Why Trial Lawyers Need to Know About Mind Mapping Software
Mind mapping software. Hmmm…. is that like a Vulcan Mind Meld? Nope. It’s actually quite simple. Think of an outline, only less structured. Picture this. You have a new case with a lot of possibilities. You sit on the floor and write down ideas on 3 x 5 cards. One idea to a card and spread the cards around you. Writing as fast as you can, you fill up as many cards as you can. Okay, this part is called brainstorming. Then, when you’ve finished and are surrounded by cards, you start sorting. This card generally covers the same material as that card. That card can be put over here, and you start grouping things. I’m sure we’ve all done something similar at one point or another. Now do this electronically with software and you have mind mapping software.
Mind mapping software allows for a graphic representation to visually express complex relationships in an easy to understand manner. Sounds like a good trial exhibit to me. The New York Times recently had a good article on mind mapping software:
"For me, there is a big difference between laying out ideas in this kind of map" and just writing them in a list, says Michael Jetter, Mindjet's co-founder. "It's like when you look at ads. The white space can be as important as the words. I find when I am able to space out the ideas in a certain way, somehow I can move around them easily rather than starting from the top. It's the same information, but you look at it differently."
The trick is that the visual orientation works better than a straight 1,2,3 numbered approach of a typical outline. I have a copy of MindManager, the leading mind mapping software. I think it can really help trial lawyers in working up a case and also in trial exhibits. I haven’t had a chance to really work it over yet, but will let you know when I’ve spent more time with it.
Dave, I just got a copy of MindManager and will do a review of it soon. Great post!
Al Nye
Al,
Thanks. MindManager looks pretty cool. I know it's a good program. I think it will really be able to generate some great trial exhibits. We'll see how it goes.
Any chance of an update on your use of MindManger. Thanks
