Item: MindManager
Rating: 10
Author: John Michael Smith

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I started using MindManager to visualize the various functions and steps I take for my own responsibilities, whether to document out the steps in progressive order to assist in training others to support my tasks, or simply giving myself a visual guide to the affect certain functions had on process or personnel. In short order it became a standard practice that I would use MindManager to capture scope or vision of meetings and objectives drawn out on a whiteboard. It helps to consolidate my department's visions or goals for expression to other peers within my company.

Pros and Cons

Visually provides clarity and "pop" to any function or process or structure that needs sharing
Allows the ability to quickly visualize any overarching or cross functional impacts of a project or task
MindManager quickly displaced my use of Visio or FreeMind to address Org Charts or other brainstorming sessions that needed some flare and clarity

Printing options could be streamlined and broadened. It is the only area that could use some improvements.

Return on Investment

Once I documented out my recurring tasks in a visual how to guide for my peers I was able to offload some of tasks to peers by simply providing a MindManager visual roadmap for them to follow which allowed me to focus on higher priority tasks during month end or crunch time.
The cost of MindManager paid for itself in a matter of two weeks by simply helping me map out process improvements for adoption by my peers across the organization, it has a much higher acceptance rate then simply tossing a 100 page tutorial in their lap.

Alternatives Considered

Prior to MindManager I would use a combination of Visio or FreeMind...they did the job, albeit quite plainly and without any fanfare, once I began converting all those processes, roadmaps, org charts to MindManager the immediate visual Pop was clearly superior, and the freedom of creating a layout personal to my projects made it clear anything I needed to share with others and gain understanding and support for quickly were all to be done via MindManager

Likelihood to Renew

Quit simply I cannot continue to gain support and understanding of my visions and responsibilities within my organization without the ability to visualize out my passion, if I had to revert back to Visio or FreeMind, my presentations would be boring and plain like everyone else's! Within a month many departments outside of mine were asking about the product I used and had put in requests to acquire their own copy of MindManager.

Likelihood to Recommend

Do you need to visualize a process or map out a project roadmap? MindManager is the only option. When trying to convey complex structure or vision to a team that does not have same amount of intimate knowledge then using the visual opportunity provided by MindManager increases the audiences ability to grasp your concept.

Need to provide some visual POP to your vision, roadmap, responsibilities or tutorial? You need MindManager!

Software Version

Overall Satisfaction with MindJet MindManager