Mindjet Says It Has A Better InterfaceMindjet Says It Has A Better Interface

Lousy computer interfaces are retarding workplace creativity. At least that's the premise of Mindjet LLC, a German maker of visual-mapping software, which this week received a $5 million cash infusion from venture-capital firm 3i Group plc.

Visual mapping uses colors, spatial orientation theories, and icons to create relationships between pieces of information on a screen. The company says its software helps workers better organize data by presenting information in an aesthetically pleasing format. Mindjet's MindManager works with Microsoft Office and lets users map a series of linked information points in order to more easily create documents, PowerPoint presentations, and Web sites. The idea is that colors and icons help people identify related information.

The concept is already used in European schools to help students learn more easily, and is gaining credibility among European businesses. Mindjet will use the new funding to win over U.S. businesses.

Tim Bajarin, president of consulting firm Creative Strategies, says the concept of visual mapping has been around for a while, but now it could be a moneymaker. "Especially in this day and age when we have all these numbers thrown at us, this is an important science," says Bajarin, referring to information overload. "If someone can get it right by enhancing the way images and information can be mapped visually, they could have an important development on their hands."