syncs with your Google Account) and Bubbl.us, which allows 1 free mind map without logging in.

The OIT software download page contains many other free and deeply-discounted programs and tools for the Duke community. Be sure to take advantage of the valuable deals to be found, including free access to LastPass Premium password management software and discounted Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. To learn more about these programs and receive information about support, visit http://software.duke.edu.