I create mind maps using Mind Manager from Mindjet or by drawing them on A4 or A3 paper.
Actually I would assume that 80 % of my maps created for the brainstorming purpose are made on paper. The problem is that my maps look like crap. But that’s the point ! When I brainstorm, I turn of my internal spell checker and I turn of my inborn wish of formatting. I’m simply throwing ideas out and expanding my maps. I often run out of space and my lines zig zag the paper when I create the links, making my map look like huge criss cross useless to anybody but me.
But the map serves it’s purpose. I get all my ideas out and I instantly see the links.
The best thing of course would be to to do this on the computer, and many times I transfer the paper edition to Mind Manager, but I found that there are many many situations where using paper is quicker, more accessible and better. If I’m working on my laptop the choice is always Mind Manager, but if I’m on the train traveling home from work and I get inspired, I’m not firing up the computer , I’m immediately mapping my thoughts on a newspaper, or napkin or in my notebook, –> whatever is available.If I find that the map is useful I’ll save it and create a task to convert and review in Mind Manager, and then always my maps expand and become even better.
This is the main advantage. If I created it in Mind Manager to start with, my map would look so clean and and nice that I wouldn’t feel the need to review and refine, and I wouldn’t get the new ideas that I get when I create the map in Mind Manager based on my hand drawn map. I know that I could get the same benefit by reviewing my Mind Manager files , but it just doesn’t feel worth it when the map looks so nice !!! When I have a hand drawn map I’m forced to review it before I pass it on !