Looking for a "visual" GTD option

[Mischka]

Hi all,

Have any of you ever felt like you needed to just see the whole picture of all your projects in one place, with all their next actions, dependencies, etc? That's where I am right now.

Just like many of you, I have a number of projects that are ongoing and are intertwined with other projects. I currently use ToDoMatrix on my BlackBerry for grinding out tasks, but I need something more visual and intuitive for planning and high-level reviews.

I feel like I need a giant flow chart that lists all my projects, my plans for them, their interdependencies, etc. I don't know how else to explain this, but I'm a very visual and tactile person. I need to see how things flow together and physically moving things around seems to help as well.

That said, does anyone have any experience with what I'm talking about? I don't know if I explained it well. I tried searching for something like this, but nothing viable came up. If you need me to clarify what I'm trying to say, let me know and I'll try to do so.

Thanks!

[Barb]

I have a similar need from time to time and, when I do, I plot everything out on a Mindmap (I use MindManager). It also works for me if I'm having a period where I'm numb to my lists.

I'm having a period of numbness this week and decided to use paper for my next actions lists for a couple of weeks. I've been cranking through old next actions like a maniac! I don't think HOW you do it is the magic, but I think it's great to try something new and different if you aren't where you want to be productivity wise. Maybe it's just a fresh perspective!

[Mischka]

Thanks Barb!

Wow, MindManager is serious business. I'm going to give it a try, but it's got a pretty steep price tag attached to it. I'm just wondering, but has anyone used index cards to do this?

[Barb]

You can always trying drawing out a Mindmap. That's how I started. But I must say, I'm REALLY thoughtful before I buy any software. I make sure I love it first.

I started with a free trial of MindManager and was just blown away. If I had to wipe my computer clean and start all over with new software, I'd buy it right after MS Office. It's a fabulous program.

[Mischka]

Hi Barb,

Yea, I just downloaded the trial and am working on it right now.

[Barb]

Great! I'll be interested to know what you think of it.

By the way, I'm not connected with MindJet...just a rabid user

[GTDWorks]

When I grow numb to my ists, I put my Projects and NA's back into my GTD Coordinator. Seeing my Projcts on paper, and all my NA's just a tab or two away clears my perspective and I start whipping through my lists again.

I keep my 20,00-50,000 ft. stuff in Mindmanager. Just moved these from Outlook Notes and I'm enjoying see it all in mindmaps.

Because of the sheer number of appointments, reoccurring events, and all-day items on my calendar, I'm finding it particularly challenging keeping my schedule on paper. Hard to beat digital scheduling for addressing these issues particular to my world.

[roakleyca]

PersonalBrain is another option for an (almost) "total GTD system". The beauty of this software as compared to other mindmapping software is there is no end to the linkages. One mindmap to rule them all..........

This will allow you to link all your actions to your projects to all your other horizons of focus.

But, as DA says....if you're doing a weekly review weekly, you really don't need to link anything to anything else. And I believe that.

[CoffinDodger]

I use FreeMind occasionally for mindmaps for gtd or other personal use. I've no idea how it compares with the other products, but it's freeware. Does me fine used about once a month or less.

http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

On the download page you can scroll down for a beta download. I'm using that, it hasn't crashed for me :)

[kelstarrising]

FYI: David is doing a free Webinar on GTD and PersonalBrain:

Wed, Jun 3, 2009 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT

http://www.thebrain.com/
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/909788544

[aavanderbilt]

FYI: David is doing a free Webinar on GTD and PersonalBrain:

Awesome, I'm definitely going to be in on that one.


I use FreeMind occasionally for mindmaps for gtd or other personal use. I've no idea how it compares with the other products, but it's freeware. Does me fine used about once a month or less.

I've tried a lot of mind mapping software, and FreeMind compares very well. It's one of the most capable packages out there right now.

[Tspall]

I've used FreeMind for my mindmapping needs and I've also had some great success with it. I use it to map out my overall plans to see how things fit together in my life. You could easily adapt it to your GTD needs by using it to map out your actions and how they fit together into your projects.

[MichaelDeutch]

If you're interested in leveraging mind mapping and GTD, check out a webinar that I put together that illustrates how I use MindManager to power up my GTD processes: Getting Things Done…with Mindjet! (http://blog.mindjet.com/2009/04/getting-things-donewith-mindjet)

[gtderik]

I think that sometimes we drink a little too much of the KOOL AID. Xmind is a fantastic mind mapping tool. And its FREE! I have had much better results than when I used FREEMIND.

http://www.xmind.net/

[natedowg]

mishca,

this may help. A low tech approach. 3*5 or 5*8 note cards, and a big cork board, or magnetic whiteboard, and a "sharpie" marker. Get the cards in different colors, Each project is a different color. There easily placed, moved around, replaced, intertwined, etc

Cheap, Tactile, fast, and visual.

Nate

[tjisolutions]

Thanks Barb!

Wow, MindManager is serious business. I'm going to give it a try, but it's got a pretty steep price tag attached to it. I'm just wondering, but has anyone used index cards to do this?

two word for you

x mind

a free mindmap software that is wonderful

www.xmind.net I think

[swashbuckler]

I too was lookin for a visual approach to GTD. I've tried a bunch of them, but the one I found to be 'true' to my intepretation of GTD was Thinking Rock.

http://www.trgtd.com.au/
(http://www.trgtd.com.au/)
As the landing page you literally have the GTD workflow where you click on a bucket e.g. Collect, Process, Action.


It maybe a little to strict for some people but it's definitely worth a try

[katy]

Mischka, if you're still looking for this, you might wanna give a try to TaskWriter (http://www.taskwriter.com). The 'bird-eye view' mode might be close to what you need. Have a look at the screenshot or give it a try for real.

update:
I have to admit that sometimes, as a member of the TaskWriter team, I might just get too enthusiastic about it :). I'd love to hear how you find it.


http://www.taskwriter.com/blog/images/boxes.png

[kelstarrising]

Hi Katy (and all reading)

Fine to use the GTD Public Forums to share with our members about your product in the way you have been. Please just let folks know you work for TaskWriter so they know your intent in sharing. We do feel that our Forum Members are a smart group who like to make informed choices and I don't want anyone to feel like you're giving them an unbiased product tip as an enthusiastic customer.

Thanks,

Kelly & the DavidCo Team

[katy]

Hi Kelly,

Thanks for the notice. I surely understand your point. I have updated my previous post to state that I am a member of the TaskWriter team, I've have added TaskWriter to my profile and I've update my signature.

[Mischka]

Thanks all,

I've been using freemind recently along with mindberry w/ my Blackberry 9630, it's been a great combo. However I do feel like the old index card and giant corkboard, like natedawg suggested, is what I need. My wife just wouldn't appreciate a 20' x 10' corkboard taking up one of our bedroom walls :P. Don't blame her :mrgreen: .