Tools for Thought

With extensive revisions by ChatGPT

Introduction

A few years ago, I considered teaching a course on tools to aid in thinking. Although I cannot recall how far I got with that effort, mind mapping was certainly part of it. Upon revisiting this idea, I have categorized the tools into three types: text methods, graphical methods, and database methods.

Regarding text methods, there are various types of text arrangements that can be useful for thinking, including paragraphs, flat lists, hierarchical lists, outlines, tables, and spreadsheets.

Graphically, we can use several tools such as lists, trees, graphs, directed graphs, matrices, Venn diagrams, flow charts, concept maps, semantic nets, mind mapping software (e.g., MindNode, XMind, and iMindMap), brainstorming tools (e.g., Stormboard and Mural), collaboration tools (e.g., Trello, Asana, and Notion), note-taking apps (e.g., Evernote and OneNote), creativity tools (e.g., Canva and Adobe Creative Suite), concept diagrams, decision trees, and Gantt charts.

While there are many more tools, my memory fails me, and the documents are likely on my old desktop.

I have used FreeMind and FreePlane mind mapping tools, and I believe that FreeMind is no longer free. However, other free and paid options are available, such as MindNode, XMind, and iMindMap. These tools can be useful for brainstorming, organizing thoughts, and creating visual representations of complex ideas.

Tools Classified

Text-Based:

• Paragraphs

• Flat lists

• Hierarchical lists

• Outlines

• Tables

• Spreadsheets

Graphical:

• Lists

• Trees

• Graphs

• Directed graphs

• Matrices

• Venn diagrams

• Flow charts

• Concept maps

• Semantic nets

• Mind mapping software (e.g., MindNode, XMind, iMindMap)

• Brainstorming tools (e.g., Stormboard, Mural)

• Creativity tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)

• Concept diagrams

• Decision trees

• Gantt charts

Database:

• None mentioned

Other:

• Collaboration tools (e.g., Trello, Asana, Notion)

• Note-taking apps (e.g., Evernote, OneNote)

• Artificial Intelligence apps (e.g. ChatGPT)

Summary

Overall, the tools mentioned above can improve critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. It would be interesting to explore how these tools could be integrated into a course curriculum and used in real-world scenarios.