I’ve tried Smart Ideas (for which we have a site license), CmapTools (open source) and reviewed Inspiration. While all are good brainstorming / concept mapping tools in their own right, none match the simplicity, effectiveness and pure visual beauty of Bubbl.us. It’s completely web-based, cross-browser and has a very slick interface. It’s great as a teaching tool when you do not want the hassle of installing a fat brainstorming tool (or worse getting your students to install it) in order to do the occasional brainstorming session. All this value and I haven’t even touched on its sharing and collaborative features. Give it a try for yourself…
