As corporations adopt visual brainstorming (mindmapping) at a double-digit rate, ThoughtOffice Brainstorming Software’s newly updated application adds intelligence to mindmaps.
Portland, OR, July 1, 2008 — Tony Buzan’s Mind Map provided a visual diagram of what the user already knew; ThoughtOffice adds considerable intelligence and creativity to what has previously been a purely visual process. ThoughtOffice (http://www.thoughtoffice.com/) is an innovative application that takes adds a whole new level of creativity to Mindmapping.
There are more than two million mindmapping software programs at work within companies today, and many millions more are hand-drawn or on the net. Mindmaps are acknowledged to be a remarkably useful tool or process to help visualize information, and the links between bits of data.
ThoughtOffice Brainstorming Software is a powerful, yet simple-to-use tool that helps increase the intelligence of a mindmapping project. If thinking processes become too linear, opportunities can be missed. ThoughtOffice can be used to capture the natural flow of ideas, as they occur, then apply associative thinking principles to nearly any project.
Creativity software has been around almost as long as computers, but until the Internet created a sort of universal cultural memory, its full potential had not been realized. New applications like ThoughtOffice (http://www.thoughtoffice.com/?page_id=35) and similar brainstorming or idea-generation tools provide the next evolutionary step for the mind map.
Associative thinking software is the vehicle that can take mind mapping into fresh, undiscovered country. Marsh Fisher, the founder of Century 21 Real Estate, is credited with bringing together associative thinking and the personal computer. He began devising the father of brainstorming software, IdeaFisher, in 1976. IdeaFisher received well-deserved attention and acclaim from the news media, when it publicly debuted in 1988. When Internet connectivity became ubiquitous, Mark Alan Effinger (later to become ThoughtOffice CEO) worked with Mr. Fisher to gain insights into the process of brainstorming — then went on to channel the incredibly diverse resources of the World Wide Web, providing instant access to an ever-growing universe of associations.
Many companies developed software around the process of mind mapping, helping users to visualize information. ThoughtOffice chose to go beyond the limits of mind mapping. “ThoughtOffice expands the process of creative visualization by providing broad, deep access to associations & up-to-the-minute information critical to the brainstorming and creative process,” says Dave Lockman, ThoughtOffice Product Specialist. “Working hand-in-hand with mind mapping software, ThoughtOffice can provide the critically important idea-generating elements. It provides the productive insights needed to move beyond simple problem solving to true innovation.”
What comes next after brainstorming? Some experts call the next step “Brainlining”. Brainlining provides guidance to the creative process by using a moderator. Marketing consultant Martin Grossman, (http://www.martingrossman.net/) based in Portland, Oregon, says, “It streamlines the brainstorming process to make it as efficient as the combination of an online roadmap and a GPS device.”
Creativity solutions like ThoughtOffice (http://www.thoughtoffice.com/?page_id=39) guide the user’s thinking out of the ruts of the predictable into the discovery of novel or unexpected ideas. With these programs, problem-solving evolves beyond critical thinking into truly innovative thinking.
Mark Alan Effinger, CEO of ThoughtOffice, says, “Brainstorming to the X power is one way to describe how ThoughtOffice makes innovations possible.” In the past, associative thinking processes relied on the often arduous effort of digging deeply into the mind. Now users can start their mental explorations with just a single word, as the software allows associations and images to flow naturally into place. Fresh ideas and new thinking are the keys to innovation, moving projects from the lab to the marketplace. “New ideas are clearly presented through text and images that cut through the noise. Ultimately, this helps creatives develop and sell products or services. It’s just that easy.”
Creativity software has improved to the point where users now have Internet-ready software that receives the user’s unhindered flow of ideas and translates it into great messages for PR, advertising, marketing, script & speech writing — or virtually any other creative activity. The next generation of creativity software has arrived, and creative professionals like what they see.
ThoughtOffice is the result of several years of pondering & exploring the very concept of brainstorming software, an evolution that began with IdeaFisher, one of the first creativity programs, which led to eXpertSystem, ThoughtOffice’s predecessor. “This is the next step in computer-assisted idea generation,” says Effinger. “I believe we’re taking the concept of lateral thinking further than anyone has before.”
Martin Grossman adds, “ThoughtOffice is the brainstorming equivalent of steroids — and it won’t keep you out of the advertising, marketing, and PR Hall of Fame.”
About ThoughtOffice Corporation
ThoughtOffice, based in Portland, Oregon, develops and markets tools that empower individuals and organizations to create rich content and improve productivity through creativity. Founded in 1998, the company produces writing, brainstorming and creativity software, and provides PR & business services to technology startups and fast-growth companies (http:///www.exitpath.com). The company can be reached at http://www.thoughtoffice.com or by calling 360-609-9272.
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Contact:
Mark Alan Effinger
ThoughtOffice
Portland, OR
360-609-9272
[email protected]
http://www.ThoughtOffice.com
