Web 2.0 Mind Map and Collaboration Tool

One cool web 2.0 tool is Seavus DropMind, a mind mapping tool [1]. This tool is an interactive online tool to map concepts and ideas. The access to DropMind is via a cloud hosted application. It is possible to annotate the mind map with hyperlinks, text, and graphics. Personal graphics can be used in the mind map and it can be shared in chat and published. The outputs from DropMind can be converted into Microsoft Powerpoint slides. Very helpfully, the icons in the mind map can be colored and weighted to emphasize points. The map can be balanced and organized to achieve the desired layout. It is also possible to select portions of the map for viewing or printing. The DropMind tool uses Microsoft Silverlight as a pre-requisite.

The tool can be used in to support strategic discussions. The mind map can be shared interactively so multiple minds can work on a problem together and capture the combined thoughts graphically. The sharing of the outputs via presentation makes it possible for non-online users to provide comment on the mind map. By recommending variations in color, boldness, and icons, collaborative users can make the intended messages more clear. The concept to graphically map the brainstorming of a group is a brilliant step forward in collaborative problem solving.

An image of a DropMind mind map is shown in the figure below.

[1] DropMind Unique Collaboration. http://web.dropmind.com/