Mind Mapping: Project Management Tool

So with all the various project management tools available today, and there are a lot, I thought I’d share with you some examples of how you can achieve efficient project management with mind mapping. The great thing for me about mind mapping software is it can be either used solo or used concurrently with another project management tool.

Project plan mind map

Planning a project and developing a strategy can be quite a time-consuming undertaking. Personally, doing this with a mind map saves me a huge amount of time. After an initial brainstorming session for the project, we usually have most thoughts and ideas detailed. When all the information is compiled and sorted into categories the project seems a lot more manageable, as there is a clearer picture of all the tasks needed to implement the project.

How to Use Mind Mapping for Your Next Project?

Whether you’re going solo or collaborating on a project, creating a mind map to plan each stage is a great way to ensure a well thought out and well-executed strategy. For your next project whatever it may be, give it a go!

This example is a guide on how you can use mind mapping for a collaborative project:

  • Create a mind map with the title of the project
  • Invite all teams members to be collaborators using a secure link
  • Have a brainstorming session with all collaborators

At this point, you should have a map with many topics, ideas, and tasks to be completed. The next step is to appoint a team leader who can:

  • Sort and structure all the information in the map
  • Delegate tasks, create deadlines and set reminders for each member

Once this has been completed you will have very quickly created a project plan and a great starting point for the project.

In addition to this, create another mind map with all details of each team member i.e. contact details, to-do lists and daily schedules; it can then be linked to the main map. The purpose for this is that everyone can see what the other is doing, progress can be monitored and meetings can be easily scheduled to suit everyone.

MindMeister supports both iOS and Android on multiple smartphones and tablets meaning that members can literally participate whenever or wherever they may be!

Some helpful MindMeister features for project management:

  • Task setting
  • Prioritize nodes
  • Presentation mode
  • Email reminders for tasks
  • Task view
  • History playback
  • Email notifications whenever a collaborator makes a change
  • Store, share and edit mind maps directly in Google Drive
  • Link important documents, videos or resources within a mind map

So that’s how to plan and implement a project using MindMeister – give it a try and let us know how you get on in the comments below 🙂

Update: since writing this article we’ve launched our task management tool MeisterTask, integrating seamlessly with MindMeister so users can turn their plans into actionable tasks, assigned to the relevant project, teammate, and due date.

Map out your project plan

Sign up for MindMeister