Software for logical mapping of concepts?

Question

I am a very procedural thinker, and for my goals I like to break each task into smaller sub-tasks repeatedly until I get a many-layer hierarchy with a series of fairly small, simple tasks being at the bottom.

Historically I have done this via Excel, but the problem is for each task or subtask (let's call them nodes) I need to have related information, logical thought processes and deductions relevant to that node. The problem with doing this in excel is that things become cluttered visually and I get overwhelmed with the data.

So what I need is a software (preferably for Windows 10) which allows me to make nodes which have any number of children I desire, and which allows me to have numerous data inputs associated with any node I want, each treated as their own object, and "labelable". The UI should be such that I can select a node to pull up/access any of the related content I want.

Anything to point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Here’s some of my not-quite formalized notes on Mind Mapping software

MindMapper Software Comparison

MindNote Lite

MindNode page on iTunes Preview

• Default graphic representation: branches
• Can only do tree branches
• Can do new multiple Main nodes
• Doesn’t support Collapse/Expand

Navigation

Zoom in/out/to fit

Exports to

• PDF
• Freemind
• OPML
• Image
• Text

Notes

Clean UI A little basic, therefore good for beginners

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SimpleMind Free

SimpleMind Desktop comparison page

Default: Bubble with dotted lines

Navigation

Zoom in/out/to fit

• Can’t select multiple bubbles and move them
• Cant change style of interconnecting (join) lines
• Can move join lines from node to node
• Supports drag & drop from Apple Color Picker
• Supports Collapse/Expand

Exports to

PDF (via Mac OSX Print-to-PDF)

Notes

A bit like Omnigraffle

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MindMeister

Web iOS

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NovaMind

Pricey Subscription model

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Xmind

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FreeMind

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CmapTools

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Mindmup

With regard to task manager integration perhaps check out DropTask also.

Answer 2

It seems to me that you are looking at project management software, such as MS Project, or the free Task Juggler or Open Project, etc

For larger projects, I will use Task Juggler, otherwise I am more than happy with ToDolist from Abstract Spoon (gotta love that name ;-).

It is free, runs on Widows and its tree-like project structure certainly will let you break each task into smaller sub-tasks repeatedly until I get a many-layer hierarchy with a series of fairly small, simple tasks being at the bottom.

Unlike mind mapping software, it will let you assign people and schedules to sub-projects.

Have a look at the feature list, take it for a 5 minute test derive and you will soon know if you want project management software or mind mapping.

Obligatory screenshot follows: