I have been quite interested in infographics for some time. I just didn't know what it was called. Wikipedia defines it as

Information graphics or infographics are visual representations of information, data or knowledge. These graphics are used anywhere where information needs to be explained quickly or simply, such as in signs, maps, journalism, technical writing, and education. They are also used extensively as tools by computer scientists, mathematicians, and statisticians to ease the process of developing and communicating conceptual information. They are applied in all aspects of scientific visualization.

I'm also creative rather than artistic, so I was really wondering how I could actually make some of these images which combine information and graphics. Then I learned about mind mapping also known by some as idea mapping, and I was "Hm...". Wikipedia defines it as

A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks or other items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea. It is used to generate, visualize, structure and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, and decision making.

It is an image-centered diagram that represents semantic or other connections between portions of information. By presenting these connections in a radial, non-linear graphical manner, it encourages a brainstorming approach to any given organizational task, eliminating the hurdle of initially establishing an intrinsically appropriate or relevant conceptual framework to work within.

A mind map is similar to a semantic network or cognitive map but there are no formal restrictions on the kinds of links used.

MindMapping in its current form, is claimed to be the brainchild of Tony Buzan, and although there is some debate on that subject, he certainly popularized it. Some people use the terms 'idea mapping' and 'concept mapping' interchangeably, while others feel that those are separate but related. Mindmapping is a really useful tool, whether you consider yourself 'right-brain' or 'left brain' and it has really taken off in the last few years, including in the business world.

Respected Canadian blogger Dave Pollard (How to Save the World) has a great blog post called: "Mind Mapping: See What You're thinking". He's right about the hype on mind mapping, but even so, I'm not discouraged. I really like this observation he made:

"What intrigues me about this list of applications is that some of them are left-brain, deductive processes while others are right-brain, inductive, creative processes. I've often used pencil and paper to sketch out cause-and-effect (systems thinking) and process diagrams (which are more linear), but recently I've started playing with mind maps as a personal 'thinking out loud' tool, to organize my thoughts and think creatively all by myself. I've always learned best by writing, synthesizing and distilling books and other voluminous materials down to their essence: the message, the meaning, and the necessary actions. So perhaps this 'learning by writing down' style is the reason I find mind maps useful."

In terms of sales the leading software is probably Mind Manager (Win/Mac) from Mindjet. I have it and it is excellent, but it is one of the more expensive pieces of software in this field. The Mind Manager community is very vibrant and strong and there are many free templates and plug-ins available. Their customer service is outstanding. I have been corresponding with them and they were kind enough to send me a serial as I am writing a review. The story behind its development is very inspiring.

Although I haven't tried it yet, just from going over their website, and looking at all the features, I am also very impressed with OpenMind from Matchware also has a bit of a high price tag, although well within the reach of businesses. One reason it looks so amazing are the killer templates. For example: Timelines, Project Management, Legal, Business. They are sending me a shrink-wrapped Business Edition for review.

Tony Buzan has just come out with his own software, called iMindMap. So far, I'm not sure that I really care for its output, as it seems a bit cartoony to me, but I have yet to actually it to be sure, and even if it is, for some, that's a plus. Currently in beta, it will be reasonably priced, with 3 years of free upgrades offered for early adopters, which will be a very attractive incentive for some.

Freemind (Win/MacOS/Linux) is a free, open-source cross-platform application, and it is very good. Don't let the price tag fool you. It's robust, albeit a bit 'no-frills', but it is compatible with Mind Manager (import/export). I'm not sure about Open Mind, but I'll be finding that out soon and will report back. Here is a review

A very interesting Flash-powered online mindmapping application called Bubbl.us has just been launched and is getting a lot of attention. Currently, one can register for free. It's simple and easy to use, although it took me a few moments to figure out how to move the bubbles around. I whipped up the following diagram in about a minute. I'll definitely be playing around with it a lot more and then writing an indepth review.

Those who are fans of David Allen, who wrote the business mega-best-seller "Getting Things Done - The Art of Stress Free Management" can head over to 43Folders.com and download the podcast for a wide-ranging 8-part discussion called "Productive_Talk" that he had with Merlin Mann who owns 43folders.com, a site dedicated to a number of interesting things, including advice on putting Allen's productivity principles into motion.

The series is available in mp3 format as single episode downloads which range from approximately 10 to 20 minutes each and between 14 and 20 megs, or as a single 40-meg file almost 90 minutes in length:

Productive Talk #01: Procrastination
Summary: David and Merlin talk about a very popular topic on 43 Folders — procrastination. They discuss where procrastination comes from and how GTD can help get you back to cranking widgets. (13:21)

Productive Talk 02: David Allen on patching GTD “leaks”
Summary: David and Merlin talked about ways to patch the leaks in your GTD system — including the role of ubiquitous capture and scrupulous review. (Running time: 10:33)

Productive Talk #03: Someday Maybe
Summary: David and Merlin talk about how people use their someday/maybe list, as well as look at some ways you can make best use of your project list and support materials. David also makes a case for capturing 100% of whatever has your attention. (Running time: 10:22)

Productive Talk #04: Teams
Summary: David and Merlin talk about how people use their someday/maybe list, as well as look at some ways you can make best use of your project list and support materials. David also makes a case for capturing 100% of whatever has your attention. (Running time: 10:22)

Productive Talk #05: Email
Summary: David and Merlin talk about email. We learn that David coaches people to deal with a high volume of messages by treating them like you would any other input. (Running time: 17:53)

Productive Talk #06: Interruptions
Summary: In this episode David and Merlin talk about interruptions. How you can minimize the bad interruptions and make the best of the good ones. (Running time: 10:17)

Productive Talk #07: Implementing GTD
Summary: David and Merlin look at best practices for implementing Getting Things Done. David shares some great advice on firewalling review time and warns us how to avoid the perils of “cruise control.” (Running time: 9:37)

Productive Talk #08: GTD 2.0?
Summary: Merlin asks David one of the most popular questions about GTD; if he could write the book all over again today, what would he do differently? David addresses how people’s understanding of GTD evolves on repeated exposures, as well hinting at future plans for making GTD easier for people to start and maintain. He makes some great points on learning to pay attention to your “higher altitudes,” and wraps up by underscoring the importance of not having to rethink every task throughout the day. (Running time: 13:11)

Productive Talk Compilation: 8-episode Running time: 1:26:40

And yes, 43 folders has a mobile edition.

In 2001, David Allen wrote a book called "Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity", and it's be come a phenomonal best-seller, embraced by people from all strategems of life, from corporate warriors to uber-geeks, and it has spawned a cottage industry of blogs, sites and products.

Allen himself has a very successful consultancy, is on the speed-dial of many business leaders, and speaks all around the word.

Fast Company dubbed him "the personal productivity guru", and in the July 2006 issue, Business 2.0 named him to their "50 Who Matter Now" list:

Why He Matters: Books about time management are generally a big waste of time. Most are either impenetrably dense or ridiculously fluffy. But the techniques Allen presents are commonsensical, effective -- and influential. The basic formula is simple: Record tasks as soon as you think of them, review progress weekly, and immediately tackle anything that can be completed in two minutes or less. Easy enough, perhaps, but since it was first published in 2001, GTD (as it's known to fans) has sold more than 350,000 copies, along the way spawning a cottage industry of GTD-friendly products, from Moleskine notebooks to new websites like Lifehacker.com and 43Folders.com. Geeks in particular have been quick to embrace Allen's techniques, which have found a following at firms such as Genentech and Qualcomm. At Microsoft, Allen's acolytes have even integrated features inspired by his book into the latest version of the company's Outlook e-mail software.

I'd seen the book around, but had not read it. And no one had mentioned it in conversation with me. However, as I began to read more blogs, the principles of GTD, as it is short-formed, were being expounded upon everywhere, and I really began to pay attention.

This past holiday season, I picked up the Penguin paperback, and downloaded some resources, including the PDF of Barnes & Noble's online GTD course. I was also lucky enough to find the MP3 of his audio book version. I'm starting to go thru it and there's a lot of good stuff, most of it common sense.

Summarized Explanation of GTD courtesy of 43folders.com, PowerPoint-style:

1. identify all the stuff in your life that isn’t in the right place (close all open loops)
2. get rid of the stuff that isn’t yours or you don’t need right now
3. create a right place that you trust and that supports your working style and values
4. put your stuff in the right place, consistently
5. do your stuff in a way that honors your time, your energy, and the context of any given moment
6. iterate and refactor mercilessly

Read more here.