Inspiration (mind mapping software)

Overview

Inspiration mind mapping software can be found in all branch libraries, the computing centre and most halls of residence PCs. Inspiration is a tool for thinking and learning visually that can help increase memory retention and organisational skills. Using words and picture symbols through mind mapping techniques, you can create a visual representation of ideas and concepts. Inspiration can encourage the user to be creative and strengthen understanding of concepts.

Inspiration has two main views, referred to as Diagram View and Outline View.

Diagram View

Diagram View can be used to:

• Brainstorm and expand ideas
• Create a graphical organiser or map to show how ideas and concepts interconnect
• Plan a project or event
• Organise information and clarify thinking
• Check for understanding

Diagram view will allow you to create many types of visual diagrams such as concept maps, idea maps, visual web maps and storyboard maps.

Outline View

Outline View allows you to:

• Organise and write reports
• Elaborate with supporting details
• Create linear organisation
• Turn prewriting into word processing and presentation documents

Starting Inspiration

• Click on the Inspiration icon on the desktop

OR

• Choose the Start menu, and go to the Programs menu
• Click on Inspiration 8 (Inspiration will open, and a new untitled diagram will appear)

Using Templates

• Open Template
  To open a template, simply go to the File menu and select Open Template. Select the template you want to work with and click Open.
• Template Wizard
  Users can also create customised templates to use as a starting point for a special project or assignment.
• Once you have finished your document file, go to the Utility Window at the top of Inspiration and select Template Wizard.
• Simply follow the step by steps instructions to complete a template.
• The Template Wizard determines how a document will open on screen. Then you can easily change the symbol defaults, link style, fonts, and more.
• When saving a document as a template, Inspiration automatically opens the Inspiration Templates folder. Choose the dropdown menu and save the file into your K drive in your user space, under a folder named Inspiration. A newly created template can now be your default. When choosing this option, all new Inspiration documents are based on the chosen template.
• Please note: an Inspiration file is saved as .isf and an Inspiration template is saved as .ist.

Help facility

To access the Help facility, choose Help from the Help menu at the top of the screen or Press Alt+H to access the Help menu.

Further information

• Inspiration website
• Inspiration Videos at the Inspiration website
• Example maps at the Inspiration website

Manuals

An Inspiration Manual is also available in the ASSL Assistive Technology room.