iMindQ

Mind mapping software turns scattered ideas into a visual structure that can be shared and edited. iMindQ is a mind mapping and brainstorming tool for Windows, used by teams and individuals for creative thinking, strategic planning and project execution. Its makers position it for business, education and personal use, and say departments, school systems and universities can all find a use for it.

More than one kind of diagram

The software is not limited to the classic branching map. Besides mind maps it draws concept maps, flowcharts, timelines, matrices, org charts and work breakdown structures, so that the same tool can be used for a marketing analysis, a lesson plan or a team brainstorm. Templates are provided so a map can be started in a few clicks. Map styles let users pick from available designs or create and manage a custom style, and the editor lets users change colours, branch styles and fonts, and a smart layout spaces the branches out for them.

From ideas to tasks

A project planning mode lets a user turn the ideas on a map into tasks and preview them in a Gantt chart view. Task information such as priorities can be added, and the makers say tasks can be assigned to colleagues. That links the early thinking stage with the later stage of getting the work done.

Working with Microsoft Office and other formats

Integration with Microsoft tools is a main selling point. Data moves both ways between iMindQ and Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint and Outlook. Maps can also be saved as HTML and OPML files, and maps made in MindManager, XMind and FreeMind can be opened. Maps may be shared with colleagues through SharePoint, and a presentation mode is there for walking an audience through a map.

A research assistant

The current version includes an assistant, built on a chat-based AI service, that sits in a research panel. It helps generate ideas, look into topics and summarise information from inside the map. Rich media can be placed on maps as well.

Where it fits

The makers describe mind mapping as a way to improve comprehension, memory and participation in brainstorming sessions, and they point to uses such as launching a marketing campaign, planning learning and development, and structuring remote team management. A free trial of fifteen days can be downloaded for Windows, and a concurrent licence model was introduced with a version 10 release.

iMindQ is mind mapping software for Windows that teams and individuals use for brainstorming, planning and project work. It supports several map styles, so it suits business, education and personal use across departments, schools and universities.

Features

• Diagram types: mind maps, concept maps, flowcharts, timelines, matrices, organisational charts and work breakdown structures.
• Project planning mode: turns ideas into tasks and previews them in a Gantt chart view.
• Microsoft Office integration: imports and exports with Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Styling and layout: custom colours, branch styles and fonts, with automatic spacing of branches.
• Collaboration: maps can be shared through SharePoint.
• AI research assistant: helps generate ideas and summarise information.

Key facts

• Platform: Windows
• File formats: HTML, Excel, Microsoft Project, OPML, PowerPoint and Word
• Opens maps from: MindManager, XMind and FreeMind